TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
On December 1, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced that Lockhart-based First-Lockhart National Bank has completed its conversion to a Texas state-chartered bank from a national banking association. The bank began operating as First Lockhart Bank under its new charter effective December 1. The bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockhart Bankshares Inc., was … Read more
Llano National Bank has announced the addition of Mason King as vice president and branch manager of its Buchanan Dam branch. He brings a strong background in commercial banking, portfolio management and community leadership to his new role. Prior to joining Llano National Bank, Mason served as assistant vice president and portfolio manager for First United … Read more
On December 1, Larry Autrey, executive chairman and former chief executive officer of the Fort Worth-based tax, audit and advisory firm Whitley Penn, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the accounting profession. Autrey joined Whitley Penn in 1995 and served as … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has been named the 2025 “Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) Community Organization of the Year” for its commitment to fostering opportunity through meaningful initiatives. The award recognizes the bank’s impactful partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas to facilitate the “Consulado sobre ruedas” (Consulate on Wheels) program. Consulado sobre ruedas brings essential … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that Kirt DeHaan has joined The Private Bank at PlainsCapital as senior vice president/wealth management market manager for the Dallas region. He will be based at the Hilltop Plaza location in Dallas. “Kirt brings many decades of experience and a deep understanding of fiduciary administration that will greatly benefit our clients … Read more
Seagoville-based HomeBank Texas has made a significant community investment in the future of Rockwall County with a $500,000 contribution to the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA’s capital campaign. The funding supports a $5.2 million renovation and expansion initiative designed to serve one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. The gift is slated for the YMCA’s planned … Read more
Terrell-based American National Bank of Texas (ANBTX) has announced the opening of its newest banking center in Heath—part of the year-long celebration of its 150th anniversary. Located at 482 Laurence Dr., it’s the bank’s fourth location in Rockwall County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. The opening continues ANBTX’s strategic growth and revitalization of … Read more
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based PNC Private Bank has appointed Faye Hilpert to lead its Austin-based team. She will oversee a local team that delivers wealth strategy, investment management, trust and estate services, and credit and cash management solutions to high- and ultra-high net worth individuals, families and business owners in Central Texas. Hilpert brings more than 15 … Read more
On October 18, Terrell-based American National Bank of Texas (ANBTX) marked a major milestone, celebrating 150 years with a “Terrell Homegrown Celebration.” Hosted at the ANBTX Terrell campus, the event featured live music, delicious food, a local market and family-friendly activities, honoring the bank’s long-standing connection to the community. Throughout 2025, ANBTX also celebrated its … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) annual Bank Operations Institute (BOI) was held November 9–13 at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott. The immersive two-year program dives deep into strategic operations, leadership development and compliance education, equipping banking professionals with the tools to excel in today’s competitive landscape. The 45th Annual BOI brought together an … Read more