Chartwell Partners Assists Farm Credit Bank of Texas with CEO Search
April 15, 2026 – Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Brandon Blaut as the new CEO of Farm Credit Bank of Texas. He succeeds Amie Pala, who is retiring following a distinguished and impactful tenure with the organization. J. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell Partners’ financial services practice, led the search. “We were honored to partner with the board of directors of Farm Credit Bank of Texas on this important leadership transition,” said Mr. Petty. “This search reflects the strength of the organization’s succession planning and its commitment to identifying a leader well-positioned to build on its success.”
“On behalf of the board of directors, I welcome Brandon in his new role as chief executive officer with great confidence in his ability to effectively lead the Farm Credit Bank of Texas,” said board chair Jimmy Dodson. “His deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and extensive experience within the Farm Credit System, combined with his rigorous financial expertise and vision for the bank’s future, position him to guide the bank successfully into the future. We sincerely thank Amie for her contributions throughout an extraordinary career in service to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.”
“Brandon Blaut brings deep institutional knowledge, strong leadership experience, and a proven commitment to the Farm Credit mission,” Chartwell Partners said. “His appointment reflects Farm Credit Bank of Texas’s thoughtful succession planning and focus on continuity, long-term performance, and stakeholder stewardship.”
Mr. Blaut brings extensive leadership experience to his new role as CEO. His 25-year banking career includes nearly two decades within the Farm Credit System across credit, finance, asset/liability management, technology, and operations roles. He served as the bank’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer.
“It is an honor to be selected for this role, and I am committed to positioning the bank for the future,” Mr. Blaut said. “I’m grateful for the board’s confidence and look forward to collaborating across the Texas District and broader Farm Credit System to fulfill the mission of delivering reliable financial services to agriculture and rural communities.”
Farm Credit Bank of Texas is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank that finances agriculture and rural America within the Texas Farm Credit District. It funds 12 affiliated associations and two other financing institutions, enabling them to make loans to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural property owners
Chartwell Partners is focused on identifying and recruiting senior executives and board members for clients in four specific industries: biopharmaceuticals, healthcare services, financial services, and real estate.
Related: Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for First United Bank
Mr. Petty is located in the Dallas office of Chartwell Partners and leads the firm’s financial services practice serving bank, mortgage, wealth management and real estate clients across the country. He has established a track record as an executive search consultant recruiting senior executives and board directors for small- and mid-cap public and closely-held private companies.
Texas Gulf Bank Search
Chartwell Partners also recently helped to recruit Steve Thompson as president and CEO of Texas Gulf Bank, N.A. He succeeds James F. Brown, who will continue as vice chairman of the company. The appointment follows a disciplined and comprehensive executive search conducted in partnership with Chartwell Partners. “As part of the board’s long-term succession planning process, Chartwell Partners was honored to conduct a disciplined and comprehensive executive search to identify the bank’s next leader,” the firm said in a LinkedIn post. “Following a thorough and deliberate process, the board unanimously selected Steve to guide the organization into its next chapter.”
“Following a thorough and deliberate search process, the board unanimously concluded that Steve is the right leader to guide the bank into its next chapter,” said Wirt Blaffer, chairman of the boards of Texas Gulf Bancshares, Inc. and Texas Gulf Bank, N.A. His deep knowledge of the Houston market, proven ability to lead high-performing teams, and strong commitment to community banking align closely with our long-term strategic vision.”
Mr. Thompson brings more than 15 years of banking leadership experience, most recently serving as Houston area president at Prosperity Bank, where he oversaw commercial banking operations in one of the most competitive metropolitan markets in Texas. He has extensive experience in middle-market and commercial lending, treasury management, and relationship-based banking strategies, and has led teams responsible for significant balance sheet expansion and client acquisition.
Related: Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for Akebia Therapeutics
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
