Independent Bankers Association of Texas Hires Carnes as Associate Director of Membership

Christopher Williston, president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), announced on May 10 that Abbey Carnes has been hired to serve as associate director of membership. In her new role, she will assist the membership department as the “eyes and ears of IBAT,” connecting with members to drive additional value and … Read more

MacDonald to Step Down as Southwestern Graduate School of Banking President and CEO

S. Scott MacDonald, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation since 1997, recently announced that he will step down at the end of 2021. He will remain with the foundation through the transition to the next CEO. MacDonald, a nationally recognized authority on bank finance and economics, is the … Read more

Swenson Retires as Chairman of Spur Security Bank with 52 Years of Service

Eric Swenson, chairman of the board of Spur Security Bank in Spur, retired in March after 52 years serving the bank. He joined the bank in 1969 as a director and became part of active management as a vice president in 1972. During his tenure, he also served as executive vice president and president of … Read more

IBAT’s VendorConnect Offers a Virtual Improvement Over Old-School Meet-’n’-Greets

Many aspects of life are beginning the return to normal. In a number of ways, we can see light at the end of the tunnel. We look forward to the days when we can do things the ways that we had before, prior to COVID-19. But we are also asking: Should everything go back to the way … Read more

Independent Bankers Association of Texas Honors Yennik Inc. with 2020 President’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Yennik Inc. with the IBAT President’s Award. R. Kinney Williams, Yennik president and founder, accepted this prestigious award on behalf of the company during the 2020 IBAT unCONVENTIONal (46th Annual Convention), which was presented virtually earlier this month. The IBAT President’s Award is given at the … Read more

Rawls College of Business Establishes E.W. & J. David Williams Institute for Community Banking & Finance

With approval from the Texas Tech University System’s Board of Regents at its October 16 meeting, Texas Tech University’s Jerry S. Rawls College of Business has established the E.W. & J. David Williams Institute for Community Banking & Finance. Made possible by a generous gift from longtime Texas Tech supporter and community bank executive J. … Read more

Independent Bankers Association of Texas Honors Temple with 2020 Chairman’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Robb Temple with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. Temple, chief government affairs officer at McKinney-based Independent Financial, was presented this prestigious award during the 2020 IBAT unCONVENTIONal, the association’s 46th annual Convention presented virtually in early October. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, selected solely … Read more

Community Bankers Launch Ed. @ Your Desk Virtual Education Series

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) launched its Ed. @ Your Desk virtual education series on October 13. The program, part of the community banking association’s 2020 unCONVENTIONal virtual convention, will feature new sessions every Tuesday and Thursday through December 17. Ed. @ Your Desk will cover a wide range of topics, including accounting, … Read more

TFNB Your Bank for Life Wins Top Statewide Best of Community Banking Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored McGregor-based TFNB Your Bank for Life with Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. The bank received both a Gold Eagle and the “Best of Show” award, which is the competition’s top honor, for its community service program, Charity Champions. TFNB created Charity Champions six years ago … Read more

IBAT Kicks Off Fall Lineup of unCONVENTIONal Events

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) planned its 2020 Annual Convention for September 26–29 in Fort Worth. Then came COVID and plans changed. Now, instead of gathering in Fort Worth, the show is being held virtually. Instead of a week in September, the event is now spread out through the end of the year. … Read more