Citizens State Bank, a Texas-chartered community bank founded in 1913, has been acquired by a group of San Antonio business owners and investors. The May 2026 acquisition comes with the appointment of Jeffrey Landers as President and Chief Executive Officer, tasking him with leading the bank's next phase of growth. The move matters because it ensures the survival and revitalization of one of the oldest banks in San Antonio, preserving local decision-making and personalized service at a time when many community banks face consolidation or acquisition by larger institutions.
The investor group's vision is to build a modern, relationship-driven community bank focused on businesses, families, and communities across South Texas. They plan to invest in talent and technology while maintaining the local responsiveness that customers expect. This approach is significant because it demonstrates a commitment to keeping banking decisions local, which can lead to faster approvals and more tailored financial solutions for small businesses and individuals who often feel overlooked by larger banks.
Landers brings more than two decades of commercial banking experience in Texas, most recently as San Antonio Market President at Third Coast Bank. His track record includes helping institutions grow, enter new markets, and build lasting commercial relationships. In his new role, Landers will oversee strategic investments in talent, technology, customer experience, commercial banking, and community development.
“This bank has been growing roots in Texas for over a century. That makes it one of the oldest banks in town,” Landers said. “That kind of legacy in banking is remarkable. It is a big part of what made me want to join the ownership group as well as lead the bank as President and CEO.” His dual role as owner and executive aligns incentives for long-term growth, which is crucial for stability and continuity in community banking.
The acquisition and leadership change have broader implications for South Texas. As the region's population and economy continue to expand, the need for locally focused banking services grows. Citizens State Bank, known locally as “Your Good Neighbor Bank,” is positioned to serve that need by combining its century-long legacy with new investments. Landers emphasized the unique opportunity: “It is rare to get the opportunity to step into a strong foundation with a rich history of service and commitment to a community, while also getting to define a vision for the next 100 years. We have an ownership group that believes in Texas, believes in community banking, and is committed to investing for the long term. We intend to grow Citizens State Bank into one of the leading community banking organizations in South Texas.”
For customers and the community, the acquisition promises continuity and enhancement. The bank will maintain its locations in San Antonio and Luling, offering commercial banking, business lending, treasury management, consumer banking, and other financial services. By preserving local decision-making and relationship banking, Citizens State Bank aims to differentiate itself from larger, more impersonal financial institutions. Media inquiries can be directed to Jeffrey Landers via Email Contact.
