First Woman Inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame

Jill Vaughan’s career in the banking industry is a testament to the power of authenticity and mentorship. With a journey spanning from her early days at First National Bank in Madisonville Texas to her induction into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame, Vaughan’s story is a blend of individuality, teamwork and giving back.

The story begins in Madisonville, where she grew up in a strong banking family working during the summer for First National Bank of Madisonville. Vaughan pursued a degree in Finance at SHSU to pursue a career in the industry she knew best. Upon Graduation in 1982, during a tough economic time in the Texas banking industry, she started in an operational training program for Interfirst Bank Conroe, (now Bank of America).

Vaughan spent 40 years in banking which included roles as senior lending officer and bank president at the early age of 31. She worked for Amegy Bank through a series of mergers for over 25 years on the lending/production side. This included managing, coaching and training other bankers. While still at Amegy, in 2016, she was asked to consider the role as Regional Credit Officer for Zions Bancorporation at the holding company level. There she had responsibility for credit risk management and loan approval for Texas, Arizona and Nevada and played a pivotal role in the institution’s credit risk management.

In 2018, Vaughan received the honor of becoming the first women inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame, an accomplishment that she said is a career highlight. “I always wanted to be the best banker I could, helping in not only the success of my organization but playing a role in the success of our bankers and external clients. During my earlier years, being a female on the management side was not the norm but I never felt like it hindered me.”

I never wanted to be given a role because I was a female, but never wanted to not be given a role as a female. I deliberately worked for people and organizations that recognized me for my individual contributions.

In 2021, she retired from banking to return to SHSU to become the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking. This has allowed her to remain highly engaged in the industry while working to educate and train students to also pursue their dreams in banking. It is the ultimate reward to give back and help bankers and students.

Vaughan’s outstanding journey through the banking industry is marked by a particular motto – “You do you.” It is her way of emphasizing that individuality should be celebrated, as there are many paths to success. “There is not just one path, but you have to accept responsibility for your own career and be willing to learn and work hard and do what it takes to make things happen. Being back at my alma mater working with students to pursue their career dreams is one of my life’s blessings.“