VeraBank Welcomes Murray as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker in Huntsville

Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Michelle Murray to join its Huntsville team as senior vice president and commercial banker. She previously served the bank in its Bryan/College Station market and brings more than 25 years of banking experience across many departments to her new role. A Lovelady native, Murray began working in the financial industry at … Read more

American Bank Names Gammon Director of Bank Operations

Tenured banking executive Eddie Gammon has joined Corpus Christi-based American Bank as its director of bank operations. Making the announcement was Todd Lee, chief information officer. Gammon will provide leadership to the bank operations team, ensuring that all activities are completed in compliance with applicable laws, regulatory guidelines and bank policies and procedures. He will … Read more

Texas Department of Banking’s Houston Regional Director Willardson to Retire 

Jacqueline Willardson, director of the Texas Department of Banking’s Houston regional office, is retiring after 29 years of service with the agency. Her retirement is effective August 31. She has had the responsibility for reviewing examination reports, monitoring the financial conditions of banks within the region, interacting with bankers and fielding their questions, assisting with … Read more

Louisiana-based Home Bank Hires Dudderar as Houston Market President

Lafayette, Louisiana-based Home Bank has named Jeff Dudderar senior vice president and Houston market president, according to the Houston Business Journal. He succeeds Kenny Koncaba as market president. Koncaba was formerly CEO of Friendswood Capital Corp., the holding company of Texan Bank NA. When Home Bancorp, the holding company for Home Bank, acquired Friendswood Capital, … Read more

Austin Bank Welcomes Four New Lenders

Jeff Austin III, chairman of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced the addition of four lenders. Lori Danielson was elected assistant vice president and relationship manager in Longview. She brings 11 years of business development, sales and management experience, most recently serving as area vice president of business development for Gentiva Health Services. She was owner … Read more

Cadence Bank Names Kuzdzal Chief Legal Officer Upon Pignuolo’s Retirement

On June 14, Houston-based Cadence Bank announced the appointment of Shanna Kuzdzal as chief legal officer. She succeeds Chuck Pignuolo, who has served as the bank’s chief legal officer since 2014. In addition to providing legal counsel to Cadence Bank’s board of directors, executive leadership and senior management, Kuzdzal will lead a team of in-house … Read more

Community National Bank Announces New Hires and Promotions

In June, Midland-based Community National Bank announced several new officers and officer promotions: Charlie Parks has joined the bank as senior vice president/Lubbock market; Griselda Leyva has been hired to serve as bank officer/loan serving manager; Crystal Wagoner has joined as senior vice president/compliance and risk officer; Selena Martinez has been hired as assistant vice … Read more

Gross and Cooper Honored for Distinction by Southwestern Graduate School of Banking

On June 1, William “Tex” Gross, chairman of Dallas-based Commerce Street Holdings, and Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, were honored by the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University. During an awards banquet, Gross received SWGSB’s Distinguished Service Award Award and Cooper received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. … Read more

Gunnels Joins Texas Bank and Trust as Mortgage Loan Originator

Brittani Gunnels has joined the staff of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust as assistant vice president and mortgage loan originator in the bank’s Richardson location. She has worked in the financial services industry for 12 years. Gunnels holds an associate of the arts degree in education from Trinity Valley Community College. Active in her community, … Read more

Classic Bank Appoints Minor CEO and Chairman of the Board

The board of directors of Cameron-based Classic Bank NA has appointed John D. Minor chief executive officer and chairman of the board. He previously served as president and chief lending officer. Minor is a third-generation banker with more than 30 years of banking experience in Central Texas. Prior to joining Classic Bank, he was senior vice … Read more