Clear Fork Bank Announces CEO Transition

Chartwell Partners is pleased to announce that, following a thoughtful and comprehensive succession planning process, James Arnold has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Fork Bank, effective June 1, 2026. Arnold, who previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank & Trust in Lubbock, succeeds Tim Cooper, who will continue in a leadership capacity supporting the transition and advancing the bank’s ongoing growth initiatives.

Arnold brings more than twenty‑two years of banking and executive leadership experience to Clear Fork Bank. His tenure at First Bank & Trust included significant organizational expansion, strategic development, and the advancement of relationship‑focused leadership practices. In addition to his banking experience, Arnold has held numerous civic and community leadership roles, including service with educational, healthcare, and municipal organizations, and previously served as trustee and board president of the Lubbock Independent School District. His background reflects a deep commitment to community engagement and disciplined organizational stewardship.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Arnold will provide Clear Fork Bank with overarching leadership in the development of strategic and annual business plans, the establishment of operating goals and performance standards, and the recruitment and advancement of executive talent. He will focus the efforts of the management team and staff on sustaining the bank’s longstanding culture of relationship banking, strengthening operational capabilities, and guiding the next chapter of growth across the communities Clear Fork Bank serves. Under Cooper’s leadership, the bank surpassed $1 billion in assets and expanded its presence throughout Texas, reinforcing its reputation for local decision‑making, community investment, and customer‑focused service.

“Congratulations to Clear Fork Bank on the appointment of an accomplished and community‑focused executive as President and Chief Executive Officer,” said Sean O’Neal Petty, Partner of Chartwell Partners’ Financial Services Practice. “We appreciate the opportunity to support the organization in this important leadership transition.”

About Clear Fork Bank

Founded in 1883, Clear Fork Bank has grown to more than $1 billion in assets while remaining committed to relationship-based banking, local decision-making, and community investment across Texas.

About Chartwell Partners

Chartwell Partners is a retained executive search and leadership advisory firm. Founded in 2005, the firm serves a variety of industries across the nation. Chartwell’s Financial Services Practice, led by Scott Petty, has conducted more than 300 successful executive search assignments for over 50 clients during the last decade. The team prides themselves on their reputation of consistency, confidentiality, and long-term success of their placements.