Press Release – TexasBank celebrated a Rita Hairston’s 40th Anniversary as an employee with a special recognition on Tuesday, February 27th. President and CEO Greg Dodds recognized Hairston who serves as a Vice President of Lending and Camp Bowie Banking Center Manager. Director Bill Blagg presented Hairston with an award marking her tenure with TexasBank. “Rita has been with TexasBank for many years. She has a special way of taking care of her customers with respect and concern and for that we’re are very thankful,” Blagg stated.
Pictured at top: Rita Hairston and Director Bill Blagg
Rita Hairston began with TexasBank in 1977, working as a part of the credit department at the main branch in downtown Brownwood. She later worked for several years in the note department. Eventually, she became a loan assistant and then in 1994 became a loan officer. In 1995, TexasBank expanded with the Camp Bowie branch where Hairston serves as the manager of this banking center.
Hairston graduated from Coleman High School. In the beginning of her career, she drove back and forth to work until she and her husband Samuel decided to move to Brownwood. They have a grown son, Matthew, who graduated from Bangs High School.
“It’s been an adventure,” said Hairston. She spoke of how the bank was small when she began her employment and how it has expanded, now with nine branches in Brown, Comanche, Eastland and Erath Counties.
“Blessed” is how Hairston describes her years at TexasBank. “I guess we grew up together, when I started with TexasBank, I was so naive, the bank was smaller and it seemed like we were all a family,” Hairston explained. “I’ve been blessed, I have met and worked with so many great people.
She said she is proud of the work she and her assistant Ruth Ann Harding do at the Camp Bowie banking center along with the rest of their staff. The two have worked together for 22 years now. Hairston stated that at Camp Bowie, the same banking services are offered as any other TexasBank branch, with the exception of commercial lending.
“People don’t realize all of the services we offer out here. Camp Bowie handles it all, we try to take care of everything,” said Hairston.
The 40 years has flown by for Hairston. She stated that sometimes she asks herself, “Has it really been that long?” but joked that sometimes it feels more like 60 years. “It’s really flown by,” she said and explained that she is thankful for the years of friendship and experience.
TexasBank President and CEO Greg Dodds stated that Rita has been a very special employee. “We appreciate all that Rita does for TexasBank,” said Dodds. “She is the prime example of what companies look for in an employee, someone who is loyal, dedicated, and steadfast. She has been here since 1977 providing excellent service and continues to do so as she leads our Camp Bowie banking center.”