TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) has announced that Stephan Crétier, GardaWorld Security founder, president and CEO, will be the keynote speaker for SWGSB’s 2026 summer graduate school session, May 26–June 5. Crétier founded GardaWorld in 1995 with an initial investment of $25,000, secured through a second mortgage on his … Read more
Wellington-based Wellington State Bank recently held the 35th annual stockholders meeting of its current ownership group, commemorating a significant milestone as the bank celebrates its 120th anniversary. Established in 1906, Wellington State Bank is recognized as the second-oldest state-chartered bank in Texas. In celebration of the bank’s 120th anniversary, stockholders received commemorative gifts, including cedar … Read more
Coastal Bend Bancshares, the holding company for Corpus Christi-based First Community Bank, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Port Lavaca-based First National Bank. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. “Our roots along the Texas Gulf Coast run deep at First Community Bank,” notes Wes Hoskins, First Community … Read more
Brownwood-based Citizens National Bank has announced the promotion of Jesse Mendoza to executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operations officer. He brings more than 49 years of banking experience in compliance, lending and operations. Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Mendoza earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Eastern New Mexico University and is … Read more
On January 28, Prosperity Bancshares Inc., the parent company of El Campo-based Prosperity Bank, and Stellar Bancorp Inc., the parent holding company of Houston-based Stellar Bank, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement whereby Prosperity will acquire Stellar and Stellar Bank. Established in 2007, Stellar Bank operates 52 banking offices in greater Houston, Beaumont … Read more
Clara Edwards retired from Lubbock-based City Bank’s Monahans branch on December 31, 2025—capping a career that spanned 77 years. “We are so proud of Clara and all she has done in her 77 years of banking,” Cory T. Newsom, CEO, told KCBD News in Lubbock. “She is an extraordinary example of someone who puts her … Read more
Plains Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Dimmitt-based First United Bank and Spirit Mortgage, announced 11 company promotions in the new year. Staci Ortiz: senior vice president of Spirit Mortgage. She has been with the bank since 2017 and has 20 years of mortgage experience. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in … Read more
On January 5, Sweetwater-based Texas National Bank announced that Slade Cupps has been named senior vice president/Tuscola market president. He succeeds Joel Terry, who retired in 2024 after more than 20 years serving the Tuscola community. A native of Tuscola, Slade is a true hometown banker who brings a decade of community banking experience and a deep understanding … Read more
On January 2, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company of Investar Bank NA, announced the completion of its acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank. An agreement relating to the acquisition was announced last July. The acquisition became effective as of January 1. As of December 31, … Read more
Llano-based Hill Country National Bank has announced the grand opening of its newest full-service branch in Marble Falls. The new branch started serving customers on January 5. Located in the heart of the Marble Falls community, the opening also marks the debut of a new unified logo and refreshed brand identity, representing the shared strength … Read more