TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
On May 5, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 15 recipients of its 2026 Cornerstone and Leader in Financial Education (LiFE) Awards. These honors recognize work that goes above and beyond in its commitment to community engagement and financial education across Texas. “These awards celebrate the banks … Read more
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO or board chair, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impact on the banking industry. “These honorees are … Read more
On May 13, Lubbock-based Victory Bank announced that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire a 40 percent ownership stake in McDonald Capital Management (MCM), a Lubbock-based, fee-only investment management firm with more than $350 million in assets under management. The agreement marks Victory Bank’s formal entry into wealth management. Established in 1990, McDonald … Read more
On April 22, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced that David W. Osborn, president and CEO, has been named McMurry University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, the Abilene-based university’s highest alumni honor. Osborn was recognized during McMurry’s Alumni Achievement Awards celebration held April 24 in Abilene. The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors graduates who have achieved exceptional professional success, … Read more
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced senior leadership changes in its Greater Houston region. Rodney Nabors has been elected regional CEO, Bart Griffith has been promoted to Conroe market president and Brian Bonner has been promoted to executive vice president/senior lender for construction and development. “Rodney, Bart and Brian have … Read more
Weatherford-based First Bank Texas has announced the appointment of Stan Lambert to its board of directors. He brings more than 35 years of experience in community banking, having served in executive leadership roles across Texas, including as president of banks in Abilene, Ennis and Ozona. Lambert currently serves as state representative for Texas House District 71 … Read more
Sweetwater-based Texas National Bank has hired Lawrence Bertsch to serve as market president for Abilene, marking a significant step in the bank’s growth throughout West Central Texas. Alongside this leadership addition, the bank will open a new loan and deposit production office in Abilene this summer, with details to be announced soon. Bertsch brings more … Read more
On January 5, Sweetwater-based Texas National Bank announced that Slade Cupps has been named senior vice president/Tuscola market president. He succeeds Joel Terry, who retired in 2024 after more than 20 years serving the Tuscola community. A native of Tuscola, Slade is a true hometown banker who brings a decade of community banking experience and a deep understanding … Read more
On January 27, the boards of First Financial Bankshares Inc. and Abilene-based First Financial Bank announced the promotion of David Bailey to CEO of both entities. The position was previously held by F. Scott Dueser, who will continue to serve as executive chairman of both boards. “David has been with the company for more than … Read more
In early January, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees: Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd. These five iconic bankers will be recognized for their achievements and many contributions to their communities and the banking industry at the 13th Annual Texas … Read more