TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) has announced that Stephan Crétier, GardaWorld Security founder, president and CEO, will be the keynote speaker for SWGSB’s 2026 summer graduate school session, May 26–June 5. Crétier founded GardaWorld in 1995 with an initial investment of $25,000, secured through a second mortgage on his … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB), in partnership with the Texas Bankers Association (TBA), will welcome more than 150 community bankers to the 2026 session of its Commercial Lending School, held April 26–May 1 on the campus of Southern Methodist University. Now in its second year, the Commercial Lending School continues … Read more
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
The Texas Tech School of Banking will convene its 2026 program the week of August 9–14 at the Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock. For 51 years, the school has partnered with hundreds of community banks to bring together thousands of bankers seeking to advance their careers as … Read more
Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank is celebrating the successful completion of the inaugural Women in Leadership Mentoring Program, a development initiative designed to strengthen leadership capabilities, expand cross-departmental relationships and support long-term employee growth across the bank. Launched earlier this year, the program paired emerging talent with experienced Texas Regional Bank leaders for one-on-one mentorship, supported by … Read more
On October 16, Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA announced several key executive leadership promotions that add clarity to the bank’s direction and provide the needed infrastructure. Investar currently operates Texas branches in the Houston and Galveston areas. Jeffery “Jeff” Blum, currently executive vice president and regional president of the western division, has been promoted … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Keith Hughey, founder of J. Keith Hughey Co., 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 in serving the community banking industry … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking will convene its 2026 program the week of August 9–14 at the Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock. For 51 years, the school has partnered with hundreds of community banks to bring together thousands of bankers seeking to advance their careers as … Read more
Keba Batie has joined Cincinnati, Ohio-based U.S. Bank as senior vice president in the bank’s government banking and higher education group, covering Texas and Oklahoma. Based in Dallas, he will focus on delivering tailored financial solutions to public sector clients such as cities, counties, states, tribal authorities, school districts and higher education institutions. Batie brings … Read more
On April 2, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2025 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO or board chair, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impact on the banking industry. “These outstanding professionals … Read more