TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at SMU Cox has added two new trustees to its board roster of advisors. H. Gary Blankenship, chairman and CEO of Greater Southwest Bancshares Inc. and Grapevine-based Bank of the West, and Emily Greenwald, senior vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, were named to the … Read more
In early January, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees: Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd. These five iconic bankers will be recognized for their achievements and many contributions to their communities and the banking industry at the 13th Annual Texas … Read more
Darrell Brown pursued numerous career goals during his lifetime—law enforcement, higher education, church leadership, government and public service and banking. “Public service was truly the heart of Darrell Brown,” as his obituary states. He passed away on January 11 in Stephenville. He was 60. Brown fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a police officer in … 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