TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
On March 2, Dallas-based T Bank NA announced the opening of a new Houston branch and the appointment of veteran banker Chris Morris to serve as chief lending officer and a member of the bank’s board of directors. T Bank also announced the appointment of Houston businessman John Leggett to its board. “While we operate … Read more
On March 23, Ozona Bank announced the promotion of Lance Kruse to chief lending officer. He has been a member of the Ozona Bank team for more than 10 years, during which he has demonstrated strong lending expertise, leadership and a commitment to serving customers and communities across the bank’s footprint. His contributions have played a … Read more
On March 5, Wichita Falls-based American National Bank & Trust announced key hires and promotions across multiple locations. This news comes in addition to the bank’s recent announcement that Craig Berry is succeeding Dwight Berry in the role of president; Dwight Berry will continue serving as chief executive officer and Craig Berry will continue as … Read more
As Wichita Falls-based American National Bank & Trust celebrates 50 years of service, it has announced a strategic leadership transition. Dwight Berry is continuing his tenure as chief executive officer, while Craig Berry has assumed the role of president, maintaining his responsibilities as chief lending officer. Dwight Berry, who joined the bank in 1981, has … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Will Metcalf to serve as business development officer at its Conroe branch. Joining the team in July, he brings 18 years of experience in the banking industry. A longtime Conroe resident and public servant, Metcalf has served in the Texas House of Representatives since 2015 and remains actively involved in both … Read more
On August 18, Weatherford-based First Bank Texas announced the hiring of Mark Drennan to serve as chief lending officer. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in commercial banking across North Texas, he will oversee lending across the bank’s growing network of locations, working closely with commercial banking, commercial real estate, mortgage and consumer … Read more
The First National Bank of Giddings is celebrating a milestone this year—135 years of serving Lee County’s residents and businesses. To mark the anniversary, the bank hosted a festive block‑party on July 11 featuring music, giveaways, food and a live KTEX‑106 broadcast complete with a “Wagon Wheel of Prizes.” The event offered an opportunity to … Read more
During the IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference held this summer in Galveston, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) presented its annual Excellence in Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Jay Bearden, president and CEO of Legend Bank in Decatur. To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one must selflessly promote, support and serve … 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