Citizens State Bank, a Texas-chartered community bank with a 113-year history serving San Antonio and Luling, has been acquired by a group of San Antonio business owners and investors. The acquisition, which took effect in May 2026, marks a new chapter for the institution and underscores a renewed commitment to relationship-driven community banking in South Texas.
The bank’s board has appointed Jeffrey Landers as President and Chief Executive Officer. Landers brings more than two decades of commercial banking experience in Texas, most recently serving as San Antonio Market President at Third Coast Bank. His track record includes helping institutions grow, enter new markets, and build lasting commercial relationships.
In a statement, Landers emphasized the bank’s legacy: “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.”
The investor group’s vision centers on building a modern, relationship-focused community bank that serves businesses, families, and communities across the region. To achieve this, the group plans to invest in talent and technology while preserving the personalized, local decision-making that customers expect from a community bank. Under Landers’ leadership, Citizens State Bank will focus on strategic investments in talent, technology, customer experience, commercial banking, and community development.
“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 said. “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.”
The acquisition matters because it signals continued confidence in the community banking model, particularly in a rapidly growing region like South Texas. As larger banks consolidate, locally owned institutions like Citizens State Bank can offer faster decision-making and deeper community ties. The infusion of new ownership and leadership could enhance competition, expand access to commercial lending, and support small businesses and families who value personalized service.
Citizens State Bank provides commercial banking, business lending, treasury management, consumer banking, and other financial services through locations in San Antonio and Luling. Founded in 1913, the bank is known locally as “Your Good Neighbor Bank.” With Landers at the helm, the institution aims to build on its foundation while adapting to the evolving needs of the region, potentially setting a precedent for other community banks seeking to modernize while retaining their local identity.
For media inquiries, Jeffrey Landers can be reached via Email Contact.
