Susser Bank has appointed Effie Dennison as Executive Director of Strategic Growth and Corporate Partnerships, a new leadership role supporting the bank’s continued growth across Texas and its commitment to the businesses and communities it serves. Dennison is recognized for building high-impact partnerships that expand access to capital and strengthen local economic opportunity.

Based at Susser Bank’s Dallas headquarters at the new Old Parkland East Campus, Dennison will work across all the bank’s markets statewide. In her role, she leads initiatives to advance growth through strategic partnerships, enhance community engagement, and align the bank’s enterprise strategy and brand with opportunities to expand our presence in the markets we serve.

“Susser Bank is at a point in its growth where scale, focus, and community engagement must move forward together,” said Carl Cravens, President and Chief Banking Officer of Susser Bank. “Effie brings the experience and perspective to help us grow intentionally, supporting our clients, strengthening our presence in key markets, and ensuring we remain a trusted partner in the communities where we do business.”

Dennison brings more than 25 years of experience in strategic growth and community development, with a track record of helping financial institutions expand their footprint while building strong relationships with civic leaders, nonprofit organizations, and corporate partners. She is known for connecting enterprise strategy, brand, and partnerships in ways that support long-term business objectives and measurable community outcomes.

Prior to joining Susser Bank, Dennison served as Managing Director and Head of Community Development & Corporate Responsibility at a well-known Texas-based bank, where she led statewide efforts across affordable housing, economic development, community investment, corporate philanthropy, and employee engagement.

“Susser Bank has built a strong culture grounded in local decision-making, accountability, and respect for the markets it serves,” said Dennison. “The opportunity ahead is to build on that foundation, working alongside a talented team to support growth that continues to benefit our clients while also advancing the strength, resilience, and prosperity of the communities where the bank operates. I am deeply committed to helping communities thrive and to contributing in meaningful ways across all Susser Bank markets.”

Dennison is an active civic leader and currently serves on the boards of The Family Place and Texas Women’s Foundation Alumna. She has received multiple honors for her leadership in corporate responsibility and community advocacy, including the Dallas Business Journal Minority Business Leader Community Advocate Award and Women Who Mean Business Award.

Susser Bank has appointed Jerret Krouse as San Antonio Market President, a significant leadership addition that underscores the bank’s continued investment in high-growth Texas markets. Krouse will lead Susser Bank’s strategic expansion across the region, deepening client relationships and aligning the bank’s capabilities with the evolving needs of businesses and entrepreneurs throughout San Antonio.

This appointment reflects Susser Bank’s long-term commitment to building a premier banking franchise grounded in relationships, responsiveness and community partnership.

“San Antonio is a priority market for Susser Bank, and our growth strategy demands leadership that combines market insight with disciplined execution,” said Sam L. Susser, Chairman and CEO of Susser Bank. “With more than 20 years of professional leadership experience, Jerret is an accomplished banking executive known for cultivating trusted relationships, building exceptional teams and delivering results with integrity. His leadership strengthens our ability to serve clients at the highest level while expanding our presence in one of the most economically vibrant regions in Texas.”

In his role, Krouse will oversee commercial banking efforts across the San Antonio region, champion talent development, and foster partnerships that support long-term economic growth. His leadership will play an integral role as Susser Bank continues to walk the talk and build the bank to last, not to sell.

“The Susser team has built a distinctive culture centered on relationships, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the communities it serves,” said Krouse. “The opportunity to lead in a market as dynamic as San Antonio, alongside a team that prioritizes clients and long-term partnerships, is incredibly compelling. I look forward to building on the bank’s strong foundation and helping businesses and communities thrive.”

Krouse previously held senior leadership roles guiding business banking and middle market teams, where he was instrumental in expanding client coverage, strengthening performance and enhancing the overall client experience. He also led market-facing initiatives focused on community engagement and building strategic partnerships, experience that positions him to further elevate Susser Bank’s presence across the region.

He began his banking career supporting public finance, commercial banking, credit analysis, and branch operations, establishing a comprehensive understanding of client needs, operational excellence and market dynamics that continues to inform his leadership approach.

Krouse holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, graduating Summa Cum Laude and earning membership in multiple national honor societies.

A dedicated civic leader, Krouse has served in leadership capacities with numerous nonprofit and service organizations and remains actively engaged in initiatives that strengthen regional prosperity. He currently serves as a Civic Leader with the U.S. Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command and as an Honorary Commander for the 319th Training Squadron, reflecting an enduring commitment to service.

Our first Quarterly Business Review of the year brought leaders from across all our markets together around a simple but powerful theme: Execution. Because as Carl Cravens, President and Chief Banking Officer, put it, the mountain doesn’t reward climbers with great potential…it rewards execution.

Day one grounded us in the fundamentals. As we reflected on 2025, we also looked ahead, discussing how disciplined growth, thoughtful strategy and deep client relationships will continue to define our path forward. We were grateful to learn from Dan Hajdu, Director, Derivatives Products Group, PNC, and Chelsea Rheam, Senior Associate, Derivatives Products Group, PNC, who led a productive discussion on interest rates and swaps in an evolving market environment.

Day two pushed us into what’s next. Alex Treece, Co-Founder & CEO of Stablecore, and Jessi Goostree, Executive Director of the Texas Blockchain Council, sparked a dynamic conversation on digital assets, stablecoin and the implications for financial institutions committed to learning and navigating a new world of payments, currency and business models that will impact all businesses.

We also took time to recognize excellence within our own team. Congratulations to Tim Caperton, MBA, Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager for our Austin market, who was recognized for his outstanding performance to date. His leadership and commitment to our clients exemplify the standard we strive for across the bank.

And because strong teams are built both in and out of the boardroom, we capped it off with an evening at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, a little friendly competition, a lot of laughs and a great reminder that connection fuels performance.

Grateful for the thoughtful dialogue, the energy and the shared commitment to building a bank that continues to innovate, adapt and deliver for our clients, setting the tone for 2026 and beyond.

Susser Bank announced the appointment of Dr. Jay C. Hartzell, President of SMU, to its Board of Directors. A visionary and nationally renowned leader with an extraordinary record of accomplishment inside and outside academia, Dr. Hartzell brings a distinguished record of leadership across higher education, finance, real estate, corporate governance, and community engagement.

Dr. Hartzell currently serves as the 11th president of SMU, where he is leading the University during a period of significant opportunity and momentum. Prior to joining SMU, Dr. Hartzell was President of The University of Texas at Austin, where he oversaw record highs in applications, enrollment, research expenditures and philanthropic support. Earlier, he served as Dean of the McCombs School of Business, one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious business schools. He began his academic career as an assistant professor of finance at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Throughout his career, Dr. Hartzell has worked closely with Texas businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, advising on growth, governance, and financial strategy. His ability to translate rigorous academic research into practical, high-impact solutions positions him to benefit Susser Bank’s clients, strengthen its team, and help shape the bank’s long-term strategy.

“Jay Hartzell has demonstrated a remarkable ability to strengthen institutions through disciplined leadership, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” said Sam L. Susser, Chairman and CEO of Susser Bank. “At a moment when the banking industry is being reshaped by consolidation, our guiding principle, ‘Built to Last. Not to Sell.,’ remains at the core of who we are. Jay’s perspective and experience serving two of Texas’ premier institutions will be a strong addition to our board as we continue to build enduring relationships and support the long-term success of our clients, our team members and the communities we operate in.”

Beyond academia, Dr. Hartzell serves on the board of MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE: MTG) and is actively engaged with the Dallas Citizens Council and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas CEO Advisory Council. His deep commitment to civic leadership and community development aligns with Susser Bank’s mission to foster economic opportunity across Texas.

“I am deeply honored to join the board of a respected Texas financial institution like Susser Bank during a time of significant opportunity,” said Dr. Hartzell. “Susser Bank’s clear purpose, long-term vision, and focus on client success make this an exciting opportunity. Plus, I am inspired by the exceptional talent that the bank has already assembled and is continuing to attract. I look forward to helping the bank continue to innovate, anticipate client needs, and deliver solutions that set a new standard for Texas financial institutions.”

Dr. Hartzell earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration and economics from Trinity University and a Ph.D. in finance from The University of Texas at Austin.