TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On April 7, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Enrique Escalante as an advisory director on its board of directors. With an extensive background in executive leadership, corporate strategy and international business, he brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Escalante currently serves as chief executive officer of GCC, a leading supplier … Read more
On April 2, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2025 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 outstanding professionals … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar, a leading financial institution in the Borderplex region, recently announced numerous promotions, appointments and new hires. WestStar has appointed Bill Brady chief investment officer in its wealth management division. He has more than 25 years of experience in the finance industry, including 12 years at WestStar. Brady earned a BBA degree in finance … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar has appointed Nathan T. Hirschi to executive vice president and chief financial officer. He brings more than 30 years of experience in finance and accounting to his new post. Hirschi previously served as senior vice president and chief financial officer at El Paso Electric Co. and served as a partner with KPMG … Read more
Janette Coon, senior vice president and commercial escrow officer at WestStar Title, a division of El Paso-based WestStar Bank, retired at the end of January, concluding a 41-year career. She has been a member of the WestStar Title team for 14 years. “It has been a great honor to be part of WestStar Title and … Read more
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has named two new regional executives whose focus will be deepening relationships with business and community leaders in North Texas and the Austin area to gain greater insight into the economy at the grassroots level. Donald Bowers has been named regional executive for North Texas and Guhan Venkatu has … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC reports that it has approved an application by SouthState Bank NA, based in Winter Haven, Florida, to acquire Independent Bank, dba Independent Financial, based in McKinney. The TDB reports that it has approved an application by Powell State Bank, based in Powell, to be acquired by Producer Acquisition Corp. The … Read more
Loan Production Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, to establish a loan production office at 641 N. Stanton Dr. in El Paso. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Woodforest National Bank, based in The Woodlands, to establish a … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Independent Bank, based in McKinney, has applied to merge into SouthState Bank NA, based in Winter Haven, Florida. Main Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by The First National Bank of Eagle Lake, based in Eagle Lake, to relocate its home office from 100 … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Sunflower Bank, based in Dallas, has withdrawn its application to merge with HomeStreet Bank NA, based in Seattle, Washington, and has also withdrawn its application to convert to a national association. Branches The OCC reports that VeraBank NA, based in Henderson, has applied to establish a branch at … Read more