Sonora Bank Announces Executive Leadership Appointments to Support Continued Growth
Sonora, TX (July 15, 2026)—Sonora Bank has announced several executive leadership appointments as part of its ongoing commitment to building a strong leadership team positioned for the future. These appointments reflect the depth of talent within the organization and strengthen the Bank’s ability to support continued growth, execute strategic priorities and maintain the high level of service customers have come to expect.
Jason Kirkpatrick has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, where he will oversee branch operations and lending production across the Bank, driving operational performance, execution and alignment across all markets. Kirkpatrick brings extensive experience with Sonora Bank, having served in leadership roles across lending and branch operations since joining the Bank in 2016. He recently completed the Executive MBA Program at the University of Houston, bringing an expanded leadership perspective and strategic focus to his role.
Blake Scott has joined Sonora Bank as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Scott brings nearly 15 years of banking experience and a strong background in financial leadership, strategic planning and organizational growth. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at First Bank Texas, where he led the institution's finance and accounting functions and strengthened financial reporting, planning and risk management capabilities.
Stephen Franco has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Credit and Lending Officer. He will lead the Bank's credit strategy, credit administration, loan administration and lending support functions, ensuring continued consistency, strong credit discipline and effective risk management across the organization. Franco brings more than 30 years of banking experience and has held leadership roles across lending, credit administration and branch management, including service on the Executive Leadership Team since 2021.
Evan O'Brien will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, leading the Bank's investment strategy and portfolio management efforts. Since joining Sonora Bank in 2020, O'Brien has held several financial leadership roles, including Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, and has helped strengthen the Bank's financial foundation through disciplined planning and strategic decision-making.
Jen Jones has joined the Executive Leadership Team while continuing in her role as Senior Vice President, Strategy and Planning. She has played a key role in strengthening long-term planning, advancing enterprise initiatives and enhancing alignment across the organization. Her addition to the Executive Leadership Team reflects the growing importance of strategy in supporting the Bank's continued growth and success.
Jim Cox has been appointed Executive Vice President, Special Advisor to the President, where he will provide strategic counsel and guidance to executive leadership while supporting leadership development, succession planning and key organizational initiatives. With more than 35 years of banking experience and deep institutional knowledge, Cox will continue serving as a trusted resource as the Bank executes its long-term strategic priorities.
“These leadership appointments reflect the strength of our Bank and our commitment to positioning Sonora Bank for continued growth and long-term success,” said Bob Malone, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Sonora Bank. “We have built a talented leadership team with the experience, perspective and passion needed to support our customers, employees and communities as we continue to grow. Each of these leaders brings unique strengths that will help us execute our strategic priorities while preserving the relationship-driven culture that has defined Sonora Bank for more than 125 years.
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About Sonora Bank
The First National Bank of Sonora opened in 1900, only 10 years after Sonora, Texas, became a town. By 1995, Sonora Bank expanded to San Angelo as a $50 million bank. Today, the Bank has more than $700 million in assets and 10 locations throughout West Texas and the Hill Country, including Sonora, San Angelo, Boerne, Bulverde, Wimberley, San Antonio, New Braunfels and Hutto. Sonora Bank is a Texas tradition, helping generations of Texas families with their banking needs. The Sonora Bank team provides sound financial services in a hometown atmosphere. Equal Housing Lender.