Tim Brown Takes the Helm as Chief Information Officer at First Financial Bank, John Ruzicka Transitions to New Role

First Financial Bank's Leadership Transition

First Financial Bankshares has announced a significant leadership change within its organization. Tim Brown has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, succeeding John Ruzicka, who will transition to the position of Chief Banking Operations Officer. These changes are part of the bank's ongoing succession planning efforts, aimed at driving growth and innovation within the bank.

In an official statement, David Bailey, the President of First Financial Bankshares, highlighted the wealth of experience that Tim Brown brings to the position. "Tim brings over 35 years of technology innovation and operations experience to our company that will be vital as we look to further develop and scale our technology product offerings," Bailey stated. Brown's previous experience includes a significant tenure at USAA, where he honed his skills in technological innovation and operations. After spending over three decades there, he moved on to Johnson Financial Group, a $7 billion community bank in Wisconsin, where he played a crucial role in enhancing technological capabilities.

Brown's impressive background is expected to position First Financial Bank favorably as it evolves into a competitive mid-sized regional bank. With a focus on digital product innovation, the bank aims to deliver advanced and user-friendly products while improving operational efficiencies. Tim holds a degree in management information systems from Texas A&M University, along with an MBA from St. Mary's University.

On the other hand, John Ruzicka has been instrumental in enhancing the bank's technological infrastructure since his tenure as Chief Information Officer began in 2018. His leadership in technology modernization and the conversion process during the bank's largest acquisition has been notable. Ruzicka’s extensive experience in IT and operations will now be leveraged in his new role to further improve the bank's backroom operations and scalability as the institution grows.

Bailey expressed how fortunate the bank is to have Ruzicka taking on the Chief Banking Operations Officer role, noting that John's 30-plus years of experience in financial technology and operations will be essential as the bank continues to innovate and streamline its services moving forward.

First Financial Bank, based in Abilene, Texas, operates as a subsidiary of First Financial Bankshares, Inc., which trades on the NASDAQ. The bank has a robust presence across Texas, boasting 79 locations in various cities, including Fort Worth, Beaumont, and Weatherford, among others. The bank is dedicated to providing comprehensive financial services, with additional operations through its subsidiary, First Financial Trust Asset Management Company, and First Technology Services, Inc.

As the leadership team undergoes this transition, both Tim Brown and John Ruzicka are set to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of First Financial Bank, contributing to its mission to deliver exceptional banking experiences and innovative financial solutions to its customers. The bank’s strategic focus remains on leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency while expanding its range of customer-friendly financial products.

In conclusion, this leadership change marks an exciting new chapter for First Financial Bank, with the bank committed to its growth and commitment to customer satisfaction as it navigates the evolving landscape of the banking industry.