TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust announced three promotions in December. Jeff Wyatt has been promoted to chief technology officer. He joined the bank in 2017 as assistant chief information officer. Prior to that, he served Coastal States Bank as an IT systems consultant and previously served the bank as its chief information officer and information … Read more
To honor regional banks that positively impact their communities, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group publish an annual list of “America’s Best Regional Banks [and Credit Unions]”* every December. The publication’s 2025 list includes 46 regional banks that operate in Texas, with 39 banks based in the Lone Star State. As Newsweek states, “Regional banks…are the … Read more
On December 10, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced a new addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking: Bob Walters, managing partner of The Bank CEO Network. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength of community banking … Read more
Grant Leigh has joined Fort Worth-based Bank of Texas to serve as executive vice president and Dallas market CEO. He brings nearly two decades of experience in banking, team leadership and client relationship management to his new role. Leigh’s prior banking experience includes leadership roles in energy, credit and commercial banking divisions. In his most … Read more
Corpus Christi-based American Bank’s 30th annual Holiday Bear Drive kicked off in December. The event provides an opportunity for American Bank clients, employees, neighbors and friends to donate stuffed bears to children and families in need of support as they rebuild and stabilize their lives. Donations of new stuffed teddy bears are being accepted at … Read more
In November, Karnes City-based Karnes County National Bank announced the formation of Karnes County National Bancshares Inc., a new holding company for the bank, according to a report in the Beeville Bee-Picayune. “The move aims to maintain the bank’s independence while supporting future growth and ensuring its position as a premier community bank in South … Read more
In November, D CEO magazine, published by D Magazine Partners, released its 2025 “Dallas 500,” a special publication profiling the most powerful business leaders in Dallas and Fort Worth. This year’s list represents months of research, interviews and conversations with extensive, high-level contacts in the regional business community. It “goes far beyond corporate bios to … Read more
Fort Worth-based Bank of Texas has hired Grier Patton for its San Antonio corporate banking team. He will serve as a vice president. Patton brings more than 10 years of experience in corporate and commercial banking, including expertise in financial forecasting, financial analysis and specialized industries. He joins Bank of Texas from Truist Bank, where … Read more
Dallas-based Susser Bank announced that Greg R. Orlean has joined the company as senior vice president/relationship manager, bringing more than 19 years of banking expertise, specializing in commercial lending and business solutions. Orlean previously served as senior vice president in business banking at Capital One Bank and has held key roles at established institutions, including Origin … Read more
Houston-based Texas Gulf Bank NA recently hired two executives. Winston McKnight has joined the bank as executive vice president/head of wealth management. He will work out of the bank’s Voss location. With a career spanning 30 years, his areas of expertise include wealth management services, business development and asset management. Prior to joining Texas Gulf … Read more