Clear Fork Bank Taps New CEO for Post-Billion Dollar Era

ABILENE, TX – May 21, 2026 – Clear Fork Bank has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing veteran banker James Arnold as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. The move comes as the institution solidifies its position as a major regional player after a period of historic growth under outgoing CEO Tim Cooper, who will remain in a key leadership role.

The succession marks a pivotal moment for the 143-year-old bank. It aims to leverage the momentum that propelled it past the $1 billion asset threshold while entrusting its future to a leader with a proven track record in both financial growth and deep-seated community engagement.

A Legacy of Record Growth

Under Tim Cooper’s stewardship, Clear Fork Bank experienced a remarkable growth trajectory. The bank’s assets surged from approximately $770 million to over $1 billion in less than three years. This period of rapid expansion began shortly after the institution, formerly known as First National Bank Albany/Breckenridge, rebranded to Clear Fork Bank on June 1, 2023, a move designed to support a broader regional identity and future growth.

This growth was not merely on paper. The bank expanded its physical footprint and invested heavily in the communities it serves. A notable example is the bank’s planned $4 million investment to occupy a new, 5,790-square-foot facility in Mineral Wells, a project announced in August 2023. These moves solidified the bank's reputation for local decision-making and tangible community investment.

Cooper, who will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board, attributed this success to the bank's personnel. “Our growth is a direct reflection of the incredible people who serve our customers every day,” Cooper stated. “Our employees consistently go the extra mile to care for customers and communities, and more people than ever before are placing their trust in Clear Fork Bank for their banking needs. That trust is something we never take for granted.”

Continuity Through Strategic Succession

The transition is the result of a deliberate, long-term strategy. The Board of Directors, in its unanimous approval of Arnold, emphasized that the decision followed a “thoughtful succession planning process designed to ensure continuity, stability, and long-term success.”

Cooper’s continuing presence as Chairman and in a leadership capacity to support the transition underscores this commitment to stability. His extensive experience, which includes leadership roles at First State Bank Spearman and a degree from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, provides a deep well of institutional knowledge. This arrangement allows the bank to onboard a new chief executive without losing the strategic guidance that fueled its recent success.

“Clear Fork Bank is built on strong relationships, sound leadership, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve,” said Cooper. “It has been a privilege to lead this exceptional organization, and I am excited about the future under James Arnold’s leadership.”

A New Leader with Deep Community Roots

James Arnold enters the role with more than 22 years of banking and executive experience, primarily rooted in West Texas. His career is marked by a dual focus on driving organizational growth and fostering profound community connections. Before this appointment, he served as President and CEO of First Bank & Trust in Lubbock, where he was credited with leading significant growth and strategic expansion.

Arnold’s commitment to community extends far beyond the boardroom. He has a long history of civic service, including a term as board president for the Lubbock Independent School District. His reputation for community-centric leadership was recently demonstrated in his role as West Texas market president for UMB Bank, where he spearheaded a $250,000 philanthropic investment into three Lubbock nonprofits focused on housing, community support, and local business initiatives. His association with the Helen Jones Foundation, known for its contributions to arts and education, further burnishes his credentials as a community-first leader.

This background appears perfectly aligned with the culture Clear Fork Bank aims to preserve. Arnold’s appointment suggests a strategic choice to install a leader who not only understands financial strategy but also embodies the relationship-based ethos central to the bank's brand.

“Clear Fork Bank has an exceptional team, a remarkable legacy, and a culture that truly puts people first,” Arnold said. “I’m honored to join this organization and build on the strong foundation already in place. I look forward to serving our customers, supporting our communities, and helping lead the next chapter of growth for Clear Fork Bank.”

Navigating the Competitive Texas Banking Landscape

Arnold takes the helm at a complex time for Texas community banks. The state boasts the largest number of community banks in the nation—around 370—and as a group, they have demonstrated robust health, with Texas community bank assets growing 4.6% and loans growing 7.1% between Q2 2023 and Q1 2024. This performance outpaces many regional and national averages.

However, this vibrant market is also undergoing rapid consolidation. Rising regulatory costs, fierce competition for deposits, and the increasing need for expensive digital infrastructure have spurred a wave of acquisitions, with larger institutions absorbing smaller community banks. To survive and thrive, banks like Clear Fork must balance the traditional, high-touch service model with the scale and innovation needed to compete.

Clear Fork Bank's recent growth to over $1 billion in assets makes it a more formidable independent player in this dynamic environment. The selection of a leader like Arnold, with his blend of executive experience and a deep understanding of the Texas communities the bank serves, appears to be a calculated move to navigate these challenges, ensuring the institution can continue its growth trajectory while remaining true to its foundational values.