Kenneth L. Burgess, Jr. has been elected chairman of the American Bankers Association for the 2017-2018 association year. Burgess is also the chairman of FirstCapital Bank of Texas, a locally owned and managed independent community bank, currently holding more than $1 billion in assets.
“Banks of all sizes — no matter how big or how small — play a critical role in building strong, sustainable and financially viable communities,” said Burgess. “It’s an honor to be elected ABA chairman and advocate on behalf of these unique institutions that are making tremendous contributions to communities all across the country.”
Burgess began his banking career at First National Bank of Midland in Texas. His first role in the bank’s management candidate training program taught him valuable skills in financial reporting and investment management that he continued to build upon at United Bank in Midland and Texas National Bank of Waco.
After several years as a bank executive, Burgess went on to form his own bank in 1998. First National Bank of Midland — now known as FirstCapital Bank of Texas — is the bank he now chairs.
“Throughout his banking career, Ken has displayed an unwavering dedication to the financial success of individuals, families and communities,” said Rob Nichols, ABA president and CEO. “His commitment to our industry and extensive advocacy for banks of all sizes has already proven to be an immense asset to ABA’s board.”
Burgess has served as an advocate for the banking industry on both a state and national level, most recently joining two diverse groups of community bankers in a meeting with President Trump, and a meeting with Treasury officials, to discuss the impact of current regulations on community banks.
Burgess has held a number of leadership positions within the financial sector, previously serving as chairman of the Texas Bankers Association and the Midland Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as chairman of ABA’s Community Bankers Council and as the first chairman of the ABA Endorsed Solutions Banker Advisory Council.
In addition to his extensive background in financial services, Burgess is involved in several civic organizations. He currently serves as a board member of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, and has previously served as chairman of the Rawls College of Business Advisory Board at Texas Tech University. Burgess is also a past member of the United Way board of directors, past chair of the Midland Economic Development Council and has served on the Board of Trustees of the Waco Independent School District.
Burgess received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas Tech University. He succeeds outgoing ABA Chairman Dorothy A. Savarese, also president, CEO and chairman of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank in Massachusetts.