TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
On October 22, First Financial Bankshares, the parent company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, announced the election of Tim Brown as executive vice president and chief information officer of the company and CEO of First Technology Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. John Ruzicka, who has been serving as chief information officer … Read more
On October 22, Third Coast Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Houston-based Third Coast Bank, and Keystone Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Austin-based Keystone Bank SSB, jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Third Coast will acquire Keystone in a stock and cash transaction valued at approximately $123 million … Read more
On October 16, the board of directors of Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, announced the appointment of Mitchell Craddock to chief operating officer of the company and bank, effective immediately following the retirement of Brian K. McCabe, current COO, on November 14. In addition, the company announced the appointments of Keith … Read more
Since opening its doors in 1900, just 10 years after the town of Sonora was established, Sonora Bank has supported generations of families across the Lone Star State. This year, the bank is celebrating its 125th anniversary since its establishment as the First National Bank of Sonora. The bank hosted receptions in September and October … Read more
Harlingen-based TRB Trust & Wealth Management, a division of Texas Regional Bank, has named Michael Costa senior advisor and director of international wealth management. He will oversee and expand TRB’s international wealth platform, supporting clients with customized investment, trust and private banking solutions. Based primarily at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Harlingen, Costa will also … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2025 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank won Best of Show for its community service entry “Starr County Volunteerism.” The 2025 BOCB Best of Show, Community Spirit and Gold Eagle Award recipients were recognized at … Read more
On October 16, Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that Darrell Adams, chief credit officer, will retire on November 10 after 37 years of dedicated service. Brent Raindl, currently serving as Dallas region chairman, will succeed Adams as chief credit officer and Thomas Ricks, currently president of PlainsCapital Bank’s North Dallas branch, is being promoted to Dallas … Read more
On October 16, Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA announced several key executive leadership promotions that add clarity to the bank’s direction and provide the needed infrastructure. Investar currently operates Texas branches in the Houston and Galveston areas. Jeffery “Jeff” Blum, currently executive vice president and regional president of the western division, has been promoted … Read more
Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank recently announced three new hires. Jessica Tolson has joined the bank as senior vice president and chief information officer. She has years of IT experience, ranging from IT manager to information security officer. Tolson graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Texas–Denton. Her industry certifications include CISSP, CISM, … Read more
Galveston-based Moody Bank has hired James Sanders to serve as vice president and commercial banking officer at the company’s energy corridor banking center on N. Eldridge Pkwy. With more 15 years in commercial banking and lending, his experience includes positions at major national and regional financial institutions. Earlier this month, the bank also announced the … Read more