Arlington-based Worthington National Bank has hired Veronica Watkins to serve as chief financial officer. She will be taking the reigns from Les Schuler as he retires from his 46-year career in banking this month. As CFO, Watkins will oversee Worthington’s accounting, finance, operations, compliance and human resources departments.

Prior to joining the Worthington National Bank team, Watkins served as the CFO at Affiliated Bank NA in Arlington and Liberty Bank in Hurst. Her career in banking started in 1988 as a consumer loan reconciliation clerk at the Texas Commerce Bank in Houston. There, guided by encouragement from her mentor, Alan White, she discovered her love for accounting. From that point, she embarked on her career while attending the University of Houston and ultimately earning a BBA degree in accounting from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Watkins has served on the board of the Tarrant County Bankers Association and was president in 2015. She is a member of the Texas Society of CPAs, Fort Worth Chapter of CPAs and Financial Managers Society.

“Veronica grew up in banking and that history is perfectly tailored for the CFO position,” says Greg Morse, CEO. “She has big boots to fill, but I am confident she will do so flawlessly.”

“I look forward to being part of the executive team of one of the few locally owned community banks in Tarrant County,” Watkins says. “I hope to contribute to Worthington’s legacy as a successful and respected financial institution.”

Established in 2002, Worthington National Bank operates locations in Arlington, Fort Worth and Colleyville.