Peoples Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Chris Lamberson, Carolyn Bell and Colton Perry to Vice President

This advancement recognizes Lamberson's exceptional dedication and leadership throughout his 18-year tenure with the institution.

Lamberson is a 2015 graduate of Texas A & M - Commerce where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business with finance major.  Since beginning his career at Peoples Bank in 2008, he has steadily advanced through various roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to the bank's mission of “People Helping People”.  His deep understanding of banking operations has made him an invaluable asset to the organization.

Lamberson is a graduate of Leadership Lamar County and has served on the Leadership Board as Treasurer and as Secretary.  He is also an active member of the Class of 2028 at the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at SMU.

As Vice President, Lamberson will continue working closely with the Executive Vice President/Cashier to oversee the daily operations of the bank.  His responsibilities will include strategic planning, operational oversight, and ensuring the highest standards of customer service across all departments.

"Chris has been instrumental in our bank's success over the past 18 years," said CEO/President Brad Perry.  "His promotion to Vice President is well-deserved recognition of his hard work, dedication, and leadership abilities.  We're confident he will continue to focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction."

Lamberson responded "I'm honored to accept this new role and excited about the opportunities ahead. Peoples Bank has been my professional home for nearly two decades, and I look forward to continuing to serve our customers and community."

Lamberson is married to Kara, and they are parents to Cooper with a little sister coming soon.

This promotion recognizes the positive impact and meaningful contributions she has made in 31 years of service and dedication to Peoples Bank and the community.

Bell attended Paris Junior College & Northwestern State University in Natchitoches LA, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in business. She currently serves as a Lamar County Chamber Ambassador and as Past President of Leadership Lamar County.

"Carolyn has consistently shown the strategic thinking, client focus, and leadership qualities that define our executive team," said President and CEO Brad Perry.  "Her promotion to Vice President is well-deserved recognition of her commitment to excellence and positions her to make significant contributions to the bank's ongoing objectives.”

Bell's advancement comes on the heels of her recent promotion to Commercial Loan Officer. She began her banking career with Peoples Bank in 1995 as a teller.  Her long tenure has spanned a variety of leadership roles, including branch manager at the bank’s Wal-Mart and Lamar and Collegiate locations, and Executive Administrative Assistant in the Executive Offices of the Downtown location. In 2014 she made the transition to the IT department, and in 2017 was recognized with a promotion to Assistant Vice President.  She became a mortgage processor in 2019, Mortgage Loan Officer in 2021 and advanced to Commercial Loan Officer in 2025. 

"I'm truly honored by the confidence the Board of Directors has placed in me," Bell said.  “I am also eternally grateful for the everlasting support from my family, as well as those who began as co-workers and customers and have become friends. I look forward to continuing the longstanding tradition of “People Helping People”.

Carolyn and Brett, her husband of 32 years, reside in Brookston and are the proud parents of two sons, Carlton and Jordan.

Since joining Peoples Bank in 2021, Perry has distinguished himself as a loan officer and continues to gain valuable experience and knowledge of banking.  Perry is a 2014 graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

 As a third-generation banker, Perry carries forward a family legacy of banking excellence. His commitment to the community extends beyond banking, reflecting Peoples Bank's values of local engagement and personal service.

Perry is a graduate of Leadership Lamar County and he serves as Membership Chairman on the Board of Directors of the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as the President of the 69th Class at the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at SMU.

"Colton has demonstrated skill in building client relationships and understanding the unique financial needs of our community," said Brad Perry, CEO/President.  "His promotion reflects our confidence in what he brings to the table, and we look forward to his continued growth with Peoples Bank and in the community."

In his role as Vice President, Perry will continue to focus on lending operations while taking on broader strategic responsibilities.

"I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the trust Peoples Bank has placed in me," said Perry. "Growing up in a banking family, I've always understood the importance of serving our community's financial needs. I'm excited to expand my role and continue helping our customers achieve their goals while building on the strong foundation my family has established in this industry."

Perry and his wife Taylor reside in Paris along with their beloved dogs, Handsome and Maria. 

BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc.

Peoples Bank is a proud recipient of BauerFinancial, Inc.’s highest, 5-Star Superior rating for financial strength and stability. This latest rating was assigned in January 2026 based on September 30, 2025 financial data. This marks the 24th consecutive quarter that Peoples Bank has earned this distinction and signifies that Peoples Bank continues to be one of the strongest banks in the nation. Member FDIC

The Paris News Readers' Choice Award

Peoples Bank is honored to be awarded two Readers' Choice Awards:

Best Bank to get a Mortgage Loan

Best Place to Work

Thank you to the readers of The Paris News for your votes!  We have a great community and will continue living up to our motto of "People Helping People"!

Employee of the Year - Cheyenne Brewster

Peoples Bank proudly announces our 2025 Employee of the Year, Cheyenne Brewster! Cheyenne came to Peoples Bank 8 years ago, new to banking, and quickly began to master the art of changing roles.  She is currently a Customer Service Representative in our Lobby.  Whether it is a new business account, Certificate of Deposit or Safe Deposit Box, she is up to the task.

Congratulations Cheyenne! The Directors, Officers and your fellow employees of Peoples Bank appreciate all you do to make the bank a success.