TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Gabe Guerra, president and CEO of Corpus Christi-based Kleberg Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2026–27. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 52nd Annual Convention held September 19–22 in San Antonio. In addition to Guerra, … Read more
Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA has named Jamie Esch chairman and CEO of First Financial Bank, Hereford region. The announcement was made by Ron Butler, chief administrative officer of First Financial Bankshares Inc. “Jamie’s experiences as a highly successful banker will greatly complement the work of our Hereford region and strengthen our footprint throughout the … Read more
In July, Independent Banker, the flagship publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), released its “2021 Top Lenders” list. “Our top lenders made the most of one of the toughest years in recent memory through personal connection, ingenuity and dedication to their communities,” ICBA notes in a recent press release. The survey ranks the … Read more