Chartwell Partners Recruits President and CEO for Texas Gulf Bank, N.A.
March 24, 2026 – Dallas, TX-based executive search firm Chartwell Partners has 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. Scott Petty, managing partner of Chartwell Partners’ financial services practice, led the search along with senior associate Caitlin Thaeler. “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.”
“We are pleased to welcome Steve to the bank,” said Mr. Brown. “He is a proven leader with a strong commitment to community banking and operational excellence. We are confident his experience and leadership will further advance our long-term strategic priorities.”
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.
In his new role, Mr. Thompson will focus on expanding the bank’s commercial banking platform, enhancing its relationship banking model, and strengthening its presence across its core footprint in Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, and Montgomery Counties. He will also work to deepen client relationships, broaden treasury and wealth capabilities, and support continued franchise development across the region.
“I’m honored to join Texas Gulf Bank and build on its longstanding legacy,” Mr. Thompson said. “I look forward to working alongside our talented team to strengthen client relationships, expand our commercial capabilities, and support the communities we proudly serve.”
Founded in 1913 as Freeport National Bank, Texas Gulf Bank, N.A. adopted its current name following the introduction of branch banking in Texas. Today, the bank operates 10 banking centers across Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, and Montgomery Counties. As of December 31, 2025, the bank reported approximately $695 million in total assets, $488 million in loans, and $612 million in deposits.
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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.
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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.
Ms. Thaeler joined the Chartwell Partners financial services and real estate practice in 2024. She brings over 12 years of experience in the executive search industry to her role as a senior associate with Chartwell. Based in Houston, Ms. Thaeler focuses on filling C-suite and senior level roles and brings a passion for creative problem-solving to each of her search assignments.
William Ward is a co-founding partner of Chartwell Partners. His search experience has spanned over 25 years and has exclusively focused on healthcare. It has included helping to find corporate directors, C-suite executives, and numerous functional leaders, including operations, finance, sales and marketing, business development, and IT. He has worked with clients in most healthcare service sectors, including acute care, long-term care/post-acute, supply chain/distribution, ambulatory surgery, pharmacy services, home health, and hospice. Mr. Ward has also worked extensively with both large public companies and many notable private equity-backed businesses as well.
Stuart Bush is a co-founding partner and has spent over 30 years in the executive recruiting industry. His specialization areas include healthcare, insurance, and business services, with particular emphasis on general management, corporate directors, and corporate financial officers.
Related: Chartwell Partners Recruits CFO for First United Bank
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
