Michael Mineer
executive
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And again, good afternoon, and welcome to the 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting of First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. I now declare the meeting officially convened.
I'd like to proceed with the 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting of First Guaranty Bank, Inc. And as I start, I start with a heavy heart because last year, we lost a very dedicated director. And there's no words that can take away that loss. There's no words that can take away that pain. So in the memory of Mr. William K. Hood, I'd like to just make a few words regarding him.
Bill dedicated 48 years of service to First Guaranty Bank, leaving a lasting impact on its people, the mission and the future. Now Bill, he viewed his role to the Board, not as a title. He took it seriously, but as a meaningful responsibility demonstrating pride and he was proud and deep commitment to the organization. We all can see the excitement when he was in the room.
As the longest-serving director, he provided stated guidance, helping lead the bank through growth and transformation with insight and care. Bill played a vital role in shaping First Guaranty Bank into the institution it is today, balancing determination with compassion and he had a lot of compassion while always putting the bank, its employees and its communities first all together. His legacy endures and the culture he helped build and the countless lives he influenced. He is and he will be deeply missed, and he will always be remembered as an integral part of our story. We all miss Bill. Take a moment to think, to share and to reflect.
At this time, I would like to introduce the following individuals. These folks are integral to this meeting in its conformity. First is a recording Secretary to the Board. This is Vanessa Drew. Now the members and nominees of First Guaranty Bancshares shares Board of Directors are as follows: now the biographical information on each nominee is included in the proxy statement. And as I say your name, raise your hand or stand as I introduce you.
Our Chairman, Marshall T. Reynolds; joining us by phone here in spirit, Jack Rossi; Edgar R. Smith, III; Vanessa R. Drew; Robert W. Walker; Bruce McAnally; not here in person, but with us in spirit, Betsy K. Hood.
Now members of First Guaranty Bank's Board of Directors are as follows: Anthony J. Berner, Jr.; not here, but with us in spirit is Gloria M. Dykes; same way, Dr. Phillip E. Fincher; Robert H. Gabriel; Andrew Gasaway, Jr.; Edwin L. Hoover, Jr.; Bruce McAnally; here in spirit as well, Morgan S. Nalty; Jack M. Reynolds; Marshall T. Reynolds; Nancy C. Ribas; Jack Rossi; Richard W. Sitman; Edgar R. Smith, III; and Michael R. Mineer.
Now we also have advisory members to this Board, Betsy K. Hood; [indiscernible]; and [indiscernible]. These are our advisory members. Next, I'll introduce individuals that are designated as proxies, Marshall T. Reynolds; and Eric J. Dosch, our CFO. Next, I need to introduce our Inspector of Election for today's meeting, and that is ClearTrust, who is on the line with us.
At the Inspector of Elections table, the following material is made available for review. There's a list of shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 30, 2026. There is an affidavit showing proof of notice of meeting and proxy statement and form of proxy, which have been given to every stockholder of record as of March 30, 2026. The Inspector of Election oath of office and a quorum certificate of Inspector of Election.
Now the Inspector of Election has now informed me that a quorum is present either by proxy or in person. Such certificate is available for review at the Inspector of Elections table. Today, there are 4 proposals on the ballot for this meeting: to elect the Board of Directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, and they are as follows: Betsy K. Hood; Marshall T. Reynolds; Jack Rossi; Bruce McAnally; Edgar R. Smith, III; Vanessa R. Drew; and Robert W. Walker, to approve an advisory nonbinding resolution regarding our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement.
Next is to ratify the appointment of EisnerAmper LLC as First Guaranty's independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2026, and lastly, to transact such other business as may properly come before this meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Since there are no other nominations in accordance with the holding company bylaws, the nominations are closed.
The polls are now open.
[Voting]