TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
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: James “Jim” Jirasek and Merrill Reynolds. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength … Read more
On April 7, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Enrique Escalante as an advisory director on its board of directors. With an extensive background in executive leadership, corporate strategy and international business, he brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. Escalante currently serves as chief executive officer of GCC, a leading supplier … Read more
In late March, USA Today and Energage released its fifth annual list of America’s Top Workplaces, which includes several Texas-based banks. A nationwide competition open to organizations with 150 employees or more, Top Workplaces recognizes companies that foster exceptional work cultures. Winners are determined by confidential surveys conducted by Energage, a human resources research and … Read more
Rockwall-based Lakeside Bank has appointed Chris Williams as president and chief executive officer. With 25 years of community banking experience, Williams plans to use his proven leadership and management expertise to enhance efficiency with improved processes, expand banking products and advance technology to optimize operations and enhance the customer experience. Williams was a founding member … Read more
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank has promoted Wes Shelton to president of banking, recognizing his four decades of industry expertise and leadership. In this expanded role, Shelton will oversee bank system operations and lead First United Bank’s Centers of Excellence, credit committee and special-assets team. “Wes has been a cornerstone of our banking operations, bringing … Read more
On March 24, Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank announced the promotion of Ryan Suchala to chief banking officer. He will spearhead strategic growth initiatives, deepen customer engagement and drive innovation across Texas and Oklahoma. With nearly two decades of banking experience, Suchala has been a key leader at First United Bank for more than seven … Read more
Janette Coon, senior vice president and commercial escrow officer at WestStar Title, a division of El Paso-based WestStar Bank, retired at the end of January, concluding a 41-year career. She has been a member of the WestStar Title team for 14 years. “It has been a great honor to be part of WestStar Title and … Read more
On January 30, San Antonio-based USAA Federal Savings Bank’s board of directors announced the appointment of Michael Moran as bank president. Moran, who has been serving as the interim president, brings more than two decades of banking experience and a strong commitment to the mission of serving the military community and their families. Before moving … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has announced that Joel Jackson is now senior executive vice president, chief lending officer and regional chair of the bank’s Southeast region. Jackson has more than 23 years of experience with a focus on commercial banking. He started his career in East Texas, working his way through various leadership positions at community banks … Read more
By DR. SEAN PAYANT, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, HABERFELD In our ever-changing industry, many community bankers fall into the trap of trying to grow market share by following the lead of the “big banks.” Many of them are finding it just doesn’t work. Customers continue to flee from banks that focus on regular service charges and … Read more