After Almost Three Decades, Scurlock Retiring from Community Banking Association

When Steve Scurlock retires on December 31 of this year, he will do so after almost 29 years of faithful service leading the government relations efforts of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). While intending to spend just a few years at IBAT and then move on, Scurlock instead became a champion for community … Read more

Alliance Bank’s Sellers Bestowed 2023 ‘Excellence in Leadership’ Award by Texas Community Bankers

In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Thomas Sellers, chairman of the board at Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs, with its 2023 “Excellence in Leadership” Award. He was presented the award during the association’s 49th annual convention held September 16–19 in Frisco. To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one … Read more

TIB’s O’Rourke Honored with 2023 IBAT Chairman’s Award During Community Bankers Convention

On September 18, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Michael G. O’Rourke with the 2023 IBAT Chairman’s Award. O’Rourke, president and CEO of Farmers Branch-based TIB NA, was presented the prestigious award during the IBAT 49th Annual Convention at the Omni PGA Resort in Frisco. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest … Read more

Williston Elected Chair of the Council of Community Banking Associations

In early October, Christopher Williston, president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, was elected to serve as chairman of the Council of Community Banking Associations (CCBA). CCBA is comprised of the leaders of independent community banking associations around the country, and is exclusively affiliated with the Independent Community Bankers of America. The … Read more

McGee and Weinstock Added to IBAT’s Wall of Heroes and Legends

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: Milton McGee and Peter Weinstock. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength of … Read more

Community Banking Association Elects Doyle Chair, Names New Executive Committee

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently announced that Christopher Doyle, president and CEO of Texas City-based Texas First Bank, has been elected chairman of the IBAT board of directors for 2023–24. He officially accepted this position during the association’s 49th Annual Convention held September 16–19 in Frisco. In addition to Doyle, members of … Read more

American Momentum Bank Hires Bro to Nurture SBA Lending in Texas

College Station-based American Momentum Bank is expanding its presence in Texas by hiring experienced SBA lending professional Jesse Bro to serve as senior vice president/SBA business development officer III. The hire comes as the community bank continues the national expansion of its Tampa, Florida-based SBA lending division. “Jesse has close to 15 years of SBA … Read more

Community Bankers Assemble for 49th Annual Convention in Frisco

Members of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas are meeting in Frisco this week (September 16–19) for the association’s 49th Annual Convention. Frisco’s Omni PGA Resort is the destination for this year’s gathering, so plenty of golfing will be enjoyed in milder temperatures than most of Texas has experienced in months. The four-day event will … Read more

Kleberg Bank’s Henkel Celebrates 50 Years of Texas Community Banking

The board of directors of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently presented Joe Henkel, vice chairman of the board of Kingsville-based Kleberg Bank, with an IBAT board resolution recognizing more than 50 years of service as a True Texas Community Banker. Henkel started his career at Kleberg Bank in 1970 while a student … Read more

Texas First Bank’s Crable Elected Chair of the IBAT Leadership Division

Matt Crable, regional loan president and SBA lending manager at the Pearland branch of Texas City-based Texas First Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT Leadership Division, a division of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). He assumed the role from Cory Flencher, executive vice president at Somerville-based Citizens State Bank during IBAT’s … Read more