TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Longtime Texas banker and distinguished retired military leader Col. Ervan Zouzalik passed away peacefully on November 4 in Flatonia. He was 86. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army for 24 years before launching a successful banking career in the 1980s. In 1960, Zouzalik graduated from Texas A&M University as part of the … Read more
John P. Guest, CEO of Citizens National Bank at Brownwood, announced that he is retiring at the end of the year after 40 years of service in the Texas community banking industry. He will continue to serve on the bank’s board of directors. A native of Abilene, Guest moved to Brownwood in 1979 and worked … Read more
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank has hired Jack Patton as senior vice president/commercial loan officer at the bank’s Denton-South location. He rejoins the bank with experience in commercial lending and a passion for community. “Jack brings valuable knowledge and energy for our customers and community that aligns well with our purpose to inspire and empower … Read more
Guaranty Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Mount Pleasant-based Guaranty Bank & Trust NA, has announced the appointment of Sondra Cunningham to the board of directors of the company. She was recently promoted to senior vice president and chief culture officer of the bank and has been secretary to the bank and holding company board … Read more
William Robert “Bob” Williams passed away on November 21 peacefully at home. He was 80. Following graduation from Teague High School in Teague, Williams attended Baylor University on a scholarship from Citizen’s National Bank of Waco. He received his BBA degree in accounting in 1964 and launched his banking career as a national bank examiner … Read more
On November 8, Corpus Christi-based American Bank announced that Byron Bexley has joined the team as vice chairman/San Antonio. In his role as market leader, he will oversee commercial banking activities in San Antonio. Bexley brings more than 40 years of banking experience, most recently serving as chairman and chief executive officer of TexStar National … Read more
On November 1, Dallas-based NexBank announced that it has appointed Scott Studenko market president for Dallas/Fort Worth. He will be responsible for business development for corporate and commercial banking throughout the region, focusing on commercial real estate lending in the metroplex and other major markets in Texas. With more than two decades of experience, Studenko comes … Read more
Greg Garland, president and CEO of Lubbock-based FirstBank & Trust, announced the recent hiring of Dawn Little as vice president/commercial lender. Little will lead the team at FirstBank & Trust in the Tahoka market. She will office at the branch at 1910 Lockwood Street. Born and raised in West Texas, Little began her career in … Read more
On November 10, Dallas-based Comerica Bank announced that it has named Andrew Raines senior vice president/retail regional director for the bank’s North Texas, Arizona and Florida region. He will report to Rhonda Davenport Johnson, national director of the retail bank. Raines will be responsible for the development and effective leadership of the banking center network. He … Read more
Ozona Bank recently announced two promotions and a new hire. Regan Ritchie has been promoted to vice president/compliance officer. She will also serve as CRA officer and Safe Act officer. Ritchie began her career with Ozona Bank in 2008 as a teller and has served in numerous positions. Yessica Bolanos has been promoted to assistant … Read more