First National Bank of Louisiana (FNB), a local community bank with locations in Lafayette, Crowley, Lake Charles and Sulphur, has promoted Jim Lyons, Jr. to chief operating officer.

Lyons brings a breadth of cross-functional experience to this senior management role. In addition to serving as a commercial lender in the Lafayette River Ranch Office, Lyons oversees the bank’s loan operations and compliance.

Lyons is an active member of the Lafayette community, currently serving as secretary/treasurer and chairman-elect for Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana, Acadiana Red Cross board member, Beaver Club board member as well as treasurer of Acadiana Health Education Center. He is also active in the state banking community currently serving as chairman-elect for Louisiana Bankers Education Council.

A native of Jennings and a graduate of Notre Dame High School in Crowley, Lyons received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Louisiana State University and went on to receive his MBA from University of New Orleans. He is also a graduate of LSU’s Graduate School of Banking. Lyons began his career in New Orleans with Hancock Bank, as part of their Management Associate Program, before joining FNB.

Lyons resides in Lafayette with his wife, Elizabeth and two young children James and Katherine.

“We are very pleased to make the announcement of Jim’s expanded senior management role. This new position is a reflection of the continued growth and success of our bank, and a commitment to our future," said Randy Prather, chairman, president and CEO of First National Bank. "We are fortunate to have recruited Jim some 10 years ago to come back home from the New Orleans area. It has been enjoyable watching him use his talents and abilities to advance so quickly in his career with us.”

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