TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
The board of directors of Waco-based Community Bank & Trust announced that Benjamin “Ben” C. Lacy has been named president of the bank, effective immediately. David Lacy will remain chairman and CEO. As president, Ben Lacy will assume increased administrative and leadership responsibilities while continuing to serve as senior commercial lending officer. In his expanded … Read more
On September 17, WestStar Bank announced the promotion of Trish Marquez to executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer. In her new role, she will lead the bank’s commercial lending, construction lending and treasury management teams. Marquez brings more than 41 years of banking experience to the position, including extensive leadership experience in commercial … Read more
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Gabe Guerra, president and CEO of Corpus Christi-based Kleberg Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2026–27. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 52nd Annual Convention held September 19–22 in San Antonio. In addition to Guerra, … Read more
San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank has hired David Morris as senior vice president/trust and estates officer and Taylor West as senior vice president/commercial lending officer. Morris will serve as the primary point of contact for clients with moderate and complex trusts, providing fiduciary services and addressing client needs. He will oversee trust account administration, ensure transactions … Read more
Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank announced that it has added Garrett Bockman to its lending team. He will serve customers in Wise County and surrounding North Texas communities. Bockman brings experience in commercial and community banking, including leadership roles with The Community Bank in Bridgeport, American National Bank & Trust in Decatur and First State Bank in … Read more
On August 4, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Lorena Garay as senior vice president/commercial banker. She will manage the bank’s existing investment real estate client relationships while continuing to grow its commercial lending portfolio. Garay brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial lending and deposit relationship management, with a focus on … Read more
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced several leadership transitions and executive promotions within its Abilene region. Following a distinguished career and 35 years of dedicated service to First Financial Bank, Marelyn Shedd has announced she will retire in December. She joined the bank as senior vice president of commercial lending … Read more
Ozona Bank is welcoming Todd Adams to its commercial lending team. He brings more than 25 years of banking, credit and regulatory experience to serve businesses across Texas. Adams joins Ozona Bank after serving as a commercial loan officer at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, where he managed a robust commercial loan portfolio, including commercial and … Read more
On August 5, El Paso-based WestStar announced the promotion of Erica M. Saunders to senior vice president/commercial banking manager for its New Mexico market. She joined WestStar in 2022 and has since built strong, trusted relationships across New Mexico while delivering consistent, high-level performance. With 18 years of experience in commercial lending and banking, Saunders … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank recently hired two relationship bankers, one in San Antonio and one in Round Rock. Justin Vohs has joined the bank as senior vice president/senior relationship manager, based at its Round Rock office located at 400 Sundance Pkwy. He brings more than 16 years of banking and financial services experience, with a strong … Read more