Gib Blackman, Longtime Bankers Digest Publisher, Passes Away

Ralph Gilbert (Gib) Blackman Jr. died peacefully at home on January 8 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. A Texas community banker, he was most widely known as the publisher and editor—along with his wife, Bonnie—of Bankers Digest for more than 30 years. Born October 11, 1947, to Ralph and Betty … Read more

McCauley Named a Hero and Legend of Texas Community Banking

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that George “Cliff” McCauley, executive vice president/correspondent banking at San Antonio-based Frost Bank, is the newest addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Austin. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special … Read more

Community Bankers Explore the Basics of Cryptocurrencies

In early December, Bankers Helping Bankers hosted its first event for community bankers throughout the country since the platform launched in October. The hour-long educational session featured Ben Soppitt, CEO of Unifimoney, a cryptocurrency trading application, in conversation with Independent Bankers Association of Texas President and CEO Christopher Williston about the basics of cryptocurrencies and … Read more

Barclay Re-Elected to Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Board

Kelly A. Barclay of Wimberley has been re-elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors by its member banks. She will serve a three-year term ending December 31, 2024. She has served on the Dallas Fed’s board since 2019. In her role as a board member, Barclay provides input on regional economic … Read more

Unprecedented Support for Community Banks: Bankers Helping Bankers

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) and FedFis, a fintech firm specializing in data transformation for financial institutions, have announced Bankers Helping Bankers, a new bankers-only platform to help community banks survive and thrive. Texas-based FedFis brings more than 40 years of building data in the banking industry, information that can benefit every community … Read more

Independent Bankers Association of Texas Honors Rogers-Ford Architecture and Interior Design with 2021 IBAT President’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Rogers-Ford, L.C., Architecture and Interior Design with the 2021 IBAT President’s Award. Pat and Cindy Ford, company founders, accepted this prestigious honor on behalf of the company in September during IBAT’s 2021 Convention in Austin. Rogers-Ford, L.C., based in Dallas, provides architecture and interior design services … Read more

Texas Community Bankers Honor Rogers Pope Jr. with 2021 IBAT Chairman’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Rogers Pope Jr., vice chairman and CEO of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, with the 2021 IBAT Chairman’s Award. Brad Tidwell, IBAT’s 2020-21 chairman and president and CEO of Henderson-based VeraBank, chose this year’s honoree and bestowed the prestigious award to Pope in September during IBAT’s … Read more

Community Banking Organizations Elects Sellers Chairman, Names New Executive Committee and Board Members

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently announced that Thomas Sellers, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Sulphur Springs-based Alliance Bank, has been elected chairman of the IBAT board of directors for 2021–22. He officially accepted this position during the association’s 47th annual convention held September 18–21 in Austin. In addition … Read more

Long Succeeds Williams as President and CEO of The First National Bank of Sterling City

The board of directors of The First National Bank of Sterling City has named Scot Long president and CEO. He replaces Roger D. Williams, who has held the office of president and CEO for the past 37 years. Williams will become an employee of the bank holding company, Sterling City Banc Shares Inc., and remain … Read more

Nunn Appointed President of Citizens Bank in Amarillo

Sam Nunn, a third-generation banker, has been promoted to president/chief financial officer at Amarillo-based Citizens Bank. Nunn, who has more than 12 years of community banking experience, joined Citizens Bank in 2011 as a senior vice president and most recently served as executive vice president/chief financial officer. Prior to that, he was a correspondent banker … Read more