TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank announced that Tadd Tobkin, chief technology officer, has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Dallas CIO ORBIE Awards, a premier recognition program honoring excellence in technology leadership across the Dallas/Fort Worth region. First United Bank operates 40 branches in Texas, including approximately 15 in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. … Read more
On December 1, Ernst & Young LLP announced that John D. Steinmetz, president and CEO of Dallas-based Vista Bank, has been named a 2025 “Entrepreneur of the Year” national finalist, following his selection as a Southwest regional award winner in June. Steinmetz was chosen from a group of 221 “Entrepreneur of the Year” regional winners, … Read more
Houston’s longest-serving independent bank, Central Bank, announced that it has once again been recognized as one of the region’s premier employers. The bank was named among the Houston Chronicle’s “2025 Top Workplaces,” placing first among mid-sized companies (150–499 employees). Winners were announced during a November 6 awards luncheon, marking Central Bank’s third consecutive Top Workplaces … Read more
The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce will honor banking industry veteran Vic Pierson as the 2025 “Nonno” Tony Smecca “Galvestonian of the Year” at its 181st annual meeting on January 24 at Galveston Island Convention Center. A banking pioneer and lifelong champion for Galveston’s economic vitality, his leadership continues to shape businesses and communities across … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced two new additions to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Austin: James “Jim” Jirasek and Merrill Reynolds. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Kathy Smith with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. She is the founder and principal of BCC (Bank Compensation Consulting), a Plano-based bank-owned life insurance consulting firm serving banks nationwide. IBAT’s 2024–25 Chair Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, presented the … Read more
On September 18, the Texas Lyceum, a premier nonprofit, nonpartisan, statewide leadership organization, honored “Skipper” Dippel with its 2025 Stewardship of Texas Values Award during a special ceremony at the Omni Dallas Hotel. A founder of the Texas Lyceum and a longtime Texas banker, Dippel was recognized for his unmatched contributions to the state of … Read more
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