Our Executive Team

Brad Tidwell

Chief Executive Officer

Brad became President and CEO of VeraBank in 2008. Under his management, the bank has grown from $700 million in assets to over $3.9 billion, and has evolved into a progressive, full-service financial institution, offering retail and commercial banking, wealth management, and insurance. Prior to joining VeraBank, Brad spent 17 years with J.P. Morgan Chase. In his spare time, he is a classic rock enthusiast (go ahead, quiz him!). Brad holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M.

Michael R. Moores,
CPA

President

Michael Moores joined VeraBank in September 1993, and has over 18 years’ experience in commercial lending. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Accounting, is a 1998 graduate of Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU, a 1999 graduate of ABA National Commercial Lending Graduate School, and a 2011 graduate of the Graduate School of Bank Investments and Financial Management at University of South Carolina. (whew!)

Woodie Tipps

Sr. Executive Vice President & Chief Retail Banking Officer

Woodie is a strong, visionary leader who believes that community banks are here to stay, and as a result, always pushes VeraBank to adopt new technologies, processes, and services. After 30 years in retail banking at J.P. Morgan Chase, he joined VeraBank’s leadership in 2011. He is a committed member of the Henderson community, serving on numerous boards and is a past President of Henderson Rotary Club. Woodie holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business from the University of Texas – Austin (but don’t tell Brad). 

Michael Purifoy

Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Treasury & Digital Banking Officer 

Michael Purifoy joined VeraBank in 2014 as head of the business banking department. He brought a decade of banking/treasury management experience to his position. He manages the growth and security of all of VeraBank’s treasury product solutions. Michael serves with many community services and currently serves as Chairman of the Board for DORS Community Services in Longview.

Danette Heffner

Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources & Training Officer

Danette Heffner joined the VeraBank team in 2008 and has over twenty five years of banking and Human Resources experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is a Certified Professional in Human Resources accredited by the Human Resources Certification Institute. Danette is also a Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) Certified Professional and has volunteered with numerous civic and non-profit organizations in East Texas.

Cameron Nofi

Sr. Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Cameron has oversight of the bank’s overall financial operations and assists with its long-term financial strategy. His expertise, knowledge, and more than a decade of experience in finance helps guide VeraBank as it continues to grow throughout Texas. Prior to joining VeraBank, Nofi focused on accounting and finance for both public and private community and regional banks. Cameron earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Science in Accountancy at the Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York. Nofi is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas and a Chartered Financial Analyst. An Austin native, Nofi gives back to his hometown volunteering with and serving on the Board of the First Tee – Greater Austin.

Alex Hammond

Sr. Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer

Alex is a native Texan, lives in Tyler, and is a Baylor graduate with over 11 years of experience in the financial services industry. He spends his time developing opportunities across Texas and has expertise in both credit and commercial lending. Alex enjoys being active in his community and currently serves as a board member for Children’s Village and PATH.

Jon Moore

Sr. Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Approval Officer

Jon joined VeraBank in 2013 as a Senior Vice President and Central Region Manager. He is the manager responsible for the Tyler, Texas and Lufkin, Texas markets including branch management and lending. He is responsible for helping grow and manage the bank’s Central Region Commercial Loan Portfolio. He also serves on many of the bank’s Committees. He earned a B.A. Degree in Sociology from Baylor University, a M.A. Degree in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a M.B.A. from the McColl School of Business at Queens University in Charlotte, NC. Jon has served on several community boards currently on the Mentoring Alliance, East Texas Crisis Center, and RMA Texas Chapter boards.

Joel Jackson

Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer & Regional Chairman - Southeast Region

Joel Jackson has been in banking for nearly two decades. As a Texas A&M graduate and long-time supporter of the Mays Business School Commercial Banking program, he came to VeraBank from Guaranty Bank & Trust. His contribution has paved the way for the bank’s expansion into the Bryan-College Station market.

Paul Gerling

Sr. Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer & Regional Chairman - Central Texas Region

A 34-year Austin banker, Gerling had been with Comerica Bank in Austin the last 22 years. He led their Technology Banking practice and subsequently served as Austin Market President and the leader for all Central Texas commercial banking activities. Gerling is a lifelong Austin resident and has both a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas and MBA from St. Edwards University.

Andrew Adams

Executive Vice President & Regional Chairman - West Region

Andrew’s banking career spans 20+ years. He has built strong relationships with deep roots over the years as a Tyler native. Andrew has a wealth of banking experience and business knowledge to help businesses succeed with ease and assurance. In his downtime, Andrew enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family along with serving the community through participation in numerous civic organizations.

Glenn Bickerdike

Executive Vice President & Regional President - Harrison & Marion Counties

Glenn was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, and has been a banker for over 30 years. With experience at Bancorp South and Merrill Lynch, his commitment to East Texas remains strong. As a UT-Tyler graduate, he stayed true to his roots serving East Texas communities, boards and organizations. He currently resides in Marshall with his wife and three children, and earned the 2015 Sam B. Hall, Jr. Civic Service Award.

Brett Biggs

Executive Vice President & Regional President - Panola & Rusk Counties 

Brett Biggs joined VeraBank with the acquisition of Panola National Bank in 2021, and has over 27 years’ experience in banking. He graduated from Texas A&M with a BBA in Finance. Brett’s roots run deep in the Carthage community and he proudly serves on various local boards. While away from the office he enjoys snow skiing, fishing and traveling.

Kathy Brown

Executive Vice President, Chief Loan Operations & Servicing Officer

Kathy joined VeraBank in 2006 and is a native of Henderson, Texas. She has over 25 years of banking experience and is a 2010 graduate from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU.

Andrew Cawthon

Executive Vice President, Chief Deposit Operations & Fraud Officer

Andrew joined VeraBank in 2016 bringing over 31 years of experience in the banking industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of North Texas. Away from the office, Andrew enjoys spending time with his grandson, along with being an avid hunter and fisherman.

Ashlyn Cole

Executive Vice President & Regional President - Angelina & Anderson Counties

Ashlyn has been a community banker for 11+ years, having spent her career in commercial lending, helping small and large businesses throughout East Texas with their banking needs. Ashlyn graduated with a B.A. in Finance from The University of Texas at Tyler. She embodies the community banking model of strong connections to the community through active service to local nonprofits and participation in volunteer opportunities. Ashlyn enjoys baking and spending time with her family.

Toby Fails

Executive Vice President, Chief Wealth Management & Trust Officer

Toby joined VeraBank in 2014 from one of the largest Wealth Management firms in the U.S. He has more than 16 years experience working with high net worth families on their fiduciary, investment management, wealth transfer, tax planning, and risk management needs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in Finance and Estate Planning. Toby also has a Certified Trust & Financial Advisor designation.

Ryan Hamilton

Executive Vice President & Regional Chairman - East Region

Ryan’s career spans over 17 years in the community banking sector. As Regional President, in the Longview market, Ryan is focused on deepening customer relationships and cultivating new ones. He embodies the VeraBank culture by prioritizing the needs of those we serve – both externally and internally. In his free time he enjoys spending time on the golf course, fishing and soaking up memories with his family and is actively involved in the Longview community

Christina Janecka

Executive Vice President & Chief Mortgage Banking Officer

An energetic and motivated member of our team, her focus is on mortgage and commercial banking. Christina began her career in banking 30+ years ago and has been with VeraBank since 2004. In 2010, Christina completed The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU. She is a native of Corsicana and is passionate about serving the community.

Ronald Nix

Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

Ronald Nix joined VeraBank in 2005 and currently serves as the leader of the bank’s IT team, tasked with analyzing, designing, implementing and managing IT systems and projects. His major responsibility is to ensure VeraBank technology is secure and relevant to employee and customer needs. Prior to joining VeraBank, he was a senior escalation engineer at Dell. He also served as a Field Artillery Data Systems Manager in the US Army.

Jennifer Ware

Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

Jennifer Ware joined VeraBank in 2022 and has more than 18 years of experience in marketing, communications, and public relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Centenary College of Louisiana and a Master of Public Policy from The George Washington University. Jennifer is a firm believer in giving back to the community and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Longview Chamber of Commerce, Longview Symphony, Longview 20/20, and Longview Community Foundation (co-founder). She is a Junior League of Longview Sustainer, and member of the LeTourneau University President’s Advisory Council. Jennifer has also volunteered with several of Longview non-profit organizations, including: Longview Museum of Fine Arts Board of Directors (President), Spring Hill ISD Education Foundation, CHRISTUS Circle, East Texas Literacy Council, Zonta, Go Red for Women, City of Longview Parks and Recreation Board, and Longview Dog Park (co-founder).

Rosalyn Williamson,
CPA

Executive Vice President & Controller

Rosalyn joined VeraBank in 2016 with over 30 years financial reporting and accounting experience, and is responsible for overseeing the accounting functions of the bank. Prior to joining VeraBank, she was the controller of a $1.2 billion bank in Houston for 5 years. Rosalyn is Certified Public Accountant and a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.B.A. in accounting.