First Financial Bank NA Applies to Convert to Texas State Charter

Abilene-based First Financial Bankshares Inc. has announced that its subsidiaries, First Financial Bank NA and First Financial Trust and Asset Management Co. NA, have each filed applications with the Texas Department of Banking to convert to a Texas state banking association and a Texas-chartered trust company, respectively. The bank has been a national bank since … 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

Hickox Succeeds Gordon as First Financial Bankshares’ Chief Financial Officer

On January 10, First Financial Bankshares Inc., the holding company for Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA, announced the election of Michelle S. Hickox as executive vice president and chief financial officer to replace James R. Gordon. Hickox most recently served as chief financial officer of Independent Financial Group Inc. and its subsidiary, McKinney-based Independent Bank. … Read more

First Financial Bank Opens 79th Branch in Texas

Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA recently opened its 79th branch, a 3,300-square foot location in Lumberton. The addition extends the bank’s Southeast Texas region’s reach further north into Hardin County. The region also has locations in Orange, Vidor, Mauriceville, Newton, Port Arthur and Beaumont. First Financial Bank expanded its footprint into Southeast Texas in 2013, … Read more

Fifty-six Bankers Complete 2022 Texas Tech School of Banking Program

The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2022 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and three other states convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted … Read more

Southwestern Graduate School of Banking Announces 2022 Graduates

The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas held its 2022 commencement on June 9 for the 62nd class. SWGSB Foundation trustee Brad Cheves, vice president for development and external affairs at SMU, gave the commencement address on executive education’s role in leadership development. John Hope Bryant, renowned entrepreneur, … Read more

First Financial Bank Elects Cook Executive Vice President of Marketing

The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bankshares NA, the holding company for First Financial Bank NA, has announced the election of Chris Cook as executive vice president of marketing. The announcement was made by Ron Butler, executive vice president/chief administrative officer. Cook spent 22 years at Texas Tech University working closely with the … Read more

First Financial Bank Taps Thompson as CEO of Bryan/College Station Region

Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA announced the promotion of Nora P. Thompson to chief executive officer of the bank’s Bryan/College Station region. She was promoted to president of the region earlier this year and now has been named CEO to replace Ivan M. Olson, who retired earlier this summer. Thompson has more than 30 years … Read more

Texas Tech School of Banking Salutes 35 Bankers Completing the 2021 Program

The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2021 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and four other states traveled to the Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions … Read more

Texas Bankers Foundation Announces 2021 50-Year Banker Honorees

The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, has announced the 22 recipients of the 2021 50-Year Banker Awards. Each of the bankers selected is recognized for his/her exemplary and long-standing service to the banking industry. Launched in 1989 by the Texas Bankers Association, the 50-Year Banker Awards honor the men and … Read more