Chief Credit Officer, First Financial Bankshares, Inc.
Luke Longhofer’s path to becoming Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at First Financial Bankshares began with a fortuitous internship at the FDIC’s Memphis field office. That early experience, suggested by Dr. Anne Macy, an impactful West Texas A&M professor, shaped his passion for community banking.
"I got to see hundreds of banks and just came to understand the importance of community banking," Luke recalls. "It’s the only banking I really know and all I want to know."
His time at the FDIC, particularly during the 2008 financial crisis, proved invaluable. "One of the most difficult times, but probably the best experience of my life, was working through the financial crisis," he says. "I traveled the country and got to see a lot of what not to do, and certainly, along the way, I got to see some banks that did the right things."
Longhofer first became aware of First Financial’s commitment to excellence during his studies at the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU in 2009. "Whenever there was a study across the classroom of who had the best ROA, who had the best efficiency ratio, or who had the best net interest margin, First Financial always had the best," he notes.
After this introduction, he joined First Financial in October 2010 as Loan Review Manager. The move wasn’t just about career advancement – it was about family. He and his wife Sharra, whom he began dating when they were 15, wanted to raise their children in Texas. Luke attributes his success to an unwavering work ethic instilled in him by his parents and grandparents while living in Amarillo. "I was never going to be blessed with God-given talents," he reflects. "Any success in my life or career was going to come from having outworked the person next to me."
This dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. In his 14 years with First Financial, Longhofer has earned respect throughout the organization for his focused approach and commitment to excellence. Now, as Chief Credit Officer, he sees tremendous opportunity in First Financial’s future, built on the strong foundation laid by his predecessors.
"The most beautiful part about this Company is its foundation," he says. "With our balance sheet strength and being located in the greatest state in the country, there are so many opportunities ahead."
When not focused on banking, Luke and Sharra dedicate their time to their two sons and youth mentoring initiatives in the community. It’s a natural extension of his belief in teamwork, a value he learned through years of competitive soccer.
"This company depends highly on teammates," Luke explains. "Its success, and certainly my own success, has always been driven by the people around me."