The board of directors of First Financial Bank, a subsidiary of First Financial Bankshares, completed a series of leadership transitions and executive promotions within its Abilene region, including the year-end retirement of longtime Abilene region leader Marelyn Shedd, the promotion of Marshall Morris to chairman, president and CEO of the Abilene region, Evan Harris to executive vice president, senior relationship manager – construction and development, Dayton Borger to executive vice president, senior relationship manager – commercial, as well as the promotion and relocation of Tracy Howle to join the Abilene region as executive vice president, relationship manager.
Marelyn Shedd, following a distinguished career and 35 years of dedicated service to First Financial Bank, has announced she will retire Dec. 31, 2026, ensuring a thoughtful and seamless transition of leadership for customers, employees and the community.
Shedd joined First Financial Bank as senior vice president of commercial lending and steadily advanced to president of the Abilene region in 2012 and ultimately Regional CEO in 2025. Her appointments marked a historic milestone as the first woman to serve in these positions at the Bank. Throughout her career, Marelyn has played an integral role in the growth and success of First Financial Bank while helping shape the economic and civic vitality of Abilene. Marelyn has been recognized throughout her career for both her professional accomplishments and community leadership, including her recent induction into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame.
“For more than three decades, Marelyn has been a trusted leader, banker and dedicated champion for the Abilene community,” David Bailey, president and CEO of First Financial Bankshares, said. “Her influence can be seen not only in her success at First Financial Bank, but also in the countless organizations, businesses and individuals she has supported throughout her career. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, which will continue as she works with the Abilene leadership team throughout the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition.”
Marshall Morris has been named chairman, president and CEO of First Financial Bank’s Abilene region, effective Sept. 1, 2026. Morris joined First Financial Bank 15 years ago as a credit analyst and advanced through regional leadership positions, including executive vice president and senior relationship manager and most recently as regional president for the Abilene region. In his new role, Morris will oversee all banking operations for the region while continuing to oversee the region’s strategic growth initiatives and commitment to exceptional customer service.
Morris is a graduate of Texas A&M University, Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU and FFIN University. He has been deeply involved in the Abilene community throughout his career, serving as chairman of the boards of both the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the Abilene A&M Club. He currently serves on the executive committees of the Military Affairs Council and Texas Trails Council–Scouts of America and is a board member of the Wylie Bulldogs Education Foundation. His community involvement also includes service on the boards of Frontier Texas, Junior Achievement, United Way of Abilene, Young Life and St. John’s Episcopal School. Marshall is a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 honoree.
Evan Harris has been promoted to EVP, senior relationship manager – construction and development for the Abilene region of First Financial Bank. Harris will oversee the continued growth and development of the region’s construction and development portfolio while maintaining strong relationships with customers and partners across the community.
Harris joined First Financial Bank 20 years ago and has served in a variety of credit and lending roles, most recently serving as executive vice president, real estate lending. His industry expertise and well-established relationships with developers across the Big Country are an asset that make him a great fit for this expanded role.
Harris is a graduate of Texas Tech University, Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU and FFIN University. He currently serves as treasurer of the Big Country Homebuilders Association, is a board member of Hendrick Health System and the Texas Tech School of Banking and has been an ordained deacon at First Baptist Church Abilene since 2010. Harris is also a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as an Abilene Top 20 Under 40 honoree.
Dayton Borger has been promoted to EVP, senior relationship manager – commercial for the Abilene region. Harris will continue serving commercial clients while helping lead business development and overall market growth initiatives for the region.
Harris joined First Financial Bank 15 years ago as a credit analyst and has advanced through a variety of credit, lending and leadership roles, most recently serving as senior vice president, relationship manager and branch manager.
Harris is a graduate of Abilene Christian University, Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU and FFIN University. He also earned his RMA Credit Risk Certification in 2025. He currently serves as past president of the Abilene Education Foundation and has previously served on the boards of United Way of Abilene, Abilene Young Professionals and Rainbow Bible School. Dayton is a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as an Abilene Top 20 Under 40 honoree.
Tracy Howle will be joining First Financial Bank’s Abilene region as executive vice president, commercial relationship manager, effective Sept. 8, 2026.
Howle joined First Financial Bank in 2025 as a senior portfolio manager in San Angelo and brings extensive commercial banking and relationship management experience to her new role. She has more than three decades of banking experience, including a previous leadership role as Abilene area president and executive vice president of commercial lending with First Bank Texas, where she managed commercial banking teams, client relationships and loan portfolios. Her background also includes commercial lending, credit administration and small business lending roles with Chase, United Bank & Trust and Bank One.
Howle is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University, the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and FFIN University. She is very involved across the community and currently serves in leadership and board roles with the Development Corporation of Abilene, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Disability Resources, Goodwill West Texas and Abilene Growth Alliance. Howle is also a graduate of Leadership Abilene and was recognized as an Abilene Top 20 Under 40 honoree.
