TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
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
Forbes has produced its 2026 ranking of America’s Best-In-State Banks. The ninth annual rankings—created in partnership with market research firm Statista—are based on survey responses from 26,000 U.S. residents. The rankings include nine Texas-based banks. Participants were asked how satisfied they were and how likely they were to recommend the U.S.-based banks at which they … Read more
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Greg Wilson, president and CEO of Paris-based Lamar National Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2025–26. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 51st Annual Convention held September 20–23 in Fort Worth. In addition to Wilson, … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Donna Day to serve on its senior leadership team as executive vice president/regional president for Travis County. Based out of the bank’s 6th St. branch in Austin, she brings more than three decades of banking and leadership experience to her new role. “Her incredible breadth of experience in commercial banking, leadership … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Rich Berman as executive vice president and regional president for Williamson County. “[Berman] has spent nearly two decades building strong, trusted relationships throughout the region—and it shows,” says Brad Tidwell, CEO. “Rich brings genuine care for customers, proven leadership and a deep understanding of the region, making him a perfect fit … Read more
ORogers Pope Sr. and Rogers Pope Jr.n June 17, Rogers Pope Sr., chairman of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced a significant leadership transition during the bank’s board of directors meeting. He is passing the gavel of chairmanship to his son, Rogers Pope Jr. He will remain active in the bank in his new role … Read more
On June 3, Independent Banker magazine, the monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), announced its seventh annual “40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders” list, recognizing the rising stars transforming community banking through innovation, leadership and service. Several Texas-based bankers were included on the list, which represents a diverse mix of emerging … Read more
This spring, Henderson-based VeraBank awarded 35 scholarships totaling $35,000 to local college-bound high school seniors through its annual Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) scholarship program. Since the inception of the program in 2005, the bank has awarded more than $252,000 in scholarships to 401 local high school students who have met the established criteria. To qualify, … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Alix Obermeyer to serve as senior vice president/commercial banker in Austin. With extensive commercial lending experience, she is well-versed in the local business landscape. Obermeyer has more than a dozen years of banking experience. Prior to joining VeraBank, she was a senior vice president at Hillcrest Bank in Austin for four … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank recently announced the addition of Doug Snyder to its Austin team, where he will serve as senior vice president/senior mortgage and commercial banker. A resident of Austin for 50-plus years, he brings more than 35 years of experience in the lending industry to his new role. Before joining VeraBank, Snyder served as a … Read more