SW Graduate School of Banking Appoints New Leadership and Board Members
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business has recently unveiled a significant leadership transition and expansion of its board of trustees. These strategic appointments reflect SWGSB’s unwavering commitment to excellence in banking education and industry leadership. As the nation’s foremost graduate school of banking, SWGSB continues to evolve its leadership to match the dynamic and ever-changing financial services landscape.
T. Gary Hudson, a seasoned banker and current board member of Farmers & Merchants Bank, has been appointed as the new chairman of SWGSB. Accompanying him in this leadership shift is R. Scott Heitkamp, president and CEO of ValueBank Texas, who steps into the role of vice chairman. Christopher J. Furlow, president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association, will continue to serve as secretary, ensuring continuity and stability within the board’s executive leadership team.
In addition to these key leadership appointments, SWGSB has expanded its board by adding three new trustees, each bringing unique expertise and a wealth of experience to the organization. Sanford M. Brown, partner and co-chair of the Financial Services Group at Alston & Bird; Greg Massey, chairman and CEO of First United Bank & Trust; and Jan Mills, president and chairman of First National Bank of Winnsboro, Texas, have been named trustees. Their appointments were formalized at the board’s February 2025 meeting.
Dr. William T. Chittenden, President and CEO of SWGSB, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the new appointments. “I am proud to welcome our new leadership and our three distinguished trustees,” he said. “Their vast knowledge, combined with their dedication to advancing the financial services industry, strengthens SWGSB’s position as the leading institution for graduate banking education. Their guidance will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and deliver exceptional learning experiences.”
Dr. Chittenden also acknowledged the contributions of two departing trustees, Victor R. Pierson, chairman, president, and CEO of Moody National Bank, and Darla R. Rooke, president and CEO of Junction National Bank. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Victor and Darla for their years of dedicated service. Their impact on SWGSB has been significant, and we wish them continued success.”
T. Gary Hudson: A Legacy of Leadership and Community Service
T. Gary Hudson brings a distinguished career marked by deep involvement in both the banking industry and his local community. A board member of Farmers & Merchants Bank in Stuttgart, Arkansas, Hudson previously served as the bank’s president and CEO. With approximately $1.65 billion in assets and a network of 29 branches, including eight operating under The Bank of Fayetteville brand in Northwest Arkansas, Farmers & Merchants Bank is one of the most respected financial institutions in the region.
Hudson’s journey in banking began after he initially practiced law in DeWitt, Arkansas. In 1980, he joined Farmers & Merchants Bank as vice president and trust officer. By 1988, he became president and CEO of DeWitt Bank and Trust Company. His leadership journey came full circle in 2002 when he rejoined Farmers & Merchants as executive vice president and board member, helping establish a new branch in DeWitt. He took over as president and CEO in 2009, leading the bank through growth and transformation.
Beyond banking, Hudson’s leadership extends to civic and business organizations. He served for a decade on the Arkansas State Banking Board, chairing it twice, and is actively engaged with Stuttgart Unlimited and the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce. Hudson’s academic credentials include degrees from Arkansas State University and the University of Arkansas School of Law, and he is an alumnus of SWGSB itself, lending him unique insight into the institution’s mission.
R. Scott Heitkamp: Advocate for Community Banking
As the new vice chairman of SWGSB, R. Scott Heitkamp brings with him decades of experience championing the interests of community banks. Currently president and CEO of ValueBank Texas, headquartered in Corpus Christi, Heitkamp has been a prominent figure in banking advocacy. He is a past chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA), the only national trade association dedicated exclusively to representing community banks.
In his tenure with ICBA, Heitkamp has served on numerous committees, including the Executive Committee, Bank Services, Nominating, and Policy Development. His commitment to community banking is equally evident at the state level, having previously chaired the Independent Bankers Association of Texas.
Heitkamp’s community engagement extends beyond banking. He is a board member of the Texas State Aquarium and the Driscoll Hospital Development Foundation. Additionally, he has held leadership roles in the San Patricio County Economic Development Corporation and the Aransas Pass Rotary Club. A graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in finance, Heitkamp exemplifies dedication to both professional excellence and community service.
Christopher J. Furlow: Bridging Policy and Practice
Christopher J. Furlow, who continues as secretary of SWGSB’s board, is president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA), the oldest and largest state banking association in the nation. With a career steeped in public policy, risk management, and financial services, Furlow’s leadership brings a broad, strategic perspective to SWGSB.
Prior to leading TBA, Furlow was president of Ridge Global, an international risk management consultancy. He also held critical roles in the federal government, including director for State Affairs in the White House Office of Homeland Security after 9/11, and executive director of the Homeland Security Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. His unique blend of public and private sector experience is an asset in navigating regulatory challenges and guiding banking policy.
Furlow is also active in broader banking advocacy efforts, serving on the Voter Education Committee of the American Bankers Association and as a board member of the Coalition of Bankers Associations. He holds positions on advisory boards at Sam Houston State University, reinforcing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of banking leaders.
New Trustees Bring Expertise and Vision
Sanford M. Brown, a partner at Alston & Bird and co-chair of its Financial Services Group, is widely recognized for his legal expertise in banking regulation and financial transactions. His career includes service in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and accolades from Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America®. A respected SWGSB faculty member, Brown is a trusted advisor on complex regulatory matters, mergers, acquisitions, and cybersecurity issues facing financial institutions.
Greg Massey, chairman and CEO of First United Bank & Trust, leads a $16 billion institution serving over 60 communities across Oklahoma and Texas. Under his leadership, First United has become a model of purpose-driven banking, with a focus on customer satisfaction, culture, and community engagement. A graduate of Oklahoma State University and SWGSB, Massey’s commitment to leadership is further demonstrated through his service on numerous boards, including the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and OSU Foundation.
Jan Mills, president and chairman of First National Bank of Winnsboro, is a trailblazer in Texas community banking. Beginning her career at First National over four decades ago, Mills rose to leadership roles in 2003 and 2006. She also serves as secretary-treasurer of Etex Banco, Inc., the bank’s holding company. Mills is a former chairman of the Texas Bankers Association and was honored in 2022 as an Outstanding Woman in Banking. An alumna of SMU Cox and SWGSB, Mills upholds a family tradition of banking excellence spanning three generations.
