Our Executive Team

Brad Tidwell

President & 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

Chief Lending Officer & Executive Vice 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

Chief Retail Officer & Executive Vice President

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). 

Todd Engemoen

Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President

Todd has been with VeraBank since 2014, and brings 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst accreditation and is a member of the CFA Institute. Todd graduated with a B.A. in Economics with highest honors and an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance, both from the University of Texas at Austin.

Danette Heffner

HR Director & Executive Vice President

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.

Andrew Adams

Regional Manager & Senior Vice President

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

Regional Manager & Senior Vice President

Glenn was born and raised in Tyler, Texas, and has been a banker for over 33 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

Market President & Senior Vice President 

Brett Biggs joined VeraBank with the acquisition of Panola National Bank in 2021, and has over 24 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

Loan Operations Manager & Senior Vice President

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.

Ree Carlson

Customer Experience Officer & Senior Vice President

Ree Fraley has over 25 years of banking experience, joining VeraBank as a former Union State Bank SVP and COO. Her tenure and commitment to the industry has been invaluable to the successful growth of the bank. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, biking, ranching, and gardening.

Andrew Cawthon

Deposit Operations Manager & Senior Vice President

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.

Gaye Clements

Commercial Lender & Senior Vice President

Gaye joined VeraBank in 2015 and has over 33 years of lending and management experience in the banking industry. She is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a degree in business.

Ashlyn Cole

Market President & Senior Vice President

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

Wealth Management Manager & Senior Vice President

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

Regional Manager & Senior Vice President

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

Alex Hammond

Manager of Strategic Credit Opportunities & Senior Vice President

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.

Joel Jackson

Regional Manager & Senior Vice President

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.

Christina Janecka

Regional Manager & Senior Vice President

An energetic and motivated member of our team, her focus is on mortgage and commercial lending. Christina began her career in banking 24 years ago and has spent the last 14 years at VeraBank. 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.

Lois Jones

Chief Compliance Officer & Senior Vice President

2320 Hwy. 79 S.
Henderson, TX 75654
Contact Lois

Lois has over 42 years of banking experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas College, an HBCU, and is a member of the Institute of Certified Bankers with a Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager designation. She has completed ABA’s National Compliance School and the ABA Graduate School of Compliance Risk Management. Lois is an avid supporter of her community by volunteering and serving on numerous non-profit boards. In her spare time she enjoys taking care of her flowers.

Barbara Long

Audit Manager & Senior Vice President

2320 Hwy. 79 S.
Henderson, TX 75654
Contact Barbara

Barbara has been in banking for over 30 years, joining VeraBank in 2003. She currently manages the bank’s internal audit function. She earned a BBA in Accounting from UT Tyler, and holds professional designations of Certified Public Accountant, Certified Global Management Accountant, and Certified Internal Auditor. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Texas Society of CPAs, East Texas Chapter of CPAs, and the Institute of Internal Auditors. She is a volunteer and advocate for children, serving as a member of child welfare organizations at the county, regional, and state levels.

Jon Moore

Chief Credit Approval Officer & Senior Vice President

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.

Ronald Nix

Chief Technology Officer & Senior Vice President

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.

Cameron Nofi

Director of Finance & Senior Vice President

Cameron has oversight and responsibility for the bank’s financial planning analysis and asset liability monitoring and reporting. Nofi has more than a decade of experience in banking, with a focus 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 New York State, as well as a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. An Austin native, Nofi gives back to his hometown as a member of the Young Men’s Business League of Austin and volunteer with the Austin Sunshine Camp.

Michael Purifoy

Head of Business Banking & Senior Vice President

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.

Michael Ramirez

Market President & Senior Vice President

A native Austinite, Michael Ramirez joined VeraBank in 2020 and was named Austin Market President the following year. Michael is focused on loans and deposits for small businesses, high net worth individuals, and commercial real estate investors and developers. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Finance in 2009 and embarked on his banking career straightaway. Michael currently serves on the Board of Directors for Breakthrough Central Texas and recently joined the Opportunity Austin Economic Development Council. He has volunteered with several Austin non-profits, including The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, who recognized him as their 2021 Central Texas Man of the Year. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Kaitlin, and their dog Cuatro.

Jonathan Voight

Regional Manager & Senior Vice President

902 Palm Valley Blvd.
(Hwy 79 E)
Round Rock, TX 78664
Contact Jonathan

Jonathan joined VeraBank in 2019 to focus on growth opportunities in Williamson and Travis Counties (the Greater Austin MSA). He brings 13+ years of impressive lending experience. Born in Central Texas, Jonathan spent the last seven years in Bryan/College Station. He currently participates in the Ascend Emerging Leaders Program through the Round Rock Chamber and is a member of the Texas A&M Class of 2002.

Jay Walker

Regional Manager & Senior Vice President

Jay Walker came to VeraBank via the acquisition of Union State Bank in 2018, and is a valuable asset – bringing nearly 30 years of experience to the commercial lending team. His time at organizations of all sizes helps guide him in his current role, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of the Central Region.

Jennifer Ware

SVP of Marketing and Communications

Jennifer Ware joined VeraBank in 2022 with 15+ 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 serves on the Board of Directors for the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, Longview Foundation and Spring Hill ISD Education Foundation, and she is also a member of the CHRISTUS Circle, Junior League of Longview sustainer and volunteer with Arts!Longview.

Rosalyn Williamson,
CPA

Controller & Senior Vice President

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.