TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2026 summer session wrapped up June 5 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVII at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB, delivered the commencement address to more than 350 guests celebrating 82 graduates from … Read more
On May 29, Toronto-based Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dallas-based Maple Financial Holdings Inc., parent company of MapleMark Bank. MapleMark Bank has offices in Dallas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. MapleMark Bank reported assets just over $1 billion and $826 million in deposits as of March, … Read more
The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has tapped Arturo Barrio to serve as vice president and regional executive for El Paso. He will focus on building relationships with local businesses and community groups to gain greater insight into the surrounding economy, which includes West Texas and southern New Mexico. As regional executive for the only … Read more
On May 18, Groom-based State National Bank announced the appointment of Tracy Harris as president and chief executive officer. She brings more than 30 years of community banking experience, including seven years as a president and CEO, to her new job. Harris joins State National Bank from Texas Regional Bank, a $2.7 billion institution headquartered … Read more
Harry J. “Johnny” Brooks, chair and CEO of Woodville-based Citizens State Bank, has been named 2026 Mr. East Texas as part of the community’s 83rd Annual Tyler County Dogwood Festival in Woodville, held on weekends in March and April. The Dogwood Festival is the longest-running outdoor celebration in Texas. Citizens State Bank has supported it … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox has added two new trustees to its board roster of advisors. H. Gary Blankenship, chairman and CEO of Greater Southwest Bancshares Inc. and Grapevine-based Bank of the West, and Emily Greenwald, senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, were named to the … Read more
Members of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) will return to Colorado for the 25th Annual Winter Summit, January 25–27 at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. The meeting provides a memorable opportunity for bankers to have face-to-face interactions and invaluable conversations with senior regulators … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced two new additions to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Austin: James “Jim” Jirasek and Merrill Reynolds. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength … Read more
Community bankers from across the state will gather in Fort Worth later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 51st Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 20–23 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, the convention will feature … Read more
Durant, Okalhoma-based First United Bank recently announced that Jesse Jackson has joined the organization as Dallas/Fort Worth regional president. He has more than 35 years of experience in banking and financial leadership. Most recently, Jackson served as executive vice president and head of commercial banking at b1BANK in Dallas. Under his leadership, the bank raised … Read more