First Financial Bankshares has begun a national search for a successor to J. Bruce Hildebrand, CPA, as executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Hildebrand advised the board of directors well in advance of his intention to retire to enable an orderly and effective leadership transition. He will continue to serve in his roles until a successor is named, and the successful transition of responsibilities has been achieved. Hildebrand has expressed his desire to formally retire in August 2020.
F. Scott Dueser, chairman, president and CEO of First Financial Bankshares, commented, “I have had the pleasure of working side by side with Bruce for the past 17 years. He is one of the most professional, dedicated, knowledgeable CFOs that I know, and he has certainly helped shape this Company to be one of the top financial institutions in the country. I look forward to working with him for another year and at the same time finding the right person to fill his position. Bruce’s assistance to me, the management team and the Board has been instrumental in our growth during his tenure. He has helped to establish a culture of service and performance, which has served our customers and shareholders well, and will serve as a sound foundation for his successor.”
The board expects to identify and hire a successor by early 2020. Mr. Hildebrand has agreed to remain with First Financial and work with his successor for a timeframe and in a capacity to be determined by the Board to ensure a smooth transition.
“The decision to come to First Financial Bankshares 17 years ago has been a huge blessing to my professional and personal life,” Hildebrand said. “The team at First Financial that I have had the privilege to work with is second to none. Nancy and I are looking forward to retirement so that we can spend more time with our growing family and doing mission work that we have grown to love. I look forward to helping the company find the right person for my position and will be here for a smooth transition or in a consulting role as needed.”
Headquartered in Abilene, TX, First Financial Bankshares is a financial holding company that through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, operates in multiple banking regions with 73 locations in Texas.
