TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS



March 30–April 5, 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Farmers and Merchants Bank, based in De Leon, has completed its merger with Farmers State Bank of Newcastle, based in Newcastle. Branches The OCC reports that PNC Bank NA, based in Wilmington, Delaware, has established a branch at 8031 Walnut Hill Ln. in Dallas. The agency also reports … Read more

City National Bank of Colorado City and Citizens Bank to Merge

On April 14, Wrey Montgomery, CEO and president of City National BancShares Inc., the holding company for The City National Bank of Colorado City, and Michael R. Davis, CEO of Big Country Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Citizens Bank NA, announced that a definitive agreement has been executed in which City National BancShares Inc. … Read more

Texas Banks Rank on Forbes’ List of ‘America’s Best Banks 2025’

Forbes has released its 16th annual list of “America’s Best Banks,” with numerous companies headquartered in Texas making the cut. Of the 100 banks on the list, seven are based in the Lone Star State. Here are the Texas-based 2025 “America’s Best Banks” (the numbers indicate the bank’s ranking on Forbes’ list of U.S. banks): … Read more

NBT Financial Promotes Adams to Assistant Vice President and Credit Analyst

Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank announced in April that Cody Adams has been promoted to assistant vice president and credit analyst. He joined the bank in 2021 as a loan processor and soon transferred to the credit department. Adams holds a BBA degree in sports business from Stephen F. Austin and is currently enrolled at … Read more

First State Bank of Uvalde Announces Multiple Promotions

On March 17, First State Bank of Uvalde announced the promotion of five team members. Brandi Cabralez has been elevated from vice president to senior vice president. She has worked at First State Bank for 15 years. Cabralez’s notable accomplishments include receiving the 2024 “Emerging Leader Award” from the Texas Bankers Association and leading significant … Read more

El Paso’s WestStar Announces Springtime Promotions and a New Hire

El Paso-based WestStar, a leading financial institution in the Borderplex region, recently announced numerous promotions, appointments and new hires. WestStar has appointed Bill Brady chief investment officer in its wealth management division. He has more than 25 years of experience in the finance industry, including 12 years at WestStar. Brady earned a BBA degree in finance … Read more

Texas Bank and Trust Names Williams ‘Employee of the Year’

On March 18, Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust named Susan Williams the 2024 “Employee of the Year” during the bank’s annual employee dinner. This award, determined by the bank’s officers, recognizes an employee who distinctly exhibits the bank’s core values of integrity, excellence, mutual respect, professionalism and joy. The bank has awarded an “Employee of … Read more

Harris Honored as Texas Bank and Trust’s 2024 ‘Community Spirit Award’ Recipient

On March 18, Rogers Pope Jr., vice chair and chief executive officer at Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced that Jennifer Harris is the 2024 recipient of the bank’s “Community Spirit Award.” The award was presented to Harris during the bank’s annual employee dinner in Longview. Harris, who serves as senior vice president and business … Read more

Conger Named Dallas President of Kansas-based CrossFirst Bank

Leawood, Kansas-based CrossFirst Bank has promoted Clayton Conger to bank president/Dallas. With more than 20 years of banking experience in the Texas region, Clayton has expertise in commercial and real estate lending. Conger joined CrossFirst Bank in 2017 and helped open its Dallas location. Prior to his recent promotion, he was managing director of real … Read more

Tobkin, Chief Technology Officer at First United Bank, Appointed to Salesforce Financial Services Cloud Advisory Board

On March 25, Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank announced that Tadd Tobkin, chief technology officer, has been appointed to the Salesforce Financial Services Cloud Product Strategic Advisory Board, a small, exclusive group composed of financial industry leaders from across the country. As an advisory board member, he will help shape the future roadmap and investment … Read more