Citizens State Bank, a Texas-chartered community bank founded in 1913 and serving San Antonio and Luling, has been acquired by a group of San Antonio business owners and investors. The acquisition, completed in May 2026, marks a new chapter for the 113-year-old institution. The bank's board has appointed Jeffrey Landers as President and Chief Executive Officer to lead its next phase of growth.
The acquisition reflects the investors' shared vision of building a modern, relationship-driven community bank focused on the needs of businesses, families, and communities across South Texas. According to the announcement, the group intends to invest in talent and technology while preserving the personalized, local decision-making that customers expect from a community bank.
Landers brings more than two decades of commercial banking experience in Texas, most recently serving as San Antonio Market President at Third Coast Bank. He has a track record of helping institutions grow, enter new markets, and build lasting commercial relationships. In a statement, Landers said, "This bank has been growing roots in Texas for over a century. That makes it one of the oldest banks in town. 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."
Under Landers' leadership, Citizens State Bank plans to build on its foundation through strategic investments in talent, technology, customer experience, commercial banking, and community development. Leadership believes the bank is well positioned to serve the growing needs of South Texas while maintaining the local relationships and responsiveness that define community banking.
"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," Landers added. "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."
Citizens State Bank provides commercial banking, business lending, treasury management, consumer banking, and other financial services to individuals, families, professionals, and businesses. Founded in 1913, the bank is known locally as "Your Good Neighbor Bank." For media inquiries, Jeffrey Landers, President and CEO, can be reached via Email Contact.
The acquisition and leadership change are significant for South Texas' community banking landscape. As one of the oldest banks in the region, Citizens State Bank's new ownership and experienced leadership could strengthen local banking options and support economic growth. The emphasis on investing in technology and talent suggests the bank aims to compete with larger institutions while maintaining its community-focused approach. This could lead to more personalized banking services and increased lending to local businesses, potentially benefiting the regional economy.
