Arizpe Joins First Financial Bank for Commercial Relationship Banking in Bryan/College Station

Abilene-based First Financial Bank recently hired Andrew Arizpe to serve as senior vice president/commercial relationship manager. He will support lending and banking needs for businesses in the Bryan/College Station region. Arizpe’s career has included stints as a vice president/commercial lender at Cadence Bank, Mutual of Omaha Bank and Allegiance Bank, all in Houston. Most recently, he was … Read more

Cardenas Promoted to Abilene Regional President at Prosperity Bank

Jesse Cardenas has been named the Abilene regional president of El Campo-based Prosperity Bank. He has 20 years of banking experience, 17 of which have been with Prosperity Bank. He will oversee 12 banking centers in Abilene, Merkel, Cisco, Brownwood, Early, Comanche, Gorman and San Angelo. Cardenas was named vice president and banking center manager … Read more

First Financial Bank NA Converts to a State-Chartered Bank

On April 24, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced that Abilene-based First Financial Bank National Association has completed its conversion to a Texas state-chartered bank from a national banking association. The bank began operating under its new charter as First Financial Bank on April 23. In 1889, First Financial Bank was originally chartered as … Read more

Texas Banks Rank in Forbes’ List of ‘America’s Best Banks 2024’

Forbes has released its 15th annual list of “America’s Best Banks,” with numerous companies headquartered in Texas making the cut. Of the 100 banks on the list, eight are based in the Lone Star State. Here are the Texas-based 2024 “America’s Best Banks” (the numbers indicate the bank’s ranking on Forbes’ list of U.S. banks: … Read more

First Financial Bank Promotes Caillier to Southeast Region President

The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank’s Southeast region has announced the promotion of Blaine Caillier to regional president. The announcement was made by Stephen Lee, South Texas area banking executive. Caillier started his career at First Financial Bank just over 13 years ago and most recently served as the Mid-County market president … Read more

First Financial Bankshares Names Morton Executive Vice President

First Financial Bankshares Inc., the holding company for Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA, has announced the appointment of Keith Morton to executive vice president/Houston credit administration. The announcement was made by Luke Longhofer, executive vice president/chief lending officer. Morton previously served as senior vice president of special assets at Capital One Bank in Houston since … Read more

First Financial Bankshares Names Jurado Chief Audit Executive

On September 22, First Financial Bankshares, the financial holding company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, announced the appointment of Javier Jurado to serve as executive vice president and chief audit executive. He will oversee and execute internal audit planning and reporting, and report directly to the audit committee. Jurado brings more than 19 years of … Read more

First Financial Bank’s New Franklin Location Marks Bank’s 80th in Texas

Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA has opened a new location in Frankin—its 80th Texas branch. The Franklin branch extends the bank’s reach in the Bryan/College Station region to six locations. Located at 100 W. Decherd, Suite C, the new walk-in facility is an expansion in services from the previous loan production office that opened earlier … Read more

Texas Banker and Banking Advocate Ken Burgess Passes Away

Longtime Texas banker Kenneth L. “Ken” Burgess passed away on May 24. He was 92. While his initial goal was to become a veterinarian, his career eventually shifted to community banking after working for 11 years as a farmer. As a banker, he incorporated his knowledge of, and passion for, agriculture into a successful career … Read more

First Financial Bank Names Parker Chief Compliance Officer

The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA has elected Mike Parker executive vice president and chief compliance officer. He brings more than 15 years of compliance experience to First Financial Bank, including his most recent post as director of compliance governance with USAA Federal Savings Bank. The announcement was made by Randy … Read more