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 in May 2026. The acquisition marks a new chapter for the institution, which has appointed Jeffrey Landers as President and Chief Executive Officer to lead its next phase of growth. The move is significant because it brings together local investors committed to building a modern, relationship-driven community bank focused on the needs of businesses, families, and communities across South Texas. The investor group intends to invest in talent and technology while preserving the personalized, local decision-making that customers expect from a community bank, according to the announcement.
Landers brings more than two decades of commercial banking experience in Texas, most recently serving as San Antonio Market President at Third Coast Bank. He has a track record of 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." Under his leadership, Citizens State Bank plans to build on its foundation through strategic investments in talent, technology, customer experience, commercial banking, and community development. Leadership believes the bank is well positioned to serve the growing needs of South Texas while maintaining the local relationships and responsiveness that define community banking.
The implications of this acquisition extend beyond a simple change in ownership. It signals a bet on the resilience and potential of community banking in Texas, particularly as larger institutions continue to consolidate. By keeping decision-making local and investing in technology, the new ownership group aims to differentiate Citizens State Bank in a competitive market. Landers added, "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. 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."
Citizens State Bank, founded in 1913 and known locally as "Your Good Neighbor Bank," provides commercial banking, business lending, treasury management, consumer banking, and other financial services. For media inquiries, contact Jeffrey Landers, President & CEO, at Email Contact. The acquisition and leadership change are expected to position the bank for long-term growth while honoring its community-focused heritage.
