TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced several leadership transitions and executive promotions within its Abilene region. Following a distinguished career and 35 years of dedicated service to First Financial Bank, Marelyn Shedd has announced she will retire in December. She joined the bank as senior vice president of commercial lending … Read more
Colorado City-based City National Bank has hired four associates to join its Abilene team and one in San Angelo, as well as announcing new board appointments. Monica Houston is the new market president of City National Bank in Abilene. She began her banking career while in college and has since built more than 30 years … Read more
The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected board of directors for its 2026–27 fiscal year. The officers’ terms run from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. William Lucas, Shelby Savings Bank SSB in Center, has been named TBA chairman. The new vice chair is Michael Neill, First State Bank in Athens. Micah … Read more
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO or board chair, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impact on the banking industry. “These honorees are … Read more
On January 27, the boards of First Financial Bankshares Inc. and Abilene-based First Financial Bank announced the promotion of David Bailey to CEO of both entities. The position was previously held by F. Scott Dueser, who will continue to serve as executive chairman of both boards. “David has been with the company for more than … Read more
On July 23, First Financial Bankshares Inc., the parent company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, announced the promotion of Kyle McVey to executive vice president and chief financial officer of the bank, a position previously held by Michelle Hickox. Hickox will continue serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer for First Financial Bankshares. … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University has announced its highest honors for 2025. H. Gary Blankenship, chair, CEO and chief lending officer of Bank of the West, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award on May 29. The following week, on June 5, Ron Butler, chair and CEO of … Read more
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced the promotion of Chris Schjetnan to executive vice president/director of community lending and outreach. In this role, he will lead the bank’s affordable banking initiatives, which focus on traditionally underserved communities. Schjetnan was born and raised in Mexico City in a bilingual household. “Chris’ … Read more
On November 20, the board of Abilene-based First Financial Bankshares Inc. announced promotions for First Financial Bankshares and First Financial Bank. These promotions—part of the company’s ongoing management succession plan the board has been working on for several years—will be effective January 1, 2025. Ron Butler II was promoted to vice chair of the executive … Read more
First Financial Bankshares Inc., the parent company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, has announced the election of Brian D. Goodrich as executive vice president and general counsel. “We are delighted to welcome Brian to Abilene and the company’s executive management team as the first general counsel for First Financial Bankshares,” says F. Scott Dueser, chairman, … Read more