TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
WestStar Bank Holding Company Inc., the holding company of El Paso-based WestStar Bank, and Las Vegas Bancorporation Inc., the holding company of Albuquerque-based Southwest Capital Bank, have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their organizations, creating a premier community banking franchise serving New Mexico and the Borderplex region. Southwest Capital Bank is expected to … 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
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2026 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and New Mexico convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted by … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar has named Marcela Candia vice president/director of accounting. In her role, she oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and internal controls and works with senior leadership to support the bank’s financial objectives. Candia joined WestStar in 2022 and has more than 20 years of accounting experience across multiple industries. During her … Read more
On August 13, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Christopher Mims as vice president/information security officer. He will lead the development and management of the bank’s information security program, oversee regulatory compliance and align security initiatives with the bank’s strategic objectives. Mims brings 15 years of information technology and cybersecurity experience, with expertise in … Read more
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and participating member financial institutions awarded more than $1.8 million to 71 community‑based organizations through its Partnership Grant Program (PGP) as the program marks its 30th anniversary. The awards were made in partnership with 44 member institutions in FHLB Dallas’ five‑state district of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar has promoted Beny Medrano to branch manager of its Zaraloop location. He joined the bank in 2023, bringing more than nine years of experience in the financial industry. Known for his strong analytical skills and ability to build meaningful relationships, he delivers personalized financial solutions to both personal and business clients. Medrano … 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
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
El Paso-based WestStar has named Yvonne Dorado senior vice president and chief accounting officer as part of an internal leadership realignment within the accounting, tax and treasury division. She previously served as senior vice president and treasurer. In her new role, she oversees the bank’s accounting and financial reporting functions in addition to supporting the … Read more