TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
On September 17, Rogers Pope Jr., chairman and CEO of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced four promotions within the bank’s commercial lending department. Blake Bradshaw was promoted to vice president and commercial lending officer in Longview; Trey Cogswell and Will Pope were each promoted to assistant vice president and commercial lending officer in Frisco … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Brad Tidwell and Claire Renzetti with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose contributions extend beyond service to IBAT and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the community banking industry as a whole. IBAT’s 2025–26 Chair Greg Wilson, … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Rob Blackwell, chief content officer and head of external affairs at Arlington, Virginia-based IntraFi, 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 … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced a new addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in Austin. Steve Scurlock, IBAT’s former government affairs director, was presented with the honor during the association’s recent convention in San Antonio. The Wall of Heroes and … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Gabe Guerra, president and CEO of Corpus Christi-based Kleberg Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2026–27. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 52nd Annual Convention held September 19–22 in San Antonio. In addition to Guerra, … Read more
Community bankers from across the state will gather in San Antonio later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 52nd Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 19–22 at the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, … Read more
On July 16, The Woodlands-based Woodforest National Bank announced the appointment of Julie V. Mayrant as chief executive officer. A banking executive with more than 30 years of experience at the bank, she has played a defining role in its growth, operational excellence and customer-focused culture. Most recently, Mayrant served as president and chief community … Read more
After 40 years in accounting and finance—including 20 years serving as a chief financial officer and leadership roles within community banking—Eric R. Alexander is releasing a new book, Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin’ Accountants: Serving as the CFO, on July 31 through Koehler Books. Written for chief financial officers, aspiring CFOs, CEOs and other senior leaders, the book … Read more
During the IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference held last month in Round Rock, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) presented its annual Excellence in Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Brett Murphy, audit partner, partner-in-charge of the financial institutions industry and Austin market president at Whitley Penn LLP. To be considered for the Excellence in … Read more