Texas Bank and Trust Names Williams ‘Employee of the Year’

On March 18, Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust named Susan Williams the 2024 “Employee of the Year” during the bank’s annual employee dinner. This award, determined by the bank’s officers, recognizes an employee who distinctly exhibits the bank’s core values of integrity, excellence, mutual respect, professionalism and joy. The bank has awarded an “Employee of … Read more

Harris Honored as Texas Bank and Trust’s 2024 ‘Community Spirit Award’ Recipient

On March 18, Rogers Pope Jr., vice chair and chief executive officer at Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced that Jennifer Harris is the 2024 recipient of the bank’s “Community Spirit Award.” The award was presented to Harris during the bank’s annual employee dinner in Longview. Harris, who serves as senior vice president and business … Read more

Guaranty Bank & Trust Provides Gift to Texas Southern University Bankers Leadership Program

Guaranty Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Mount Pleasant-based Guaranty Bank & Trust NA, recently announced that it has bestowed a gift to Texas Southern University’s Jesse H. Jones School of Business Future Bankers Leadership Program. The Future Bankers Leadership Program is designed to equip students with the financial expertise, industry insights and real-world experience … Read more

VeraBank Announces Brenham Branch Opening This Summer

On February 19, Henderson-based VeraBank announced that it will be opening a new location in Brenham this summer. The new full-service branch, located at 2690 Becker Dr., will be VeraBank’s first in Washington County and fourth in Southeast Texas. “We’re eager to expand our reach and plant roots in Brenham,” says Brad Tidwell, CEO. “We … Read more

SouthStar Bank Welcomes Shaffer as Vice Pressident and Business Development Officer

Moulton-based SouthStar Bank SSB has hired Barbara Shaffer to serve as vice president/business development officer in Leander. With more than 40 years of banking experience, Shaffer joins SouthStar Bank having previously worked in a similar position at R Bank in Round Rock since 2013. Prior to that, she was vice president/Frost at Work specialist at … Read more

VeraBank Names Vestal Wealth Management Trust and Wealth Advisor

Henderson-based VeraBank has promoted Shea Vestal to vice president/trust and wealth advisor. She will focus on the bank’s Henderson, Mt. Enterprise, Kilgore, Tatum and Carthage regions. Vestal joined VeraBank in 2010. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Stephen F. Austin State University and has completed the graduate program at the SW Graduate School … Read more

Jackson Named Chief Lending Officer and Senior Executive Vice President at VeraBank

Henderson-based VeraBank has announced that Joel Jackson is now senior executive vice president, chief lending officer and regional chair of the bank’s Southeast region. Jackson has more than 23 years of experience with a focus on commercial banking. He started his career in East Texas, working his way through various leadership positions at community banks … Read more

Pilgrim Bank Announces Key Leadership Developments

At Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank’s December 2023 board meeting, Ken Pilgrim, senior chairman, and Lanny Brenner, chairman, along with the board of directors, announced several promotions and appointments. Brad Lowry has been named president and chief lending officer, and appointed to the board as an advisory director. Lowry joined Pilgrim Bank in 2004 as a management … Read more

VeraBank Completes Acquisition of Panola National Bank

Henderson-based VeraBank announced in mid-May that it has completed its acquisition Carthage-based Panola National Bank. Panola National Bank has two locations, Carthage and Marshall, and assets totaling more than $130 million. This transaction expands VeraBank’s footprint into Panola County for the first time and increases its presence in East Texas. “Bringing our two organizations together will be … Read more

VeraBank Announces Intent to Acquire Panola National Bank

Henderson-based VeraBank announced on December 18 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Carthage-based Panola National Bank. Established in 1983, Panola National Bank has two locations, Carthage and Marshall, and assets totaling $125 million. This transaction will expand VeraBank into Panola County for the first time and increase its presence in East Texas. Subject … Read more