Centennial BANK Chairman, J. David Williams, proudly announced the promotion of Gregg Appel as President and CEO of Centennial BANK. Appel will follow in the footsteps of former President and CEO Brian Pohlmeier, who served Centennial BANK for 30 years.
“Brian has been not only a friend and confidante to me personally, but also a strong leader and vital asset to the overall growth and success of our bank,” remarked Chairman Williams. “We are especially grateful he will continue to provide guidance and wisdom as the Vice Chairmen of our Board of Directors.”
A UT graduate and Valedictorian of the Southwest School of Banking at SMU, Gregg Appel began his banking career in 1985. Appel joined Centennial BANK in 2004 and has been the Hill Country Regional President for four years. Having worked in large and small banks during his career, Appel is passionate about community banks’ unique ability to positively impact local businesses, households, family farms, and communities.”
“I am thrilled to have Gregg at the reigns of Centennial BANK,” said Williams. “His experience and knowledge of the industry will help propel us to the next level of community banking. And his commitment to the communities we serve proves he will continue putting our customers first.”
Appel currently serves his community as Vice President and Campaign Chair of Kerr County United Way, Treasurer of the Tivy Athletic Booster Club, First Vice Chair of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce (Chairman Elect for 2017-2018), and active member of the Kerrville Rotary Club.
“I am honored and excited to begin my role as President and CEO of Centennial BANK,” commented Appel. “This bank and its customers have become like family to me and I look forward to serving them as we move Centennial BANK forward.”
Brett McDowell has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer and will now lead Centennial’s lending function in addition to also overseeing deposit and related services growth in his expanded role. He will also provide direction into the bank’s marketing and sales efforts. Holding numerous titles since his hire in 2007, McDowell most recently served as EVP-Chief Sales Officer with an added emphasis on lending and market development in the Lubbock metro market.
“Brett has proven himself since day one with Centennial BANK,” said Williams. “I am amazed at his tireless work ethic and the impact he has had on the communities he’s served and the customers he’s assisted. Brett has earned this promotion and I’m excited to watch him flourish as Chief Lending Officer.”
McDowell received his Bachelor of Science from New Mexico State University followed by an MBA from Texas Tech University and a Graduate Banking Degree from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU.
“I am humbled and excited to accept this new role at Centennial BANK”, noted McDowell. “To know that David, Brian and the Executive Team fully support me in this effort is empowering. I look forward to what lies ahead for our bank and will work diligently for my colleagues and our customers and communities – ensuring we all continue to thrive.”
McDowell is actively involved in his community serving on: Independent Banker’s Association of Texas (IBAT) Leadership Division Board, Covenant Hospital Foundation Board, Covenant Children’s Hospital Task Force Advisory Board, National Ranching Heritage Endowment Board and Lubbock Lemonade Day Advisory Board.
Centennial Bank brings over 80 years of banking expertise to customers across three regions of Texas – the Hill Country, Lubbock and the Panhandle/South Plains. The $716 million community bank operates 14 banking centers statewide, including Lubbock (3), Plainview (2), Tulia, Hart, Post and Slaton with Hill Country locations in Kerrville (2), Fredericksburg, Boerne and New Braunfels.
(Press release from Centennial BANK)
