TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On January 27, the boards of First Financial Bankshares Inc. and Abilene-based First Financial Bank announced the promotion of David Bailey to CEO of both entities. The position was previously held by F. Scott Dueser, who will continue to serve as executive chairman of both boards. “David has been with the company for more than … Read more
In early January, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees: Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd. These five iconic bankers will be recognized for their achievements and many contributions to their communities and the banking industry at the 13th Annual Texas … Read more
On October 22, First Financial Bankshares, the parent company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, announced the election of Tim Brown as executive vice president and chief information officer of the company and CEO of First Technology Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company. John Ruzicka, who has been serving as chief information officer … Read more
Abilene-based First Financial Trust , a division of First Financial Bank, has appointed R. Mark Davidovich executive vice president and leader of its Fort Worth market. With a career spanning wealth management, real estate and public affairs, he brings an abundance of experience and leadership to the team. “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to … Read more
On July 23, First Financial Bankshares Inc., the parent company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, announced the promotion of Kyle McVey to executive vice president and chief financial officer of the bank, a position previously held by Michelle Hickox. Hickox will continue serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer for First Financial Bankshares. … Read more
On May 5, Texas Southern University (TSU) in Houston announced a $200,000 gift from the Moody Foundation in support of the Future Bankers Leadership Program (FBLP) at the Jesse H. Jones School of Business. This contribution further strengthens the program’s mission to prepare students for careers in the financial services industry through academic training, mentorship … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) Education Foundation, in conjunction with the SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation, announced that Kelsey Goates, vice president and market manager at TexasBank in Stephenville, and Leslie Gonzalez, senior vice president at Stockmens National Bank in Cotulla, have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Women in Community … Read more
The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced the election of Jeff Vorhees to serve as executive vice president and treasurer. Vorhees most recently served as director of corporate treasury at McKinney-based Independent Financial, a $19 billion public bank. Prior to that, he held positions in asset liability management consulting, investment banking … 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
On April 2, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 19 recipients of its 2025 Cornerstone and Leader in Financial Education (LiFE) Awards. These honors recognize work that goes above and beyond in its commitment to community engagement and financial education across Texas. “These awards celebrate the banks … Read more