TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
In April, Henderson-based VeraBank announced a new commercial banker in Conroe, as well as a new wealth management team member. Billy Brannon has joined the bank as senior vice president/commercial banker at its Conroe location. He was born and raised in Conroe and is excited to return home to support the area where his roots … Read more
Dallas-based Susser Bank has appointed Christopher Hall as director of technology banking, based in the bank’s Austin office. In this role, he will lead the technology banking team and partner with high-growth technology companies to provide strategic capital solutions and advisory support. “Texas is a dynamic center for innovation, home to rapidly scaling technology companies, … Read more
Brownwood-based Citizens National Bank has announced the promotion of Jesse Mendoza to executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operations officer. He brings more than 49 years of banking experience in compliance, lending and operations. Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Mendoza earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Eastern New Mexico University and is … Read more
Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced promotions of employees approved at the March board meeting. Troy Moore has been named regional president for the North region. He joined the bank in December 2025 as executive vice president/deputy regional president, working from the Longview Oak Forest office. With 33 years … Read more
In March, Henderson-based VeraBank announced promotions and a new hire for its commercial banking teams in Henderson, Austin and Corsicana. Zach Kuehner, who has been with VeraBank since 2023, has transitioned into the role of commercial banker at the Austin downtown office. He brings a strong foundation in commercial credit, portfolio management and relationship‑focused service … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar Bank has promoted Claudia Rodriguez to executive vice president. She oversees all aspects of risk management, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), financial intelligence unit (FIU), compliance, information security, legal, audit and loan review. With 23 years of experience in the banking sector, Rodriguez has dedicated the past 13 years of her career … Read more
On March 5, Wichita Falls-based American National Bank & Trust announced key hires and promotions across multiple locations. This news comes in addition to the bank’s recent announcement that Craig Berry is succeeding Dwight Berry in the role of president; Dwight Berry will continue serving as chief executive officer and Craig Berry will continue as … Read more
San Antonio-based Vantage Bank has hired Clay Burnett to serve as executive vice president/San Antonio market president. He brings more than a dozen years of banking experience in the San Antonio market, with expertise that spans treasury management, working capital lines of credit and equipment financing. Before joining Vantage Bank, Burnett was executive vice president/sales … Read more
After more than 40 years of service in community banking, Tindle Ramon is retiring in 2026, concluding a career that helped shape modern banking across the Texas Panhandle. He currently serves as executive vice president/chief financial officer at Guymon, Oklahoma-based Panhandle First Bank, a bank launched in 2024 following the merger of First National Bank … Read more
On February 24, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced the appointment of John Morales as executive vice president of information technology and chief information officer. He brings decades of federal senior executive leadership experience overseeing complex, mission-critical organizations and large multidisciplinary teams. Most recently, Morales served as a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent in charge, … Read more