TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Dallas-based Susser Bank has appointed Aaron Loose senior vice president/commercial banking to its downtown Fort Worth office. He is a seasoned banker and investor with more than 18 years of experience across commercial banking, private equity and capital markets. “Aaron combines deep banking expertise with a strong understanding of the investor landscape, positioning him to help … Read more
Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank has named Ann Margaret Herrmann senior vice president and Tomball/Cypress market president. She will lead the bank’s market strategy and business development efforts in Tomball, Cypress and the greater Northwest Houston area. Herrmann’s appointment comes as Texas Regional Bank continues its strategic expansion in Houston. It recently opened a new branch in … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Kathy Smith with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. She is the founder and principal of BCC (Bank Compensation Consulting), a Plano-based bank-owned life insurance consulting firm serving banks nationwide. IBAT’s 2024–25 Chair Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, presented the … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has promoted Parker Bradham to executive vice president/regional president. He will oversee the growth and management of the Longview market, which includes the White Oak and Lakeport branches. Parker has been with VeraBank since 2019, starting as a financial analyst and later transitioning to commercial banker. Prior to joining VeraBank, he was a … Read more
Donald “Craig” Smith, 75, of Runaway Bay passed away on September 21. He served in the Texas banking industry for more than three decades. During his high school years in Jacksoro, Smith was named to the all-state football team, was a proud member of the multi-year state championship golf team and was honored as “Mr. … Read more
Herbert Lee Graham, a highly respected entrepreneur and visionary leader, passed away on September 25 at the age of 87. Born in 1938 in New Mexico, he relocated to Odessa in the late 1950s and would go on to leave a lasting impact on the region, including his ownership of Odesssa-based SouthWest Bank. Graham attended … Read more
Galveston-based Moody Bank has hired Jason Sanders to serve as senior vice president/commercial banking officer. Originally from Indiana, he joins the bank’s energy corridor banking center at 850 N. Eldridge Pkwy. in Houston after more than 20 years with several leading national and regional banks. Prior to joining Moody Bank, Sanders was a banking center … Read more
On September 30, United Way of Greater Houston announced that Julie Young Sudduth, executive vice president and regional president for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based PNC Bank in Houston, has been named chair of the 2025–26 annual community campaign, a major fundraising effort that supports a wide range of community services helping neighbors find their pathway to financial … Read more
Abilene-based First Financial Trust , a division of First Financial Bank, has appointed R. Mark Davidovich executive vice president and leader of its Fort Worth market. With a career spanning wealth management, real estate and public affairs, he brings an abundance of experience and leadership to the team. “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to … Read more
Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, have announced the upcoming retirement of Lee Gibson as chief executive officer, effective December 31, 2025. He will continue to serve as a director of the company and bank. Succeeding him as CEO is Keith Donahoe, current president of the company and bank, who has more … Read more