TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
El Paso-based WestStar has named Marcela Candia vice president/director of accounting. In her role, she oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and internal controls and works with senior leadership to support the bank’s financial objectives. Candia joined WestStar in 2022 and has more than 20 years of accounting experience across multiple industries. During her … Read more
San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank has hired David Morris as senior vice president/trust and estates officer and Taylor West as senior vice president/commercial lending officer. Morris will serve as the primary point of contact for clients with moderate and complex trusts, providing fiduciary services and addressing client needs. He will oversee trust account administration, ensure transactions … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business (SWGSB) has added a new trustee to its board of advisors. Kit Sawers, inaugural CEO of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) new Dallas office and a vice president of the university, has joined the SWGSB board as the SMU representative. In her … Read more
On August 24, members of the leadership team at Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA rang the Nasdaq Closing Bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City’s Times Square. The ceremonial bell ringing marks a significant milestone for Investar Bank as it celebrates 20 years of serving customers, supporting communities and building relationships across … Read more
Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank announced that it has added Garrett Bockman to its lending team. He will serve customers in Wise County and surrounding North Texas communities. Bockman brings experience in commercial and community banking, including leadership roles with The Community Bank in Bridgeport, American National Bank & Trust in Decatur and First State Bank in … Read more
On August 13, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Christopher Mims as vice president/information security officer. He will lead the development and management of the bank’s information security program, oversee regulatory compliance and align security initiatives with the bank’s strategic objectives. Mims brings 15 years of information technology and cybersecurity experience, with expertise in … Read more
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and participating member financial institutions awarded more than $1.8 million to 71 community‑based organizations through its Partnership Grant Program (PGP) as the program marks its 30th anniversary. The awards were made in partnership with 44 member institutions in FHLB Dallas’ five‑state district of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, … Read more
Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank has appointed Trey Willerson, CFA, president of TRB Trust & Wealth Management. He will continue to serve as chief investment officer, leading Texas Regional Bank’s Houston-headquartered trust and wealth division, which manages more than $4 billion in assets and serves clients throughout Texas. Willerson joined Texas Regional Bank in 2024 as … Read more
Todd Schneider has joined the team at First United Mortgage Group, a division of Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank, to serve as mortgage market manager in San Antonio. He will lead the San Antonio and surrounding markets’ mortgage operations, increase brand awareness and visibility, grow and support the sales team, promote the bank, insurance, wealth … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar has promoted Beny Medrano to branch manager of its Zaraloop location. He joined the bank in 2023, bringing more than nine years of experience in the financial industry. Known for his strong analytical skills and ability to build meaningful relationships, he delivers personalized financial solutions to both personal and business clients. Medrano … Read more