TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2026 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and New Mexico convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted by … Read more
On September 2, Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that Ted Lane has joined its Dallas lending team as executive vice president of commercial banking. With more than 35 years of banking experience, he will focus on developing commercial banking relationships across North Texas, with an emphasis on Collin County and the broader Dallas/Fort Worth market. Prior … Read more
Todd Schneider has joined the team at First United Mortgage Group, a division of Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank, to serve as mortgage market manager in San Antonio. He will lead the San Antonio and surrounding markets’ mortgage operations, increase brand awareness and visibility, grow and support the sales team, promote the bank, insurance, wealth … Read more
Wellington-based Wellington State Bank has announced the retirement of Quinn Alexander, senior vice president and branch president of the bank’s Canyon location, following a career of more than 40 years in the Texas Panhandle. Friends, colleagues, family and community members gathered on July 30 in Canyon for a retirement celebration. Before joining Wellington State Bank … 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
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 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 honorees are … Read more
Llano National Bank announced that Ashley Hill has joined the team as assistant branch manager at the bank’s Buchanan Dam location. She brings valuable experience in retail banking and customer relationship management, most recently serving as a financial center manager at First United Bank. She launched her banking career at First United Bank in 2018 as … Read more
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank has appointed Justin Sanderson to serve as chief transformation officer. Officing in Plano, he will lead the bank’s enterprise-wide transformation initiatives focused on growth, innovation and customer experience. Sanderson will focus on aligning strategy and technology. He will work across business lines to drive initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen engagement … Read more
Dimmitt-based First United Bank has hired Craig Grossman to serve as vice president of commercial lending at the bank’s northwest Lubbock branch. The hiring was announced by R. Mark Bain, CEO. Grossman brings more than eight years of commercial banking experience to First United Bank. He spent five years with Lubbock National Bank serving as … Read more