TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson We are seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking Chief Administrative/Strategic Officer to join our executive leadership team and help shape the next chapter of our community bank. A retirement has created an opening for this executive position. The Chief Administrative/Strategic Officer will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team, … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Lone Star Bank, based in Houston, has applied to merge with Journey Financial Group Inc., based in Montgomery. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Community National Bank, based in Midland, to establish a branch at 1600 Montgomery St. in Fort Worth. The OCC … Read more
Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, to establish a branch at 9238 N. Loop 1604 W in San Antonio. The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank and Trust Company of Weatherford, based in Weatherford, to establish a … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
On September 14, Houston-based Third Coast Bank announced the appointment of Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as executive vice president/head of corporate banking. He joined the bank in March. Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank has hired Dick Sadka as senior vice president/senior relationship manager, serving commercial banking clients throughout the Houston market. He will be based at PlainsCapital’s Richmond Ave. banking center. Sadka brings more than 40 years of banking experience spanning commercial banking, treasury services, portfolio management and business development. Prior to joining PlainsCapital Bank, … Read more
Ozona Bank has announced the appointment of Marc Villarreal as San Antonio market president. With nearly two decades of banking experience, he has built his career around helping businesses, entrepreneurs and families achieve their financial goals through relationship-driven banking. Since beginning his banking career in 2007, Villarreal has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor, … Read more
The board of directors of Waco-based Community Bank & Trust announced that Benjamin “Ben” C. Lacy has been named president of the bank, effective immediately. David Lacy will remain chairman and CEO. As president, Ben Lacy will assume increased administrative and leadership responsibilities while continuing to serve as senior commercial lending officer. In his expanded … Read more
WestStar Bank Holding Company Inc., the holding company of El Paso-based WestStar Bank, and Las Vegas Bancorporation Inc., the holding company of Albuquerque-based Southwest Capital Bank, have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their organizations, creating a premier community banking franchise serving New Mexico and the Borderplex region. Southwest Capital Bank is expected to … Read more
On September 17, WestStar Bank announced the promotion of Trish Marquez to executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer. In her new role, she will lead the bank’s commercial lending, construction lending and treasury management teams. Marquez brings more than 41 years of banking experience to the position, including extensive leadership experience in commercial … Read more