TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Fort Worth-based First Bank Texas has hired Michael Ramirez to serve as Fort Worth market president. He brings more than 20 years of banking experience to his new position, with extensive expertise in commercial real estate lending, relationship management and portfolio management. Ramirez’s experience includes handling complex commercial real estate transactions ranging from $1 million … Read more
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced several leadership transitions and executive promotions within its Abilene region. Following a distinguished career and 35 years of dedicated service to First Financial Bank, Marelyn Shedd has announced she will retire in December. She joined the bank as senior vice president of commercial lending … Read more
The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected board of directors for its 2026–27 fiscal year. The officers’ terms run from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. William Lucas, Shelby Savings Bank SSB in Center, has been named TBA chairman. The new vice chair is Michael Neill, First State Bank in Athens. Micah … Read more
Weatherford-based First Bank Texas has announced the appointment of Stan Lambert to its board of directors. He brings more than 35 years of experience in community banking, having served in executive leadership roles across Texas, including as president of banks in Abilene, Ennis and Ozona. Lambert currently serves as state representative for Texas House District 71 … Read more
On March 11, Weatherford-based First Bank Texas announced that Zan Sharp Prince, chair, has recently been appointed to the boards of both the West Texas Rehabilitation Center and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). The West Texas Rehabilitation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-changing outpatient therapy and support services to individuals with … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that Greg Burleigh, CTFA, CWS, has joined The Private Bank at PlainsCapital as senior vice president/senior wealth management administrator. He will be based at the bank’s Hilltop Plaza location in Dallas. Burleigh brings nearly three decades of experience in fiduciary and wealth management services. Prior to joining PlainsCapital Bank, he served … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2025 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank won Best of Show for its community service entry “Starr County Volunteerism.” The 2025 BOCB Best of Show, Community Spirit and Gold Eagle Award recipients were recognized at … Read more
Willow Park-based First Bank Texas has promoted Brooks Ferguson to chief credit officer. He has been an integral part of the bank’s leadership team. In his new role, he will oversee the bank’s credit administration, lending policies and risk management practices. “Brooks has demonstrated exceptional leadership and deep knowledge of credit management,” notes Zan Prince, … Read more
On August 18, Weatherford-based First Bank Texas announced the hiring of Mark Drennan to serve as chief lending officer. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in commercial banking across North Texas, he will oversee lending across the bank’s growing network of locations, working closely with commercial banking, commercial real estate, mortgage and consumer … Read more
Weatherford-based First Bank Texas has hired Courtney Garner Lewis to serve as its new Fort Worth area president to guide the bank’s continued growth in Tarrant County. The leadership announcement coincides with the opening of First Bank Texas’ newest office in Fort Worth, located at the Fort Worth Club Tower, Suite 800. The new location … Read more