TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On March 11, Weatherford-based First Bank Texas announced that Zan Sharp Prince, chair, has recently been appointed to the boards of both the West Texas Rehabilitation Center and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). The West Texas Rehabilitation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-changing outpatient therapy and support services to individuals with … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) will host community bank leaders from across the state during its 32nd Annual Congressional Visit, February 24–26 in the nation’s capital. During the event, community banks will meet with key policymakers to bring greater awareness to the community banking industry’s legislative and regulatory agenda and share personal accounts … Read more
Members of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) will return to Colorado for the 25th Annual Winter Summit, January 25–27 at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. The meeting provides a memorable opportunity for bankers to have face-to-face interactions and invaluable conversations with senior regulators … Read more
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
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 Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced two new additions to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Austin: James “Jim” Jirasek and Merrill Reynolds. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Keith Hughey, founder of J. Keith Hughey Co., with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond in serving the community banking industry … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas have announced that Brandy Patterson, digital compliance officer at Compliance Select, has been elected 2025–26 president of Financial Women in Texas (FWIT). A longtime FWIT member, Patterson previously served as the association’s secretary and as vice president of its Gulf Coast chapter. With more than 17 years of community … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced in late September that Brad Giddens, director of sales for the financial institutions division at Integris, now serves as chair of the IBAT Associate Member Advisory Council. He was elected to this position during the association’s 51st Annual Convention held September 20–23 in Fort Worth. IBAT’s Associate … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Kathy Smith with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. She is the founder and principal of BCC (Bank Compensation Consulting), a Plano-based bank-owned life insurance consulting firm serving banks nationwide. IBAT’s 2024–25 Chair Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, presented the … Read more