SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox Celebrates 2025 Honorees with Distinguished Awards for Leadership and Legacy
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox School of Business has proudly announced its top recognitions for 2025, honoring two exceptional leaders in the banking industry. These prestigious awards—the Distinguished Service Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award—represent the highest honors bestowed by the institution, recognizing exemplary service, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to excellence in banking.
The 2025 Distinguished Service Award will be presented to H. Gary Blankenship, chairman, CEO, and chief lending officer of Bank of the West. Meanwhile, Ron Butler, chairman and CEO of First Financial Bank Abilene Region, executive vice president and CAO of First Financial Bankshares, Inc., and a graduate of SWGSB’s Class XXXVII, will be recognized with the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
“These awards reflect the heart of SWGSB’s mission: to foster leadership, elevate banking excellence, and celebrate service that goes far beyond the boardroom,” said William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB. “We are thrilled to recognize Gary and Ron—two individuals whose commitment to their institutions, their communities, and the future of banking education serves as an inspiration to us all.”
Honoring a Legacy of Service: H. Gary Blankenship
H. Gary Blankenship’s career spans decades of leadership, entrepreneurship, and service to the banking profession. Born in 1940 in Lockney, Texas, his story is one of dedication and impact. He began his banking journey as a National Bank Examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, working across several cities in Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, and Grand Junction. His early years with the OCC laid a solid regulatory and operational foundation for a storied career that would follow.
In 1986, Blankenship co-founded Bank of the West, chartering the institution under Greater Southwest Bancshares, Inc. As chairman and CEO, he has overseen its strategic growth to nine Texas locations in cities such as Flower Mound, Grapevine, Horseshoe Bay, Irving, Lewisville, Marble Falls, Ponder, and Vernon. True to its slogan, “It’s personal with Bank of the West,” the bank is known for its personalized service, and much of this reputation stems from Blankenship’s hands-on leadership and people-first philosophy.
Blankenship’s contributions extend well beyond his bank’s walls. He has held numerous influential roles in the financial sector, including service on the Texas Department of Banking Commissioner’s Council and as a trustee for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) Insurance Bond Trust. Additionally, he served on the board of National Bancshares of Texas, Inc., and was vice chairman of Adfitech, a technology and consulting firm in the mortgage industry.
Currently, Blankenship is a director at The Independent Bankers Bank (TIB), a $2.9 billion-asset community correspondent bank that supports local financial institutions nationwide. This role underscores his commitment to community banking and his influence in shaping national correspondent services.
His accolades are many. He received the Chairman’s Award from IBAT, recognizing his leadership and dedication to the Texas banking community. In 2013, he and his wife, Cynthia, were jointly honored with the D. E. Box Citizens of the Year Award in Grapevine, Texas—a testament to their deep-rooted civic engagement. Furthermore, he was listed among the Top 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Dallas-Fort Worth in both 2016 and 2017.
Academically, Blankenship earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) in 1969. He later obtained an MBA in accounting from the University of Dallas in 1982. He has also completed advanced courses in commercial lending and bank accounting, and briefly pursued legal studies to further enhance his financial expertise.
A devoted family man, Blankenship is married to Cynthia Blankenship, a co-founder of Bank of the West and a respected banker in her own right. Together, they have three daughters—each involved in the bank or affiliated businesses—along with three granddaughters and one grandson. Their story is a powerful example of multi-generational commitment to community banking.
Celebrating Alumni Excellence: Ron Butler
Ron Butler, a 31-year veteran of First Financial Bank, has had a transformative impact on banking in Texas. As chairman and CEO of the bank’s Abilene Region, he oversees a major division of a $14 billion financial institution with 79 branches across the state. His executive role as CAO of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. places him at the core of strategic decision-making for one of the most respected banking organizations in Texas.
A graduate of SWGSB’s Class XXXVII, Butler embodies the ideals of the school’s alumni: vision, integrity, and leadership. His award as the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus celebrates a career marked not just by success, but by service.
Butler began his journey with First Financial in regional markets, previously serving as CEO of the bank’s operations in Eastland and Stephenville. His deep familiarity with regional banking dynamics has enabled him to guide the bank through periods of substantial growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
His influence is equally visible in the community. Butler has served on numerous local and statewide boards. He is a former board chair of both the Abilene Industrial Foundation and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, organizations central to regional economic development. He also serves on the Advisory Council for the Excellence in Banking program at Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business, where he helps guide the future of banking education.
Butler was appointed by former Texas Governor Rick Perry to a six-year term on the Brazos River Authority, demonstrating trust in his leadership on state-level initiatives. Within the banking industry, Butler has served multiple terms on the board of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) and currently holds the position of vice chair. His contributions to the industry were recognized in 2023 with his induction into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame—an honor reserved for the state’s most accomplished banking professionals.
Academically, Butler earned a bachelor’s in business administration from Texas Tech University, followed by an MBA from Tarleton State University. In 2024, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus by Texas Tech University, joining a select group of graduates recognized for professional achievement and contributions to the university.
Butler and his wife, Lorilei, are proud parents of two adult children, both graduates of the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech—continuing a family tradition of excellence in business education.
SWGSB: A Legacy of Leadership in Banking Education
The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox continues to set the gold standard in executive banking education. Known for its immersive programs, real-world focus, and elite alumni network, SWGSB plays a vital role in shaping the future of the banking industry. The annual presentation of these awards highlights the school’s commitment to recognizing leaders who embody its mission in the real world.
“These honorees not only represent professional success,” said Dr. Chittenden, “they also represent values-driven leadership, a deep commitment to community, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of bankers. We look forward to celebrating their achievements in 2025.”
For more information on SWGSB’s programs and its summer 2025 session, visit: www.swgsb.org/summer2025
