Independence Bank has announced several leadership changes within the company that officials said will “build upon the future of the bank.”
For the past 3 decades, Chris Reid has served in the role of Chairman and CEO for the bank. He announced the following promotions within the organization:
- Jacob Reid named CEO & President, Independence Bank Holding Company
- Greg Mullican named CEO, Independence Bank
- Phil Riney named President, Independence Bank, Chief Risk Officer
- Tawna Wright named Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer
- Tom McFarland named Chief Lending Officer
“Today is a new day for the future of Independence Bank. It’s a time for celebration in our company’s history as we continue to lay the groundwork for the vision that led us to where we are today,” Chris Reid said. “This is the next right, natural step. These individuals have served alongside of me and are extremely capable and qualified. They have all been integral to our success and will continue to take this bank forward.”
Chris Reid will still remain Chairman of the bank’s holding company, Independence Bancshares, as well as Chairman of the Independence Bank board. He said that he’s ready to enjoy life to the fullest before it’s too late. He said his father and father-in-law both died before they got the chance to do that.
“Two men that I admired greatly spent the majority of their lives working and anticipating the day they would get to enjoy life, spend more time with their family, and do the things they’ve always wanted to do,” he said. “The time has come for me to stop waiting and start living. In order for me to do that, it’s time for the next generation of leadership to rise and lead this bank with the skill, vision, and excellence that I know they are capable of.”
Chris — along with his wife Janet, their son Jacob, and Jacob’s wife Bridget Reid — and the Reid Group will retain majority ownership in the bank. They said they envision a time when the bank’s ESOP becomes the majority owner.
Jacob Reid said, “I’ve been a part of Independence Bank since before I was even born. As a toddler the night deposit vault was my playpen and I have been working here ever since I was old enough to apply. This Bank has been and continues to be a big part of my life. I know that in order for it to continue, we must lay the groundwork for tomorrow.”
Mullican has worked alongside the Reid family and the leaders of the bank for the past 22 years.
“While I feel that my knowledge and expertise have brought me this far, I’m ready to model what this family and this bank has taught me during my time here and continue the success that keeps this Bank moving forward,” he said.
Riney added, “Executive management has been working for quite some time to ensure a great succession plan for the future of this bank. Today, we are putting that plan into action. I am looking forward to working closely with our markets and employees as we continue to meet future goals and objectives.”
