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For the first time in three decades, Happy State Bank will have a change in the CEO position for the bank.

Happy State Bank Chairman J. Pat Hickman announced the appointment of Mikel Williamson as the bank's new Chief Executive Officer to shareholders at a meeting in April. Hickman will remain Chairman of both Happy State Bank and Happy Bancshares, Inc.

“I am excited about our bank’s future with Mikel at the helm," Hickman said. "I have every confidence in his banking savvy and people skills. He has actually been running the day-to-day operations for the past eighteen months as we’ve achieved record earnings and growth. He is a wonderful husband and father, an outstanding faith-based leader, and a talented, intelligent banker. It’s going to be fun to watch Mikel lead this Happy Team to whole new heights.”

Williamson added: “I am honored to be handed the torch. Pat has always been a great leader, mentor and friend to me. He has taught me so much. I look forward to continuing the successful legacy established by Happy State Bank. Happy will continue to focus on what we do best, taking care of our customers, employees and leading with our core values. The business success accomplished in 30 years under Pat’s leadership would take others many generations to match.”

Happy State Bank notes that Williamson has 24 years of experience in the banking industry. He earned a Business Administration degree in Strategic Management from the University of North Texas, and serves on a number of boards, including the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce.

Happy State Bank currently operates 43 locations in 32 Texas communities, including Lubbock and Amarillo, and has over 770 employees with $4 Billion in assets.

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