TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On March 18, Rogers Pope Jr., vice chair and chief executive officer at Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced that Jennifer Harris is the 2024 recipient of the bank’s “Community Spirit Award.” The award was presented to Harris during the bank’s annual employee dinner in Longview. Harris, who serves as senior vice president and business … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University has announced its highest honors for 2025. H. Gary Blankenship, chair, CEO and chief lending officer of Bank of the West, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award on May 29. The following week, on June 5, Ron Butler, chair and CEO of … Read more
On January 3, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2025 inductees who will be honored at the 12th Annual Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala, May 1 on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Five iconic bankers—Sam H. Burris Jr., Charles G. Cooper, Harvey P. Hartenstine, Robert W. “Bobby” Hoxworth … Read more
To honor regional banks that positively impact their communities, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group publish an annual list of “America’s Best Regional Banks [and Credit Unions]”* every December. The publication’s 2025 list includes 46 regional banks that operate in Texas, with 39 banks based in the Lone Star State. As Newsweek states, “Regional banks…are the … Read more
On December 10, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced a new addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking: Bob Walters, managing partner of The Bank CEO Network. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength of community banking … Read more
American Banker has released its 2024 list of the “Best Banks to Work For,” which includes nine banks based in Texas. Northbrook, Illinois-based First Bank Chicago was ranked No. 1 in this year’s list among 90 banks in the 12th annual ranking. The banks on the 2024 list range in size from the 52-employee First … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Charles T. “Chuck” and Mary Ellen Doyle with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. Chuck Doyle, founding director and chairman emeritus of Texas First Bank, as well as chairman of Texas Independent Bancshares, along with his wife, Mary Ellen Doyle, were presented the prestigious award on October 7 during … Read more
Corpus Christi-based American Bank was recently presented with the Ted Oakley Legacy of Change Award by Foster Angels of South Texas. Named after Foster Angels founder, Ted Oakley, the award honors an organization or individual whose philanthropic efforts are creating an exceptional impact to further the mission of Foster Angels of South Texas. The award … Read more
Chad D. Stary, First State Bank of Uvalde president and CEO, is the latest recipient of the Texas Bankers Association’s “Chairman of the Board” award. The association awards the honor to bankers who have gone above and beyond in their service to benefit the Texas Bankers Association, the banking industry and their communities. During his … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) has announced this year’s recipients of its coveted Five*Star Award: AccuBranch (tier 1), Advantage Health Plans Trust (tier 2) and Whitley Penn LLP (tier 3). These three IBAT associate members—based on company size—were honored during the association’s 2024 IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference in June in San Antonio. Since … Read more