TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS



Benjamin Lacy Named President of Community Bank & Trust in Waco

The board of directors of Waco-based Community Bank & Trust announced that Benjamin “Ben” C. Lacy has been named president of the bank, effective immediately. David Lacy will remain chairman and CEO. As president, Ben Lacy will assume increased administrative and leadership responsibilities while continuing to serve as senior commercial lending officer. In his expanded … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Launches TRB Financial to Address Banking and Credit Access Gaps

Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank has announced the launch of TRB Financial, a new core banking division that expands access to relationship banking through differentiated credit strategies, ongoing financial education and integrated community partnerships. TRB Financial’s first dedicated banking center, located at 332 Jefferson Blvd. in Oak Cliff, began serving customers on August 26. Citing an … Read more

Vantage Bank Names Nunes Chief Treasury and Network Banking Officer

On August 18, San Antonio-based Vantage Bank announced the appointment of Layne E. Nunes as executive vice president/chief treasury and network banking officer. He will oversee the new treasury and network banking division and provide strategic leadership for treasury management, treasury operations, network banking and related customer-focused services. He brings more than 30 years of experience … Read more

Community Bankers’ 52nd Annual Convention in San Antonio Will be an Event to Remember

Community bankers from across the state will gather in San Antonio later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 52nd Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 19–22 at the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Adds Southern Methodist University’s Sawers to Board of Trustees

The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business (SWGSB) has added a new trustee to its board of advisors. Kit Sawers, inaugural CEO of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) new Dallas office and a vice president of the university, has joined the SWGSB board as the SMU representative. In her … Read more

Louisiana-based Investar Bank Rings Nasdaq Closing Bell in Celebration of 20 Years of Service

On August 24, members of the leadership team at Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA rang the Nasdaq Closing Bell at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City’s Times Square. The ceremonial bell ringing marks a significant milestone for Investar Bank as it celebrates 20 years of serving customers, supporting communities and building relationships across … Read more

Pilgrim Bank Adds Bockman to Lending Team

Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank announced that it has added Garrett Bockman to its lending team. He will serve customers in Wise County and surrounding North Texas communities. Bockman brings experience in commercial and community banking, including leadership roles with The Community Bank in Bridgeport, American National Bank & Trust in Decatur and First State Bank in … Read more

CNB&TT Announces Retirement of President Stites and Appointment of Hitt as CEO and President

On July 1, the board of directors for Community Bank Holdings of Texas, the holding company of Corsicana-based Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, announced the retirement of President Tim Stites after an extraordinary 42-year career with the bank. Following Stites’ retirement, Rusty Hitt has been named chief executive officer and president of the … Read more

Prosperity Bancshares Completes Merger with Stellar Bancorp

On July 1, Prosperity Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Houston-based Prosperity Bank, announced the completion of the merger of Stellar Bancorp Inc. with and into Prosperity and the merger of Stellar’s wholly owned subsidiary, Houston-based Stellar Bank with and into Prosperity Bank. Robert R. Franklin Jr., Stellar’s CEO and Stellar Bank’s executive chairman, joined … Read more

Governor Abbott Appoints The First State Bank’s Jenkins to Finance Commission of Texas

On June 9, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced appointments and reappointments of four individuals to the Finance Commission of Texas, among them a Texas community banker. The commission is the governing body of the state’s banking, savings and loan, and consumer credit agencies. William “Chip” Jenkins, one of those newly appointed to the commission, is … Read more