TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

College Station Texas

American Momentum Banks Taps Gardner for Commercial Relationship Management in Bryan/College Station

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College Station-based American Momentum Bank has hired Bryan/College Station native Gates Gardner as senior vice president/commercial relationship manager. He brings 27 years of banking experience to his new role. Most recently, Gardner served as senior vice president/market president in Beaumont at Third Coast Bank, where he ranked among the bank’s top five loan producers for … Read more

American Momentum Bank Introduces Energy Finance Division

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College Station-based American Momentum Bank has launched a formal Energy Finance Division, expanding its commitment to serving companies across Texas’ energy sector and building on the bank’s existing relationships in the industry. American Momentum Bank has long served customers in the sector, particularly upstream oil and gas companies and energy service businesses. “Energy continues to … Read more

In Memoriam: Robert Smith III, Federal Reserve Bank Stalwart

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Robert Smith III, a distinguished public servant, naval officer and devoted family man, passed away on October 3 in Dallas at the age of 86. He spent much of his career in service to the Federal Reserve System. After earning his BS degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University, Smith pursued further studies at … 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

Ohio-based Huntington Bank Names Absher Central Texas Division President

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On August 3, Columbus, Ohio-based The Huntington National Bank announced the appointment of Blake Absher as Central Texas division president. Based in Austin, he will lead the bank’s client strategy and growth across Austin, San Antonio, Waco and Bryan/College Station. The Huntington National Bank has 145 banking offices in Texas. Absher brings more than 20 … 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

The First National Bank of Central Texas Celebrates Opening of College Station Branch

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Waco-based The First National Bank of Central Texas (FNBCT) has opened its newest banking center in College Station. The brand-new 21,000-square-foot facility is located at 4270 State Hwy. 6 S. To celebrate the opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held at the new location. As part of the celebration, the bank made $5,000 donations to … Read more

Lubbock’s South Plains Financial and City Bank to Acquire BOH Holdings in Houston

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On December 1, South Plains Financial Inc. (SPFI), the parent company of Lubbock-based City Bank, announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Houston-based BOH Holdings Inc. (BOH), the parent company of Bank of Houston, whereby South Plains will acquire BOH in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $105.9 million. As a … 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

American Momementum Announces a New Hire and Promotion in West Texas

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College Station-based American Momentum Bank announced a new hire and a promotion in July. The bank has hired Scott Winchell to serve as senior vice president/market president for Andrews. He will focus on community development, lending and risk management for the Andrews, Seminole and greater Permian Basin markets. Winchell brings nearly 20 years of banking … Read more