TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO or board chair, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impact on the banking industry. “These honorees are … Read more
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
On May 27, Legend Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Bowie-based Legend Bank NA, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Graham-based Graham Savings and Loan SSB, a Texas community bank founded in 1934. Graham Savings and Loan operates three full-service locations in Graham, Breckenridge and Possum Kingdom, and reports approximately … Read more
Members of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA) are gathering in Dallas, May 20–22, for the organization’s 141st Annual Convention, being held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. With the theme that touts the Lone Star State as the “Land of Opportunity—America’s New Financial Capital,” the group has a full slate of education sessions, featured speakers, … Read more
Jacksonville-based Austin Bank hired three team members in April, as announced by Jeff Austin III, chair. Dan Taylor has joined the bank as senior vice president/relationship manager in the Creekside Park location. He has a varied background in finance, banking, real estate, aviation and entrepreneurship. With two decades of experience in banking, he joins Austin … Read more
Fort Worth-based TexasBank has hired Matt Duncan to serve as executive vice president/chief credit officer. He brings more than 30 years of experience in community banking and risk management. Duncan’s career spans senior leadership roles in credit administration, enterprise risk management and loan portfolio oversight. Before joining TexasBank, he held executive roles at regional community … Read more
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced senior leadership changes in its Greater Houston region. Rodney Nabors has been elected regional CEO, Bart Griffith has been promoted to Conroe market president and Brian Bonner has been promoted to executive vice president/senior lender for construction and development. “Rodney, Bart and Brian have … Read more
On March 23, Ozona Bank announced the appointment of Tommy Forsythe to serve on the boards of both Ozona Bank and its parent company, ONB Bancshares Inc. Forsythe, who currently serves as president of Ozona Bank, brings extensive banking experience, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to the communities the bank serves. Forsythe joined Ozona … Read more
After 30 years at Odessa-based SouthWest Bank and a remarkable 60-year career in banking, Toby Tripp, trust and wealth manager, is retiring. Tripp has been with SouthWest Bank since the very beginning, playing a key role in the bank’s growth and success. As trust and wealth manager, his leadership and expertise helped build a legacy of … Read more
The Texas Bankers Hall of Fame on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville held its 13th Annual Gala on April 23. Five iconic bankers—Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd—were inducted. Established by the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking at Sam Houston … Read more