TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

Christopher Williston

Community Bankers Bestow IBAT Chairman’s Award to VeraBank’s Tidwell and Renzetti

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The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Brad Tidwell and Claire Renzetti with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose contributions extend beyond service to IBAT and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the community banking industry as a whole. IBAT’s 2025–26 Chair Greg Wilson, … Read more

Community Bankers Honor IntraFi’s Blackwell with IBAT President’s Award

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In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Rob Blackwell, chief content officer and head of external affairs at Arlington, Virginia-based IntraFi, with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond … Read more

American National Bank of Texas Named 2026 Best of Show in Best of Community Banking Awards

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In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more

Community Bankers’ 52nd Annual Convention in San Antonio Will be an Event to Remember

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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

Community Bankers Honor Whitley Penn’s Murphy with Excellence in Leadership Award

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During the IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference held last month in Round Rock, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) presented its annual Excellence in Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Brett Murphy, audit partner, partner-in-charge of the financial institutions industry and Austin market president at Whitley Penn LLP. To be considered for the Excellence in … Read more

First National Bank Texas in Killeen Celebrates 125 Years

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Killeen-based First National Bank Texas recently marked its 125th anniversary with a celebration recognizing the bank’s long history and continuing role in the communities it serves. Established in 1901—only 19 years after the city of Killeen was established—the bank has grown from a Central Texas community bank into an institution with more than $4.5 billion … Read more

Community Bankers’ 2026 Connecting Leaders Conference Vital for Tomorrow’s Bank Executives

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Registration for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ (IBAT) 41st Annual Connecting Leaders Conference, the IBAT Leadership Division’s flagship event, is now open. Texas community bankers are encouraged to attend the family-friendly event being held June 25–27 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. IBAT’s Connecting Leaders Conference brings together rising community bank leaders for … Read more

Lone Star National Bank Named 2025 Best of Show in Best of Community Banking Awards

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In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2025 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank won Best of Show for its community service entry “Starr County Volunteerism.” The 2025 BOCB Best of Show, Community Spirit and Gold Eagle Award recipients were recognized at … Read more

Community Bankers Honor Hughey with IBAT President’s Award

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In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Keith Hughey, founder of J. Keith Hughey Co., with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond in serving the community banking industry … Read more

IBAT Education Foundation Awards SWGSB Women in Community Banking Scholarship

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The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) Education Foundation, in conjunction with the SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation, announced that Kelsey Goates, vice president and market manager at TexasBank in Stephenville, and Leslie Gonzalez, senior vice president at Stockmens National Bank in Cotulla, have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Women in Community … Read more