LUFKIN, TEXAS (March 16, 2026)… Brookshire Brothers today 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.
“One of the greatest strengths of our company is the dedicated leaders who choose to grow their careers here at Brookshire Brothers and help shape our future,” said John Alston, President and CEO of Brookshire Brothers. “These four outstanding individuals reflect what it means to work and thrive at an employee-owned company. Their commitment, experience, and servant leadership play an important role in our company’s success.”
Clay Oliver, Chief Operating Officer
Clay Oliver has been named Chief Operating Officer after serving with distinction 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 our company through growth and change while serving as CFO since 2011 and as a member of our Board of Directors since 2012. His leadership has strengthened our financial foundation and supported critical areas including Accounting, Treasury, Budgeting, Strategic Planning, Asset Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Information Technology.
“Clay’s operational insight, steady leadership, and deep understanding of our company make him the right person to help lead Brookshire Brothers into its next chapter,” Alston said. “He is a respected leader who exemplifies our culture and knows the importance of supporting our employee-owners.”
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.
“Jessica’s thoughtful leadership style and commitment to excellence has shaped her practical and strategic approach to financial management, making her exceptionally well prepared to serve as CFO,” Alston said.
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 to 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’s story is a powerful example of the career growth opportunities available within Brookshire Brothers,” Alston said. “We believe in growing our people, which in turn creates a deep-rooted culture of ownership, accountability, and pride in the work we do every day.”
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 trusted legal advisor to the company for the past two years.
Jeff provides critical leadership across our 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.
“Jeff’s depth of legal experience and steady counsel make him an invaluable member of our leadership team,” Alston said. “He understands our values and helps protect the integrity of the company we’ve built.”
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.
“Strong companies are built by strong people,” Alston said. “Clay, Jessica, Stephanie, and Jeff each represent the core values that define Brookshire Brothers — quality, growth, community, passion and friendliness that feels like home. I’m confident they will continue to make a meaningful impact as we serve our customers and communities.”
About Brookshire Brothers
Established in 1921, Brookshire Brothers is an employee-owned grocery company serving communities across Texas and western Louisiana with nearly 120 retail locations. While rooted in traditional grocery and pharmacy services, the company also features fuel centers, tobacco operations, coffee shops and event venues.
Guided by its mission to be good people who sell good food and do good deeds, Brookshire Brothers remains deeply committed to supporting its neighbors through charitable giving, active community engagement, high-quality food and superior customer service.
Visit www.brookshirebrothers.com for more information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Melissa Crager
Public Relations & Corporate Responsibility Manager
mcrager@brookshirebros.com
O: 936.634.8155 ext. 4344
C: 936.676.7555
