Dozens of Stephen F. Austin State University Rusche College of Business students attended the Evening with Executives event last week to hear Citizens National Bank President and CEO Brad Tidwell and his executive team discuss the current and future state of the banking industry.
The executive team included David Alford, chairman of the board of Citizens National Bank; Michael Moores, executive vice president and chief lending officer; Woodie Tipps, executive vice president and chief retail officer; Jon Moore, senior vice president and regional manager; and Rep. Trent Ashby, senior vice president market chairman.
Citizens National Bank began in Henderson, Texas, in 1930 and now has 29 branches and $1.7 billion in assets across East and Central Texas. During the evening, Tidwell discussed the history of the banking industry, consolidation trends, the effects of technology and more.
He told the crowd that the industry is changing and stressed the need for young talent and those who can think differently about the industry.
“During the past five years the banking industry has seen more change than in the 50-year period between 1930 and 1980,” Tidwell said.
Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the Rusche College of Business, said the event was an opportunity for students to gain insight into the industry from an elite team of leaders.
“Having the opportunity to hear about the banking industry firsthand from such an accomplished team of executives was a truly special experience for our students,” Bisping said.
Kerry Bennett, SFA adjunct professor in the Department of Economics and Finance, helped coordinate this event.
“The executive team made it clear that the banking industry faces a talent gap and needs a new generation of bankers able to adapt to an ever-evolving landscape,” Bennett said.
The college’s Student Success Passport Program sponsored this event.
