Community Bankers Gather for 45th Annual Bank Operations Institute

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) annual Bank Operations Institute (BOI) was held November 9–13 at the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott. The immersive two-year program dives deep into strategic operations, leadership development and compliance education, equipping banking professionals with the tools to excel in today’s competitive landscape. The 45th Annual BOI brought together an … Read more

Texas Bankers Association Announces 2025–26 Officers and Board of Directors

The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected board of directors for its 2025–26 fiscal year. The officers’ terms run from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. Ron Butler, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA, has been named TBA chairman. The new vice chair is William … Read more

The Texas Bankers Foundation Announces 2025 Emerging Leader Honorees

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

January 12–18, 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that it has approved applications by First Liberty Bank, based in Liberty, to acquire Pearland State Bank, based in Pearland, and First National Bank of Alvin, based in Alvin. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by VeraBank NA, based in Henderson, to establish a branch … Read more

First Liberty National Banchares to Acquire First National Bank of Alvin and Pearland State Bank

On October 17, Charles McGuire, chairman of First Liberty National Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Liberty-based First Liberty Bank, and Kelly Stretcher, president and CEO of First Liberty Bank, announced that a definitive agreement has been executed wherein First Liberty National Bancshares Inc., has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the issued and outstanding … Read more

Oklahoma-based Bank Opens First Texas Branch in Frisco as First Lonestar Bank

First Lonestar Bank, a division of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based First Liberty Bank, has entered the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex with the opening of its full-service office in Frisco on July 11. The branch is located at 2600 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 140. First Lonestar Bank operated a loan production office in Frisco since January 2023. First Liberty … Read more

First Liberty Bank Elects Property Management Business Leader to Board

Jim Bob Evans, a vice president at Lincoln Property Co. in Devers, has been elected to the Liberty-based First Liberty Bank board of directors. “Jim Bob Evans will add experience in the financing of large commercial real estate projects to the boardroom and a philosophy of local community involvement,” says Charles McGuire, chairman. Evans has … Read more

First Liberty Bank’s Board Announces Promotions for the New Year

Liberty-based First Liberty Bank announced a number of promotions during its board of directors meeting held in mid-December. “These talented individuals have played a big part in our success as a community bank through their hard work and dedication,” says Charles McGuire, chairman. “Our board of directors takes great pleasure in recognizing these deserving individuals … Read more