TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Neil Ferguson 
The First National Bank of Central Texas, based in Waco, has hired Liz Barton to serve as vice president/director of human resources. The announcement was made by Joe Barrow, chairman and CEO. Barton is responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization, … Read more
On February 27, Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced a $50 million investment to support Houston-based Unity Bank, Texas’ only Black-owned banking institution, citing the move as part of its commitment to supplier diversification and advancement of racial equity. The investment, made through a $50 million deposit in J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Empower share … Read more
Longtime Texas lawyer and banker John B. Selman passed away on February 18 at the age of 91. The focus of his career was bringing banking to citizens in underserved areas in Texas and his Christian calling to serve the less fortunate. After graduating from the University of Texas–Austin with BBA and LLB degrees and … Read more
On February 23, San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank announced the execution of a planned succession of its chairman and president roles. After 17 years, Steve Lewis has stepped down from his position as chairman of the board, but will continue as member of the board of directors. Paul McSween III, who has served as president for … Read more
Longview-based Regions Bank Texas, a subsidiary of Birmingham, Alabama-based Regions Financial Corp., has announced that Bill Newburn, wealth management advisor, will also serve as the company’s market executive for Tyler and Longview. He joined the bank’s wealth management division in 2004. As market executive, Newburn’s role will expand to include bringing together colleagues from the … Read more
Jacksonville-based Austin Bank promoted two employees in February. Danielle Merkley has been elected bank officer. She joined Austin Bank in 2011 as a teller in the Longview Oak Forest office. In 2012, she transitioned to a customer service representative at the Greggton location in Longview, where she also served as a CSR regional trainer. She … Read more
Guaranty Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Mount Pleasant-based Guaranty Bank & Trust, announced a $1 million equity investment in the Austin Housing Conservancy Fund (AHC) to support workforce affordable rental housing in Central Texas. AHC is a private equity fund focused on purchasing multi-family properties and preserving them as affordable housing for front-line personnel, creatives, … Read more
Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank recently announced two promotions and a new hire. Lacy Samples has been promoted to senior vice president/senior compliance officer. She has been in banking for more than 20 years and with NBT Financial Bank since 2019. Samples holds certifications as a certified regulatory compliance manager, certified community bank risk specialist, … Read more
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank is on a mission to ignite a kindness revolution. The bank recently collaborated with stakeholders— including employees, customers, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, churches, community leaders and members—to impact people’s lives positively through simple acts of kindness over 24 hours. On February 17, First United Bank branches across Oklahoma and Texas … Read more
Jessica Wheat has joined the executive team of Woodville-based Citizens State Bank as executive vice president/loan administration. She is located at the bank’s Kingwood office. Wheat brings more than 35 years of banking experience in the Houston area, including 20 years in loan operations. Prior to joining Citizens State Bank, she served as vice president … Read more