TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
On September 14, Houston-based Third Coast Bank announced the appointment of Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as executive vice president/head of corporate banking. He joined the bank in March. Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2026 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and New Mexico convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted by … Read more
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Gabe Guerra, president and CEO of Corpus Christi-based Kleberg Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2026–27. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 52nd Annual Convention held September 19–22 in San Antonio. In addition to Guerra, … Read more
San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank has hired David Morris as senior vice president/trust and estates officer and Taylor West as senior vice president/commercial lending officer. Morris will serve as the primary point of contact for clients with moderate and complex trusts, providing fiduciary services and addressing client needs. He will oversee trust account administration, ensure transactions … Read more
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and participating member financial institutions awarded more than $1.8 million to 71 community‑based organizations through its Partnership Grant Program (PGP) as the program marks its 30th anniversary. The awards were made in partnership with 44 member institutions in FHLB Dallas’ five‑state district of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, … Read more
This fall, Financial Women in Texas (FWIT) heads to Austin for its 17th Annual Conference, September 27–29 at Hotel Viata. The event brings women from across Texas together for education, professional growth and plenty of time to connect with peers. Whether you are already part of the FWIT community or are just learning about the … Read more
Houston-based Amegy Bank has appointed Alex Rasmussen as executive vice president and private banking manager for Central Texas. In this role, he will lead a team of private bankers and relationship managers serving clients across the Austin/San Antonio corridor. Based in San Antonio, Rasmussen will oversee growth initiatives across the region while delivering customized private banking, … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank recently hired two relationship bankers, one in San Antonio and one in Round Rock. Justin Vohs has joined the bank as senior vice president/senior relationship manager, based at its Round Rock office located at 400 Sundance Pkwy. He brings more than 16 years of banking and financial services experience, with a strong … Read more
On August 3, Columbus, Ohio-based The Huntington National Bank announced the appointment of Blake Absher as Central Texas division president. Based in Austin, he will lead the bank’s client strategy and growth across Austin, San Antonio, Waco and Bryan/College Station. The Huntington National Bank has 145 banking offices in Texas. Absher brings more than 20 … Read more