With more than 17 years of experience, Holli McClain strives to perfect her trade and has seen firsthand that the possibilities are endless when it comes to banking.

Today, McClain serves as the senior vice president and CFO at First Bank of Wichita Falls. Through her role, she oversees the finance and compliance departments and is primarily responsible for budget, asset-liability management, investment portfolio management and financial reporting.

From public accountant to bank executive

Born and raised in Texas, McClain moved around a lot as a child and graduated high school in Seymour with a class size of 36. She later went on to attend Midwestern State University and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.

At the age of 20, she began her career at a local accounting firm, where she assisted on financial institution audits. McClain quickly began to develop an admiration and fascination with the banking industry and in 2011, she went on to obtain her CPA license specializing in financial statement and compliance audits of financial institutions and local governments.

McClain accepted the position of assistant vice president of finance at First Bank in 2013, a former client whom she had worked with for several years — and the rest is history. 

“I have always been fascinated by how banks play an integral role in the economy through the creation of money,” said McClain. “I love working in an industry that at its core is such an important piece in the success of our country and the communities in which they operate.”

In 2018, she was promoted to senior vice president and CFO. While McClain is passionate about banking, she also enjoys the privilege of helping people build their dreams, from starting a small business to buying a home, providing outreach through a nonprofit and more.

Most recently, McClain joined the TBA Services Company Board of Directors. As a first-term board member, she helps to manage the relationships with third-party providers who offer services to Texas banks. 

“I am most excited about finding quality vendors who offer top-notch products that can help our members capitalize on opportunities and satisfy core needs,” McClain added.

A century of commitment

Originally First National Bank of Burkburnett, First Bank was founded by Joseph A. Kemp and Frank Kell in May 1907 in Burkburnett. Since its debut, this community bank has continued to flourish for more than a century and prides itself on putting its customers first.

“I believe community banks are the backbone of the cities and towns in which they operate,” McClain said.

With locations in Wichita Falls, Frisco, Aledo, Burkburnett and Iowa Park, First Bank has been a steadfast community partner and is instrumental in the growth of North Texas and southern Oklahoma.

“There’s a reason First Bank has been around for generations. People are our number one priority — our customers, our employees and our community,” said McClain. “Your worth is not counted in dollars at First Bank. It’s counted in the family and friends you have entrusted to our service.”

First Bank prides itself on its continuous service and a strong history of putting its customers and community first. Highlights include its Casual for a Cause fund — a monthly initiative that allows employees to wear jeans by donating to the monthly charity of choice, financial literacy programs in partnership with Booker T. Washington Elementary School and sponsorships for local events, to name a few.

“I have learned banking is more than just an industry. It is more like a family. All supporting each other and working toward common goals,” McClain said.

In addition, First Bank participates as a lender in the Homes for Heroes program, the largest nationwide network of affiliate real estate, mortgage and local business specialists who are committed to providing easy ways for heroes to save on a home.

“It is our way of giving back to firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military, health care professionals and teachers for all that they do,” added McClain.

Life outside of banking

When she’s not working at First Bank, McClain enjoys spending time with her husband, Keith, and their three wonderful children, Kylee, Baylee, Kaden, as well their son-in-law Dalton and grandchild, Dakota.

In addition to being a new grandmother, McClain can often be found cheering on the sidelines for her son and niece at sporting events or making a trip to College Station to visit with her daughter and learn all of the Aggie traditions.