Laird Retiring as Vice Chair of First State Bank

Jess Laird, vice chairman of Athens-based First State Bank, is retiring on March 12 after 36 years of service. Laird began his banking career with First State Bank in 1988 as a loan officer. In 1999, he was named president and chief executive officer. In 2019, he was elected vice chairman by the First State … Read more

Clark Reunites with Proven Team as CEO of Worthington Bank’s Denton Location

Tony Clark has been tapped to serve as CEO of Arlington-based Worthington Bank’s newest location in Denton, which opened last August. He will also serve on the bank’s board of directors. His addition to the Denton team cements a reunion as he rejoins a group he has worked with for 30 years and counting. “It … Read more

Hodges Retiring as President and CEO of First National Bank of Granbury, Webb to Take Helm

After 52 years of service, James Hodges, president and CEO of First National Bank of Granbury, is retiring effective January 1, 2024. He will maintain a seat on the board of directors. Mark Webb, executive vice president and chief lending officer since 2015, has been tapped to succeed Hodges as president and CEO. Hodges attended … Read more

Victory Bank Opens for Business in Lubbock

On October 16, Lubbock-based Victory Bank opened its doors for business following the successful acquisition of Security State Bank of Winters by Victory Financial Corp., the new bank’s holding company. Victory Bank’s headquarters are located at 4710 4th St. in Lubbock. The company is led by former Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope, executive chair; C. Brett … Read more

Michael Named President and CEO of First Texas Bank Georgetown

The board of directors of First Texas Bank Georgetown has announced the hiring of Alexis Michael as president and chief executive officer. She comes to the bank with more than 20 years of community banking experience, serving the past 19 years in the Central Texas market. Throughout her career, Michael has received recognition for her … Read more

Waco’s American Bank President and CEO Hicks Retires

On July 14, David “Bubba” Hicks retired from Waco-based American Bank. He joined the bank in 2007 as senior executive vice president and was promoted to president and CEO in 2009. According to the bank’s Facebook page, “Hicks ‘semi-retired’ as president in 2018 and has since focused his time loaning money to some of his … Read more

In Memoriam: Marshall Bookman Peters

Marshall Bookman Peters, former chairman and CEO of First City Bank of Bryan and Texas Bankers Hall of Fame inductee, passed away peacefully on July 2 at the age of 89. He was raised in Navasota and, at the age of 11, his family moved to Bryan. After earning a BBA degree from the University … Read more

Happy State Bank’s Williamson Heads to St. Louis as First Bank President

Mikel Williamson, who served as president and CEO of Amarillo-based Happy State Bank until its 2022 merger with Conway, Arkansas-based Centennial Bank, has been named president of St. Louis, Missouri-based First Bank. He will also assume the role of CEO at the end of this year upon the retirement of Shelley Seifert, who has served … Read more

Vista Bank Announces Plans to Expand into South Florida

Dallas-based Vista Bank is expanding its footprint to Florida, the company’s first location outside of Texas, according to the South Florida Business Journal. The bank has taken office space on the first floor of the Divosta Towers in Palm Beach Gardens and plans to open a branch in mid-August. The Journal reports that Dan Sheehan, a … Read more

Classic Bank Appoints Minor CEO and Chairman of the Board

The board of directors of Cameron-based Classic Bank NA has appointed John D. Minor chief executive officer and chairman of the board. He previously served as president and chief lending officer. Minor is a third-generation banker with more than 30 years of banking experience in Central Texas. Prior to joining Classic Bank, he was senior vice … Read more