A family-owned bank is ushering in a changing of the guard.
Jefferson Bank, marking its 80th anniversary this year, has appointed a new president and a new CEO. Mitchell Walker, 41, became the youngest CEO in the bank's history on Jan. 1, succeeding Danny Butler, who also served as president. Butler retired on Dec. 31 after 26 years with the bank. Reagan Winslow,who joined the bank in 2020, took over as president the same day as Walker stepped into the CEO role.
The transition is only the fifth CEO change since the bank’s founding in 1946 in San Antonio’s Jefferson neighborhood. Headquartered at 1900 Broadway, it operates branches in San Antonio, Austin, Boerne and New Braunfels, with assets of approximately $2.8 billion according to regulatory filings.
Walker, who joined 18 years ago as a credit analyst and later served as COO, called the role a “tremendous honor” but noted the responsibility of succeeding Butler. He noted that he received early opportunities with support and guardrails, and now prioritizes building similar pathways for future leaders within the organization.
“Our successors are somewhere in this bank right now," Walker said. "How do we create a system that allows us to identify those future leaders and support them?”
Winslow joined in 2020, growing the trust division significantly after serving in legal roles at USAA and at firms in Houston and San Antonio. The two align on core priorities — valuing people and customers — and view constructive debate as a way to achieve better outcomes.
“Mitch and I are very different in how we attack a problem,” Winslow said. "Good conflict or debate helps bring out the best results.”
Both stressed the importance of preserving relationship banking while using technology to improve service. Winslow said technology is essential today, but should support the human element that defines the bank's strength.
Walker echoed that the bank has always met customers where they are, blending longstanding personal service with appropriate tech advancements. The leaders are firmly committed to independence. “We’re not merging. We’re not selling. We will be independent. Period. Full stop,” Walker said.
The bank began 80 years ago to meet a neighborhood need and continues that mission by keeping lending dollars circulating locally, Walker said. Winslow said the bank’s approach to customers and employees remains unchanged.
Priorities include steady organic growth, engaged employees and satisfied customers.
Complete publication can be viewed here.
By Shay Khan – Reporter, San Antonio Business Journal
