TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
On February 5, Terrell-based American National Bank of Texas (ANBTX) announced the promotion of Chris Cronin to president. Cronin, who has been with ANBTX for more than 37 years, most recently served as senior executive vice president and chief operating officer. Robert Hulsey will continue to lead the bank and serve as chief executive officer … Read more
In the new year, San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank announced key executive promotions upon the retirement of Danny Butler, the bank’s longtime president and CEO, who retired at the end of 2025. Butler retired after 26 years of service at Jefferson Bank and nearly 50 years in the banking industry. Under his leadership, the bank expanded … Read more
On December 1, Larry Autrey, executive chairman and former chief executive officer of the Fort Worth-based tax, audit and advisory firm Whitley Penn, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2025, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in the accounting profession. Autrey joined Whitley Penn in 1995 and served as … Read more
Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, have announced the upcoming retirement of Lee Gibson as chief executive officer, effective December 31, 2025. He will continue to serve as a director of the company and bank. Succeeding him as CEO is Keith Donahoe, current president of the company and bank, who has more … Read more
Dallas-based First United Bank has appointed Tim Frederick as chief executive officer of its mortgage division. With more than 27 years of experience in financial services, he joins First United Bank from M&T Bank, for which he served as executive vice president and head of mortgage originations. At M&T Bank, he led a team of … Read more
On July 21, San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank announced the upcoming retirement of Danny Butler, the bank’s longtime president and CEO, effective December 31, 2025. Mitch Walker will succeed Butler as chief executive officer and Reagan Winslow will assume the role of president, both effective January 1, 2026. “[Our] leadership begins at the top, with a … Read more
On July 18, Prosperity Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Houston-based Prosperity Bank, and American Bank Holding Corp., the parent holding company of Corpus Christi-based American Bank NA, jointly announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement whereby Prosperity Bancshares will acquire American Bank Holding Corp. and American Bank. The merger has been unanimously approved … 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
Joe H. Sharp Jr., 86, a highly respected leader in the banking industry, passed away on June 30 in Longview. After graduating from Mineola High School in 1956, he earned a BBA degree in accounting from Southern Methodist University and gained his license as a certified public accountant. He also attended and later taught at … Read more
Ozona Bank has announced a leadership transition as Kelly Barclay assumes the role of chief executive officer to focus on steering the bank’s long-term vision and growth strategy. Joining the bank as its new president is Tommy Forsythe, a seasoned leader in community banking with more than 30 years of industry experience. He will also serve … Read more