TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Greg Wilson, president and CEO of Paris-based Lamar National Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2025–26. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 51st Annual Convention held September 20–23 in Fort Worth. In addition to Wilson, … Read more
Community bankers from across the state will gather in Fort Worth later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 51st Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 20–23 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, the convention will feature … Read more
During the IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference held this summer in Galveston, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) presented its annual Excellence in Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Jay Bearden, president and CEO of Legend Bank in Decatur. To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one must selflessly promote, support and serve … Read more
In early July, catastrophic flash flooding swept through Central Texas, especially in the Hill Country, overwhelming rivers like the Guadalupe and devastating communities across Kerr, Comfort and Midland counties. Amid widespread destruction and an urgent need for relief, Texas’s community banks stepped up, demonstrating their longtime role as both local economic stewards and frontline responders … Read more
ORogers Pope Sr. and Rogers Pope Jr.n June 17, Rogers Pope Sr., chairman of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced a significant leadership transition during the bank’s board of directors meeting. He is passing the gavel of chairmanship to his son, Rogers Pope Jr. He will remain active in the bank in his new role … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) has announced this year’s recipients of its coveted Five*Star Award: Advantage Health Plans Trust (tier 1), IntraFi (tier 2) and SHAZAM (tier 3). These three IBAT associate members—based on company size—will be honored during the association’s 2025 IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference, June 26–28 at the Moody Gardens Hotel … Read more
With the pending acquisition of San Antonio-based Lone Star Capital Bank by McAllen-based Rio Bank, B.W. “Bill” McCandless has announced his retirement. He currently serves as chairman of the board and has been an integral part of Lone Star Capital Bank since 2003. McCandless’ distinguished career in banking spans 57 years. He began his journey … Read more
On May 28, San Antonio-based Frost Bank announced that Cliff McCauley, senior executive vice president, has decided to retire in June. He spent 42 years of his 44-year career at Frost Bank in the correspondent banking division, working with banks across Texas. In 2020, McCauley also took on responsibility for treasury management, merchant services and … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) Education Foundation, in conjunction with the SW Graduate School of Banking Foundation, announced that Kelsey Goates, vice president and market manager at TexasBank in Stephenville, and Leslie Gonzalez, senior vice president at Stockmens National Bank in Cotulla, have been selected as recipients of the 2025 Women in Community … Read more
Multiple promotions were announced at Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust’s employee awards dinner held March 18 in Longview. Among those recognized were Janet Sledge, Chad Harkey, Lois Collins, Matt McDaniel, Emma Bothwell and Ani Villeda. Janet Sledge has been promoted to senior vice president/operational risk services and fraud manager in Longview. She joined Texas Bank … Read more