A Conversation with Amee LeBlanc, VP and Banking Center Manager at Texas First Bank
Nestled within the heart of Crystal Beach, Texas First Bank stands as more than just a place to make deposits or cash checks—it’s a cornerstone of community life. At the helm of this vibrant hub is Amee LeBlanc, Vice President and Banking Center Manager, whose journey with the bank embodies the spirit of local commitment and dedication. I had the chance to sit down with Amee to explore her story, the bank’s history, and its dynamic role in the community.
Texas First Bank’s presence in Crystal Beach dates back to 1985, when it opened as Gulf Shore Bank. “We’ve been here since July of 1985—forty years,” Amee shared proudly. From its original location across the street to its current home in The Big Store after Hurricane Ike destroyed the old building, Texas First Bank has weathered both literal and figurative storms.
Amee’s own path at Texas First Bank is a testament to hard work and opportunity. She started in Texas City as a part-time teller, commuting from Galveston. Quickly, her role expanded—first to full-time, then to assistant banking center manager, before crossing the ferry to Crystal Beach. “I didn’t even know there was a ferry to Bolivar,” she laughed.
Amee gradually became the face of the bank on the Peninsula, eventually earning her position as VP and Banking Center Manager. “I always hoped I’d become the manager,” she said, reflecting on her progression.
When Hurricane Ike hit, the community—and the bank—faced enormous challenges. But it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Amee saw an unexpected boom. “Our deposits, accounts, everything skyrocketed because we stayed open when many others didn’t. People came here, bought houses, opened accounts—it was a busy time.”
Of course, the Peninsula’s seasonal and transient nature means business can ebb and flow. “We’ve seen some people come, think it’s a vacation spot, then realize it’s different and leave,” she noted. Yet through it all, the bank’s commitment to serving the community remains constant.
Amee is quick to credit her team—Alexis, Polly, Leslie, and Nicole—for the positive atmosphere at the branch. “We’re like a family here,” she said. “We spend so much time together, it’s important that everyone is happy and supported.”
That sense of community extends to their customers too. “I get calls on my cell phone from customers asking to make transfers,” Amee said with a smile. “It’s just part of being here.”
Polly, one of the bank’s Client Services Professionals, echoed those sentiments: “They make everybody feel like they’re actually family. I came from corporate banks where you’re just a number, but here, they truly care.”
Texas First Bank’s identity as a community bank isn’t just talk—it’s action. From supporting the Texas Crab Festival to sponsoring local schools and scholarships, Amee and her team are deeply embedded in the life of Crystal Beach. “I’d rather sponsor a little bit everywhere than just one big thing,” Amee explained. “It’s about being present, showing we care.”
Personally, Amee also serves on the Emergency Services District (ESD) Board and the board for Coastal Gateway, a new health clinic in Winnie. “I don’t know much about medicine, but I wanted to help bring this clinic to the Peninsula—it’s needed,” she said.
As Texas First Bank continues to grow—with 27 banking centers and 52 ATMs across southeast Texas—Amee hopes to see a standalone branch in Crystal Beach someday. “The community is growing, and it would be great to have our own building,” she said.
Technologically, the bank is advancing too. “We’ve added Zelle for personal accounts, and we hope to bring it to businesses soon,” Amee noted. The bank also offers Secure Lock, an advanced fraud prevention system that sends alerts for suspicious transactions.
Amee summed it up beautifully: “We’re real people here. You’re not going to get an automated voice when you call us—you’re going to talk to someone who cares.” That authenticity, combined with community involvement and exceptional customer service, is what makes Texas First Bank a true local institution.
As Amee LeBlanc and her team continue to support Crystal Beach’s financial and community needs, one thing is clear: Texas First Bank isn’t just about banking—it’s about building lasting relationships and being a steadfast neighbor in a town that values its sense of home.
