TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
El Paso-based WestStar Bank recently announced the return of Liz Gatlin as senior vice president/commercial banker. With 19 years of financial expertise, 17 of which were spent at WestStar, she has a robust track record of delivering exceptional service to a diverse clientele. Gatlin earned her BBA degree from the University of Texas–El Paso. She … Read more
On December 1, South Plains Financial Inc. (SPFI), the parent company of Lubbock-based City Bank, announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Houston-based BOH Holdings Inc. (BOH), the parent company of Bank of Houston, whereby South Plains will acquire BOH in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $105.9 million. As a … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Myrna A. Ortiz as senior vice president of corporate accounting. She will oversee capital and liquidity planning activities, manage interest rate risk and reporting, handle investment accounting and monitoring and lead special projects. In addition, the bank has hired Nancy C. McElroy as vice president of corporate accounting. … Read more
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