TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS



Alliance Bank Appoints Roberts Chief Executive Officer

On October 16, Sulphur Springs-based Alliance Bank announced that Craig Roberts has been named CEO. The appointment comes as the bank approaches its centennial in 2027. “After a thorough search process, the board is confident that Craig Roberts is exactly the right leader to guide Alliance Bank into its second century,” says Tom Sellers, chairman … Read more

Southern Bancshares and SouthStar Bank Sign Agreement to Merge with Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp

Omaha, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Southern Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Moulton-based SouthStar Bank. SouthStar Bank has $1.35 billion in assets with 16 full-service locations in Central Texas: Austin, Bee Cave, Brazoria, Bremond, Calvert, Franklin, Georgetown, Gonzales, Harker Heights, Hearne, Kerrville, Leander, Moulton, Round Rock and Shiner. In … Read more

Third Coast Bancshares Announces Agreement to Acquire Oklahoma-based Great Plains Bancshares

On October 7, Third Coast Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Humble-based Third Coast Bank, and Great Plains Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based Great Plains National Bank, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Third Coast will acquire Great Plains in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately … Read more

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