TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On October 16, Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA announced several key executive leadership promotions that add clarity to the bank’s direction and provide the needed infrastructure. Investar currently operates Texas branches in the Houston and Galveston areas. Jeffery “Jeff” Blum, currently executive vice president and regional president of the western division, has been promoted … Read more
On October 6, Cincinatti-Ohio-based Fifth Third Bancorp and Dallas-based Comerica Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Fifth Third will acquire Comerica in an all-stock transaction valued at $10.9 billion. This transaction brings together two long-tenured banking franchises to create the ninth largest U.S. bank with approximately $288 billion … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Dan Leonard for its commercial banking team. He will serve as senior vice president/commercial banker and office at the downtown Austin location. He has more than 22 years of experience serving the Austin business community. His responsibilities include commercial lending and deposit services, while also collaborating with commercial customers to deliver … 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
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2025 summer session wrapped up June 6 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVI at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Jan Mills, president and chair of First National Bank of Winnsboro and a graduate of SWGSB Class XL, delivered the commencement address … Read more
Dallas-based Susser Bank has appointed Carl Cravens president and chief banking officer. In his expanded role, he will continue to report directly to Sam L. Susser, chairman and CEO, and assume responsibility for all commercial banking, credit functions and marketing across the bank’s footprint. Cravens joined Susser Bank in 2018 and has been instrumental in scaling … Read more
On June 11, Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank launched its 2025 internship program with an informational Internship Day at its corporate headquarters. Students from universities across the nation—including Texas A&M University, the University of Texas, the University of Arkansas and Indiana University—gathered to kick off their summer journey with the bank. The day was filled with presentations … Read more
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank has promoted Wes Shelton to president of banking, recognizing his four decades of industry expertise and leadership. In this expanded role, Shelton will oversee bank system operations and lead First United Bank’s Centers of Excellence, credit committee and special-assets team. “Wes has been a cornerstone of our banking operations, bringing … Read more
On March 24, Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank announced the promotion of Ryan Suchala to chief banking officer. He will spearhead strategic growth initiatives, deepen customer engagement and drive innovation across Texas and Oklahoma. With nearly two decades of banking experience, Suchala has been a key leader at First United Bank for more than seven … Read more
Chris Bubela has been promoted to chief banking officer at Round Rock-based R Bank, transitioning from his previous role as chief lending officer. As reported previously in Bankers Digest, Michael Ramirez has been hired to succeed Bubela as chief lending officer and executive vice president. Bubela, who also serves as executive vice president, has been … Read more