First Financial Bankshares Executive and Leadership Team

Austin Elsner, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Financial Bankshares, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Focusing on the expansion of commercial banking products, Elsner manages the integration of digital banking solutions and traditional financial services across the Texas market. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the board to ensure alignment between operational performance and shareholder value. By overseeing the deployment of capital and the refinement of lending practices, Austin Elsner maintains the competitive position of the institution within the regional finance sector. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to optimize the delivery of checking, savings, and wealth management services. Through rigorous oversight of institutional growth, Elsner secures the financial health of the bank while fostering a culture of service excellence and operational efficiency across all regional subsidiaries.

David Bailey, the President & Chief Executive Officer at First Financial Bankshares, architects the operational framework for the company's diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial lending services. Bailey focuses on the optimization of agricultural and municipal loan portfolios, ensuring that risk management protocols remain robust across the Texas footprint. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives the implementation of advanced technology services to enhance customer interaction through mobile and internet banking platforms. By analyzing credit performance and market demand, David Bailey shapes the lending strategy to support local economic development. This executive role requires constant collaboration with regional leadership to maintain high standards in asset management and trust services. Through the systematic refinement of internal processes, Bailey ensures that the bank delivers consistent value to clients while navigating the complexities of the modern financial landscape with precision and strategic foresight.

Trent Swearengin, the Regional Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer at First Financial Bankshares, oversees the execution of banking initiatives within the designated regional territory. Swearengin directs the delivery of specialized wealth management and estate administration services, ensuring that high-net-worth clients receive tailored financial guidance. The Regional Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer manages the local branch network, focusing on the expansion of safe deposit facilities and remote deposit capture capabilities. By fostering strong relationships with local businesses, Trent Swearengin drives the growth of commercial real estate and consumer loan portfolios. This leadership position involves the direct supervision of regional staff to maintain service quality and operational compliance. Through the strategic application of local market knowledge, Swearengin strengthens the presence of the bank, ensuring that regional operations contribute effectively to the broader corporate mission of providing comprehensive financial solutions.

Marelyn Shedd, the Chief Executive Officer, Region (Abilene) at First Financial Bankshares, manages the strategic operations and client service standards within the Abilene market. Shedd directs the implementation of customized banking solutions, including oil and gas management and testamentary trust services, to meet the specific needs of the regional client base. The Chief Executive Officer, Region (Abilene) oversees the daily administration of branch activities, ensuring that all financial transactions adhere to corporate policy and regulatory requirements. By driving local business development efforts, Marelyn Shedd expands the reach of the bank's commercial and consumer lending products. This role involves active engagement with community stakeholders to promote the bank's reputation for reliability and expertise. Through the effective management of regional resources, Shedd ensures that the Abilene operations remain a cornerstone of the company's success, delivering consistent financial performance and superior customer experiences.

Nora Thompson, the Regional President & Chief Executive Officer at First Financial Bankshares, leads the strategic growth and operational management of the assigned regional territory. Thompson directs the expansion of consumer auto and non-auto loan portfolios, ensuring that credit offerings remain competitive and accessible. The Regional President & Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of digital banking tools to improve client accessibility and operational efficiency. By analyzing regional economic indicators, Nora Thompson shapes the local lending strategy to support residential and commercial development. This leadership role requires the coordination of branch teams to maintain high standards of service and regulatory compliance. Through the effective management of regional assets and the cultivation of client relationships, Thompson ensures that the bank remains a trusted financial partner, contributing significantly to the overall success and market penetration of the organization across the Texas region.

Justin Hooper, the President and Chief Executive Officer - Weatherford Region at First Financial Bankshares, manages the delivery of commercial banking services within the Weatherford market. Hooper directs the development of specialized financial products, including non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, to support local business growth. The President and Chief Executive Officer - Weatherford Region oversees the implementation of payroll cards and funds transfer services, ensuring that corporate clients receive efficient and reliable support. By driving local marketing and public relations efforts, Justin Hooper enhances the visibility and reputation of the bank in the region. This leadership position involves the supervision of branch operations to ensure that all services meet the high standards of the company. Through the strategic management of regional lending and deposit activities, Hooper ensures that the Weatherford operations remain profitable and aligned with the broader corporate objectives.

Richard Vaughan, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (West Texas Region) at First Financial Bankshares, leads the strategic direction and operational oversight for the West Texas market. Vaughan directs the expansion of agricultural and commercial lending services, tailoring financial products to the unique needs of the regional economy. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (West Texas Region) manages the branch network, ensuring that all locations provide high-quality banking services, including wealth management and trust administration. By fostering strong community ties, Richard Vaughan drives business development and strengthens the bank's market position. This executive role involves the supervision of regional leadership to ensure consistent performance and adherence to corporate standards. Through the effective management of regional assets and the promotion of a client-centric approach, Vaughan ensures that the West Texas operations remain a vital contributor to the company's success and long-term growth.

Michelle Hickox, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President at First Financial Bankshares, directs the financial planning, reporting, and analysis functions for the organization. Hickox manages the capital structure, liquidity, and investment strategies to ensure the financial stability of the bank. The Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President oversees the preparation of financial statements and ensures compliance with all regulatory reporting standards. By analyzing the performance of various loan portfolios and trust services, Michelle Hickox provides the insights necessary for strategic decision-making at the executive level. This leadership role involves the management of investor relations and the coordination of financial audits to maintain transparency and trust. Through the rigorous oversight of the company's fiscal health, Hickox supports the sustainable growth of the bank, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to maximize shareholder value and support the expansion of banking services.

Karen Collins, the Executive Vice President & Division Chief Operating Officer, Mortgage at First Financial Bankshares, directs the operational workflows and service delivery for the mortgage division. Collins manages the end-to-end mortgage lending process, from application to closing, ensuring that all procedures meet regulatory and quality standards. The Executive Vice President & Division Chief Operating Officer, Mortgage oversees the implementation of technology solutions to streamline loan processing and improve the customer experience. By analyzing market trends in the housing sector, Karen Collins shapes the mortgage product strategy to remain competitive in the Texas market. This leadership role involves the coordination of underwriting and processing teams to ensure efficiency and accuracy in all mortgage transactions. Through the strategic management of mortgage operations, Collins contributes to the overall revenue growth of the bank, providing essential financing solutions to residential and commercial clients across the region.

Josh Brown, the Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President at First Financial Bankshares, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives for the entire company. Brown manages talent acquisition, employee training, and performance management systems to ensure that the workforce remains aligned with the bank's service-oriented culture. The Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President oversees the design and administration of compensation and benefits programs, supporting the retention of top-tier financial professionals. By implementing leadership development programs, Josh Brown prepares the next generation of managers to handle the complexities of the banking industry. This executive role involves close collaboration with the board and other C-suite leaders to foster an inclusive and high-performing work environment. Through the strategic management of human resources, Brown ensures that the organization maintains the talent necessary to deliver exceptional banking services and achieve long-term growth objectives.