TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
In early January, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees: Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd. These five iconic bankers will be recognized for their achievements and many contributions to their communities and the banking industry at the 13th Annual Texas … Read more
Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank is celebrating the successful completion of the inaugural Women in Leadership Mentoring Program, a development initiative designed to strengthen leadership capabilities, expand cross-departmental relationships and support long-term employee growth across the bank. Launched earlier this year, the program paired emerging talent with experienced Texas Regional Bank leaders for one-on-one mentorship, supported by … Read more
Choudrant, Louisiana-based Origin Bank has announced the hiring of Greg Mendez and Rachel Wolfe as commercial group managers serving the Houston region. Both join the company as regional executive vice presidents and will work at the bank’s Memorial City Financial Center in Houston. Mendez brings 20 years of banking experience, specializing in commercial and industrial … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar Bank recently announced the return of Liz Gatlin as senior vice president/commercial banker. With 19 years of financial expertise, 17 of which were spent at WestStar, she has a robust track record of delivering exceptional service to a diverse clientele. Gatlin earned her BBA degree from the University of Texas–El Paso. She … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that Greg Burleigh, CTFA, CWS, has joined The Private Bank at PlainsCapital as senior vice president/senior wealth management administrator. He will be based at the bank’s Hilltop Plaza location in Dallas. Burleigh brings nearly three decades of experience in fiduciary and wealth management services. Prior to joining PlainsCapital Bank, he served … Read more
In the new year, San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank announced key executive promotions upon the retirement of Danny Butler, the bank’s longtime president and CEO, who retired at the end of 2025. Butler retired after 26 years of service at Jefferson Bank and nearly 50 years in the banking industry. Under his leadership, the bank expanded … Read more
Curt Joslin, a construction and commercial real estate entrepreneur, has been appointed to the board of Woodville-based Citizens State Bank. A life-long resident of East Montgomery County, he serves as co-chairman of The Joslin Group, based in the Greater Houston area. He is also president and CEO of Joslin Development Group, which develops unique subdivision … Read more
On January 2, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company of Investar Bank NA, announced the completion of its acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank. An agreement relating to the acquisition was announced last July. The acquisition became effective as of January 1. As of December 31, … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Vista Bank, based in Dallas, has completed its merger into NBH Bank, based in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Branches The OCC reports that Hill Country National Bank, a branch of Llano National Bank, based in Llano, has established a branch at 400 Panther Hollow Dr. in Marble Falls. The … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC reports that Investar Bank NA, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has completed its acquisition of First National Bank, based in Wichita Falls. The TDB reports that Prosperity Bank, based in El Campo, has completed its acquisition of American Bank NA, based in Corpus Christi. Branches The TDB reports that Texas … Read more