December 29, 2024–January 4, 2025

Mergers and Acquisitions The OCC and TDB report that SouthState Bank NA, based in Winter Haven, Florida, has completed its acquisition of Independent Bank, dba Independent Financial, based in McKinney. The TDB reports that Columbus State Bank, based in Columbus, has completed its merger with Hill Bank & Trust Co., based in Weimar. Branches The … Read more

December 22–28, 2024

Branches The TDB reports that Wallis Bank, based in Wallis, has established a branch at 4805 E. Sam Houston Pkwy., Ste. 100, in Pasadena. The TDB reports that it has approved an application by Texas Bank, based in Henderson, to establish a branch at 7680 Preston Rd. in Frisco.

December 15–21, 2024

Branches The OCC reports that JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, based in Columbus, Ohio, has established the following branches: 9324 Summer Creek Dr. in Fort Worth and 1055 Market Way Rd. in Argyle. The agency also reports that it has received applications by JPMorgan Chase Bank to establish the following branches: at the southeast corner of … Read more

Newsweek’s List of ‘America’s Best Regional Banks’ Includes 46 Banks in Texas

To honor regional banks that positively impact their communities, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group publish an annual list of “America’s Best Regional Banks [and Credit Unions]”* every December. The publication’s 2025 list includes 46 regional banks that operate in Texas, with 39 banks based in the Lone Star State. As Newsweek states, “Regional banks…are the … Read more

VeraBank Taps Moores to Serve as Bank President

Henderson-based VeraBank has promoted Michael Moores to bank president. He previously served as executive vice president and chief lending officer. Moores will oversee lending, mortgage banking, loan operations and servicing, and wealth management. “This promotion has been three decades in the making and Michael is a natural fit,” says Brad Tidwell, CEO. “As Michael steps … Read more

VeraBank Welcomes Gerling as Executive Vice President and Central Texas Regional Chair

Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Paul Gerling to serve as executive vice president and regional chairman in its Austin market. He will lead the bank’s business in Travis, Bastrop and Hays counties. Gerling steps into the role following an extensive career in the Austin financial sector. With 34 years of banking experience, he previously led all … Read more

VeraBank Welcomes Kamahoahoa to Commercial Banking Team in Athens

Henderson-based VeraBank recently hired Malia Kamahoahoa to serve on its commercial banking team as a commercial banker/assistant vice president at the Athens branch. She joins VeraBank with her nearly 15 years of commercial banking experience. “Malia’s talent and enthusiasm, paired with her commitment to delivering extraordinary client experiences, align perfectly with the personable genuine service … Read more

VeraBank Taps Stark to Serve as Treasury Management Officer in Williamson and Bell Counties

Henderson-based VeraBank recently welcomed Meghan Stark to its business banking team. She will serve as vice president/treasury management officer and will work with business customers in Williamson and Bell counties. Stark will assist business customers with mitigating financial, operational and reputational risk. Her banking career spans almost three decades. “Meghan’s enthusiastic attitude, paired with her … Read more

VeraBank Recognized as 2024 Q2 Excellence Award ‘Bank of the Year’

Henderson-based VeraBank has been named the 2024 Q2 Excellence Award “Bank of the Year” by Q2 Holdings Inc., a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for financial institutions. The annual Q2 award program recognizes financial institutions for their commitment to digital innovation, community impact and transforming the customer experience. The financial institutions nominated this year … Read more

VeraBank Promotes Nofi to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Henderson-based VeraBank has promoted Cameron Nofi to executive vice president and chief financial officer. Cameron, who has been with the bank since 2021, most recently held the role of senior vice president/director of finance. In that position, he had oversight and responsibility for the bank’s financial planning and analysis, asset-liability monitoring and reporting. Prior to … Read more