First Bank Texas’ Prince Appointed to Two Prominent State Boards

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

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Announces Employee Promotions in March

Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced promotions of 
employees approved at the March board meeting. Troy Moore has been named regional president for the North region. He joined the bank in December 2025 as executive vice president/deputy regional president, working from the Longview Oak Forest office. With 33 years … Read more

Community Bankers Urged to Develop Leadership Skills at 2026 IBAT EDGE Conference

The Education Foundation of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) is gearing up for the fourth-annual IBAT EDGE, a program that offers two days of education, renowned industry keynote speakers and leadership development training focused on community banks in Texas. The goal is to Educate, Develop, Guide and Empower (EDGE) community bank employees. This … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Announces 2026 Distinguished Service and Distinguished Alumnus Awards

The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) has announced its highest honors of the year. Michael G. O’Rourke, president and CEO of TIB, will be honored with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award and J. Carter Tolleson, CEO of Tolleson Wealth Management, will be honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award. The … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Adds Blankenship and Greenwald to Board of Trustees

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

Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

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

In Memoriam: Darrell Brown, Former Stepehenville Banker

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

Community Bankers Heading to Capitol Hill in February to Advocate and Broaden Awareness

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

Community Bankers’ 25th Annual Winter Summit Set for Colorado in January

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

Community Bankers Gather for 45th Annual Bank Operations Institute

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