TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced two new additions to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Austin: James “Jim” Jirasek and Merrill Reynolds. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength … Read more
Name Changes The TDB reports that it has approved an application by Ennis State Bank, based in Ennis, to change its name to Trinity Capital Bank of Texas. Branches The OCC reports that JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, based in Columbus, Ohio, has established a branch at 229 E. Bonds Ranch Rd. in Fort Worth. The … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Texas National Bank, based in Mercedes, to acquire Citizens State Bank, based in Roma. The TDB reports that Liberty Capital Bank, based in Addison, has completed its acquisition of Texas Heritage Bank, based in Boerne. The TDB reports that it has approved … Read more
On September 19, Corpus Christi-based Charter Bank announce the appointment of Isaac Camacho to its board of directors. He has been a successful business owner in the Corpus Christi area for more than 20 years. He owns multiple businesses—including waste management, recycling and demolition services—and employs more than 100 individuals in the Coastal Bend area. … Read more
On October 16, Cornerstone Capital Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Houston-based Cornerstone Capital Bank, and Peoples Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Lubbock-based Peoples Bank, announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Cornerstone will acquire Peoples. This transaction marks Cornerstone’s first bank acquisition since its merger with Roscoe Bank in 2022. Upon … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Keith Hughey, founder of J. Keith Hughey Co., with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond in serving the community banking industry … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas have announced that Brandy Patterson, digital compliance officer at Compliance Select, has been elected 2025–26 president of Financial Women in Texas (FWIT). A longtime FWIT member, Patterson previously served as the association’s secretary and as vice president of its Gulf Coast chapter. With more than 17 years of community … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced in late September that Brad Giddens, director of sales for the financial institutions division at Integris, now serves as chair of the IBAT Associate Member Advisory Council. He was elected to this position during the association’s 51st Annual Convention held September 20–23 in Fort Worth. IBAT’s Associate … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking will convene its 2026 program the week of August 9–14 at the Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock. For 51 years, the school has partnered with hundreds of community banks to bring together thousands of bankers seeking to advance their careers as … Read more
Seven Texas banks have been recognized by the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation for their outstanding community initiatives in this year’s Community Commitment Awards, which celebrate banks nationwide that go above and beyond to strengthen the communities they serve. From affordable housing to financial education and senior protection, these programs reflect the deep community roots … Read more