Brookshire Brothers Announces Recent Corporate Promotions

Brookshire Brothers recently announced a series of executive leadership promotions that reinforce the company’s commitment to developing talent from within and positioning the organization for continued growth.

Clay Oliver, Chief Operating Officer

Clay Oliver has been named Chief Operating Officer after serving as Chief Financial Officer.

Clay’s journey with Brookshire Brothers began in 2004 as a Staff Accountant. Over the past two decades, he has helped guide the company through growth and change while serving as CFO since 2011 and as a member of our Board of Directors since 2012.

A proud East Texan, Clay attended Stephen F. Austin State University and the Texas A&M Mays Business School and holds a degree in Finance, an MBA in Management, and a master’s degree in Data Analytics. He is a devoted husband and father of four. A former police officer, Clay remains active in the East Texas community and has served on several nonprofit and civic boards, including Angelina College, Crime Stoppers, Harmony Hill Baptist Church, and UBank, while also supporting youth organizations such as High School Rodeo and Lufkin Little League.

Jessica Brown, Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Brown has been named Chief Financial Officer, bringing extensive experience and trusted guidance to this important role.

Jessica has advanced through numerous financial leadership positions across the organization, including Staff Accountant, Financial Analyst, General Ledger Manager, Assistant Controller and Controller. In her role as Vice President of Accounting and Treasury, she has helped guide financial strategy, acquisitions, refinancing initiatives, and operational oversight.

She earned her Accounting degree from Louisiana State University–Shreveport and her master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Outside of work, Jessica values time with her family and community. She is married to Kevin and is the proud mother of Lauren, Austin, and Allie.

Stephanie Cole, Vice President of Accounting

Stephanie Cole has been promoted to Vice President of Accounting, a milestone that reflects both her professional excellence and her deep roots within the organization.

Stephanie began her Brookshire Brothers career as a teenage cashier in 2004 and worked in store operations before joining the Accounting department in 2010. Since then, she has steadily advanced through key accounting leadership roles, most recently serving as Assistant Controller where she oversaw daily accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.

Stephanie earned multiple degrees from the Texas A&M Mays Business School and has been a licensed CPA since 2017. She and her husband, Kyle, are proud parents of Easton, Emory, and Everleigh and are deeply connected to the Lufkin community.

Jeff Bates, General Counsel

Jeff Bates has been promoted to General Counsel after serving as Corporate Counsel and legal advisor to the company for the past two years.

Jeff provides critical leadership across the Legal and Risk departments, overseeing contract negotiation, litigation management, regulatory reporting, intellectual property protection, food safety and compliance programs, and management of our internal legal team. He also serves as Corporate Secretary for Brookshire Brothers Inc., Brookshire Brothers Holding Company, and the Brookshire Brothers Charitable Foundation.

He earned his BBA in Business Administration and Marketing and Juris Doctorate from Baylor University and Baylor Law School. Jeff and his wife, Ginger, have called East Texas home for more than three decades and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Jeff is active in his community and church and has served on numerous nonprofit boards.