DALLAS – May 4, 2023 – The Texas A&M University System proudly announced Vista Bank board member, William “Bill” Mahomes as Chairman of the Texas A&M University system, after he was duly elected yesterday.
Formerly a partner at Bracewell LLP, Mr. Mahomes first joined Vista Bank as Executive Vice President and General Counsel in 2021, a role that he held until transitioning to the Bank’s Board of Directors earlier this year.
Prior to Bracewell, Mr. Mahomes was a senior partner for a Dallas-based national law firm, a partner for an international law firm, a senior vice-president and general counsel for a mid-sized local corporation, and was counsel for the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”). Additionally, he served as a Captain in the United States Army Reserves, where he served as company commander and was assigned to the JAG Corps.
Bill Mahomes was originally appointed to the Texas A&M University Board of Regents by Governor Greg Abbott in 2015, reappointed in 2021, and elected Vice-Chairman on June 7, 2021.
A first-generation college student, Mahomes graduated with a bachelor’s in business from Texas A&M before earning his law degree in 1972 at the University of Texas. Mr. Mahomes was the first black student to graduate after four years in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, an accomplishment the humble leader rarely acknowledges.
“Though I understand the significance of it, I’ve never thought much about being a first to achieve any goal I’ve set for myself,” noted Mr. Mahomes. “I just like to serve others and make a positive impact on the generation behind me. I’m honored to do so as a director at Vista Bank and humbled to have been named Chairman of the Board of Regents at my beloved Texas A&M.”
“I’ve had the great fortune to work side by side with Bill Mahomes for a couple of years now,” added John D. Steinmetz, Chief Executive Officer of Vista Bank. “One of the most recognized, accomplished, and respected men I’ve known, his humility and grace are matched only by his legal acumen. I know he’s added massive value to A&M’s board as he has ours, and I congratulate Bill and the A&M Board of Regents for this exciting step in their history.”
