TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

chief banking officer

Third Coast Bank Expands Corporate Banking Leadership with Lacayo’s Appointment

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On September 14, Houston-based Third Coast Bank announced the appointment of Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as executive vice president/head of corporate banking. He joined the bank in March. Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and … Read more

VeraBank Expands Central Texas Presence with New Branch in Avery Ranch

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On June 22, Henderson-based VeraBank opened its second full-service branch in Austin. The new location, at 14951 Avery Ranch Blvd., serves the rapidly growing Avery Ranch community and surrounding Northwest Austin, Cedar Park and Round Rock areas. To commemorate the opening, the bank will hold an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony later this year. This … Read more

Arkansas-based Simmons Bank Taps Recer to Lead C&I Strategy in Texas and Other Markets

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On June 9, Pine Bluff, Arkansas-based Simmons Bank announced that Jim Recer has joined the bank as executive vice president/commercial regional executive. He will lead the bank’s commercial and industrial banking strategy across Texas, Nashville, Kansas City and St. Louis, with a focus on expanding the bank’s middle-market commercial business and strengthening its presence in … Read more

VeraBank Welcomes Turgel as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker

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Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Jon Turgel as senior vice president/commercial banker. He brings more than 30 years of industry experience, with a strong background in relationship‑driven commercial banking and community engagement. In his new role, he will serve businesses across the Kyle-to-Bastrop region and surrounding communities. “Jon brings a strong relationship‑driven mindset, a passion for community … Read more

American Momentum Bank Names Scott President and CEO

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On April 20, College Station-based American Momentum Bank announced the appointment of Robert “Bo” Scott as president and chief executive officer. He succeeds longtime executive James Wolfe, who will remain on the bank’s board of directors. Scott joins American Momentum Bank from Sunflower Bank, for which he served as chief banking officer. He brings more … Read more

VeraBank Relocates Round Rock Branch to New Interstate 35 Location

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Henderson-based VeraBank has a new home in Round Rock. The bank has moved a branch from 902 Palm Valley Blvd. to 2300 S. Interstate 35 and opened its new doors on December 15. To celebrate the new location, VeraBank will host an open house and ribbon-cutting this spring. “This move is about making banking easier … Read more

Louisiana-based Investar Bank Promotes Several Key Executives

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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

Ohio-based Fifth Third Bank to Acquire Comerica Bank

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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

VeraBank Welcomes Leonard as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker in Austin

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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

VeraBank Welcomes Berman as Executive Vice President and Williamson County Regional President

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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