TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
With the pending acquisition of San Antonio-based Lone Star Capital Bank by McAllen-based Rio Bank, B.W. “Bill” McCandless has announced his retirement. He currently serves as chairman of the board and has been an integral part of Lone Star Capital Bank since 2003. McCandless’ distinguished career in banking spans 57 years. He began his journey … Read more
On May 28, San Antonio-based Frost Bank announced that Cliff McCauley, senior executive vice president, has decided to retire in June. He spent 42 years of his 44-year career at Frost Bank in the correspondent banking division, working with banks across Texas. In 2020, McCauley also took on responsibility for treasury management, merchant services and … Read more
Multiple promotions were announced at Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust’s employee awards dinner held March 18 in Longview. Among those recognized were Janet Sledge, Chad Harkey, Lois Collins, Matt McDaniel, Emma Bothwell and Ani Villeda. Janet Sledge has been promoted to senior vice president/operational risk services and fraud manager in Longview. She joined Texas Bank … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University has announced its highest honors for 2025. H. Gary Blankenship, chair, CEO and chief lending officer of Bank of the West, will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award on May 29. The following week, on June 5, Ron Butler, chair and CEO of … Read more
During the last week of February, a large group of Texas community bankers made their voices heard in Washington, D.C. More than 140 members of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) and other representatives of the state’s community banking industry visited influential lawmakers and their staffs on Capitol Hill. The message of community bankers … Read more
The Cecil family is celebrating a centennial milestone, marking the 100th year of their leadership and family legacy at Paris-based The Liberty National Bank. In 1925, Jim Cecil, a prominent banker from Valliant, Oklahoma, moved to Paris, Texas, at the urging of his physician, Dr. L.P. McCuistion. McCuistion’s brother, Ed McCuistion, was the president of … Read more
J. Pat Hickman, former chairman, president and CEO at Happy-based Happy State Bank, passed away on March 1. He was 72. In 1970, Hickman first enrolled at Texas Tech University, but he spent most of his time with his brothers in Phi Delta Theta rather than in the classroom. He resumed his higher education at … Read more
Sulphur Springs-based Alliance Bank has promoted Jason Thompson to market president for Hopkins County. “Jason Thompson has been a vital part of Alliance Bank for almost three decades,” says James Law, president and CEO. “He gained a solid foundation in banking early in his career. Over the years, he built expertise across all lending areas, … Read more
On January 3, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2025 inductees who will be honored at the 12th Annual Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala, May 1 on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Five iconic bankers—Sam H. Burris Jr., Charles G. Cooper, Harvey P. Hartenstine, Robert W. “Bobby” Hoxworth … Read more
On December 10, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced a new addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking: Bob Walters, managing partner of The Bank CEO Network. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength of community banking … Read more