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
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 5, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 15 recipients of its 2026 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
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
American Banker has released its 2025 list of the “Best Banks to Work For,” which includes 13 banks based in Texas and banks that do significant business in the Lone Star State. The 2025 list of the 90 best banks has a few newcomers, including the one that nabbed the No. 1 spot—Wood & Huston … 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
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
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
American Banker has released its 2024 list of the “Best Banks to Work For,” which includes nine banks based in Texas. Northbrook, Illinois-based First Bank Chicago was ranked No. 1 in this year’s list among 90 banks in the 12th annual ranking. The banks on the 2024 list range in size from the 52-employee First … Read more