Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Chris Gaw to serve as vice president of commercial lending. He will focus on commercial lending in Lufkin, Angelina and surrounding counties. A knowledgeable business banking professional, Gaw brings 11 years of commercial banking experience to his new role, including nine years dedicated exclusively to treasury management. He is also a certified treasury professional by the Susan M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University.

“Chris has a real passion for helping business owners,” says Brad Tidwell, president and CEO. “His service-first approach and talent for aligning customers with the tools and services to be successful make him an excellent addition to our Lufkin team.”

Gaw is committed to serving the community. He volunteers with Junior Achievement of Angelina County and is a member of the current Leadership Lufkin class. The importance of community is part of what drew him to the bank. “VeraBank has big aspirations, but still believes in the values of the communities it serves,” Gaw says. “It was important for me to be a part of an organization that gives back to the people it serves.”

Established in 1930, VeraBank is a privately owned community bank that serves 16 counties in East, Central and Southeast Texas with a network of 38 branches, $3.7 billion in assets and trust assets under management of approximately $950 million.