COPPERAS COVE, TX, March 10, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Deana R. Stafford, CRCM, CAMS, CERP, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Stafford has established a distinguished career in banking and compliance, marked by more than two decades of progressive leadership and a steadfast commitment to community reinvestment. Currently serving as senior vice president, chief Community Reinvestment Act officer and fair and responsible lending officer at First National Bank Texas since 2025, she oversees operations across four states and more than 350 locations. In this capacity, she ensures the bank meets the needs of the communities it serves, builds relationships with municipalities and community-based organizations, collaborates with other financial institutions to address local priorities, reviews policies and procedures for compliance and implements robust controls to guarantee credit accessibility.

From 2020 to 2025, Ms. Stafford held the role of senior vice president, director of Community Reinvestment Act and fair and responsible lending at First National Bank Texas. During this period, she expanded the bank's outreach efforts, enhanced compliance frameworks and deepened collaborations with industry peers through active membership in organizations such as the American Bankers Association, the Texas Bankers Association and the Independent Banker Association of Texas.

Between 2013 and 2025, Ms. Stafford also served as senior vice president, director of compliance-lending; senior vice president, deputy director of compliance; and vice president, Community Reinvestment Act officer at First National Bank Texas. In these roles, she was responsible for reviewing lending practices to ensure regulatory adherence while promoting fair access to credit across diverse communities. Further solidifying her expertise in regulatory matters, she contributed to policy development and internal training programs that strengthened the institution's compliance culture.

A defining achievement in her tenure at First National Bank Texas has been the transformation of the institution's Community Reinvestment Act performance. Upon joining the bank, Ms. Stafford immediately established a dedicated committee and developed a comprehensive program that elevated the bank's rating from needing improvement to outstanding. Her leadership fostered stronger partnerships with community organizations, resulting in awards for innovative initiatives and consistent recognition for excellence in serving local needs. She and her team regularly engage directly with multiple community partners in targeted areas, ensuring investments are strategically aligned with local priorities. This hands-on approach has set the bank apart as one of the few institutions actively committed to building meaningful partnerships—a distinction frequently acknowledged by community leaders.

Prior to joining First National Bank Texas, Ms. Stafford was vice president, compliance officer at West Texas National Bank from 2009 to 2012. There she managed regulatory compliance initiatives and supported operational improvements. Her foundational experience in banking began at Wells Fargo, where she was branch manager IV from 2003 to 2009. In this capacity, she honed her skills in relationship management and operational leadership.

Her academic background includes earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Sul Ross State University in Alpine in 1995. Ms. Stafford also holds multiple industry certifications: certified enterprise risk professional from the American Bankers Association, certified anti-money laundering specialist from the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists and certified regulatory compliance manager from the American Bankers Association. These credentials have equipped her with advanced knowledge in risk management, anti-money laundering protocols and regulatory compliance—skills integral to her leadership roles.

Ms. Stafford's professional journey is underscored by several notable honors, including placement on the Dean's Honor Roll and National Dean's List as well as being named Volunteer of the Year by the American Heart Association in Midland. She attributes her achievements to an unwavering passion for her work, a quality she believes cannot be taught or certified but has consistently propelled her forward and enabled her to make a lasting impact within her field.

Ms. Stafford's entry into banking was shaped by an unexpected career shift after beginning in television and advertising. Following a job loss due to a station sale, she accepted a temporary retail position during the holidays where she quickly advanced into management over nearly a decade. Her transition into banking occurred when a Wells Fargo executive recognized her relationship-building abilities and recruited her to manage branches in Texas. Later, a former colleague invited her to join a startup oil and gas bank as a compliance officer—a role she embraced despite initial uncertainty—earning key certifications within one year while overseeing multiple areas including BSA, HMDA and Community Reinvestment Act responsibilities.

Beyond her professional commitments, Ms. Stafford is actively involved in civic organizations, including CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties, where she volunteers her time and serves as president-elect. She has also served as board president of the board of directors for the American Heart Association of Midland and Ector Counties—demonstrating ongoing dedication to community service.

In her personal life, Ms. Stafford enjoys painting, caring for her three dogs, traveling and spending time with family. Looking ahead, she is focused on preparing for retirement by building a strong team capable of continuing the impactful programs she has developed. She remains committed to mentoring staff members so they are equipped for long-term success while ensuring that community-focused initiatives continue to thrive at First National Bank Texas. She also envisions moving into consulting—helping other banks strengthen their community relationships and develop strategic plans that align financial growth with meeting local needs—continuing her lifelong dedication to fostering financial inclusion and positive community impact.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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