TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 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 honorees are … Read more
Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust announced several promotions at its employee awards dinner held in Longview in March. Jorge Acuna was promoted to vice president/commercial lending officer, lending. He has worked for Texas Bank and Trust for the past eight years in the lending division, previously serving as a credit analyst and portfolio manager before … Read more
On March 31, Arlington-based Worthington Bank announced the hiring of Mark Evans to serve as chief lending officer and Brian Compton as Arlington market president. Evans succeeds the current chief lending officer, Dan Mocio, who recently retired. “Both Compton and Evans bring a total of six decades of industry experience with them to Worthington Bank,” … Read more
In mid-March, Midland-based Community National Bank announced numerous officer promotions and market president appointments. Sterling Swack has been named the Lubbock market president, bringing with him more than 14 years of banking experience. He has been a member of the Community National Bank team since 2017, most recently serving as Odessa market president, where he … Read more
Brownwood-based Citizens National Bank has announced the promotion of Jesse Mendoza to executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operations officer. He brings more than 49 years of banking experience in compliance, lending and operations. Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Mendoza earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Eastern New Mexico University and is … Read more
On March 23, Ozona Bank announced the promotion of Lance Kruse to chief lending officer. He has been a member of the Ozona Bank team for more than 10 years, during which he has demonstrated strong lending expertise, leadership and a commitment to serving customers and communities across the bank’s footprint. His contributions have played a … 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
By JAMES WHITE, EngageFI Scan the trade publications and conference agendas, and you’ll find a drumbeat of optimism: AI adoption is surging. Two-thirds of financial institutions are now “implementing AI.” Budgets are climbing. Use cases are multiplying. The future, we’re told, has arrived. But the banking industry is celebrating the wrong number. Here’s the problem. … Read more
On February 18, Texas City-based Texas First Bank announced the appointment of nine senior executives to its advisory board of directors. These new advisory directors bring deep expertise and regional ties from across key operational areas, including technology, risk management, retail banking and lending. The advisory directors will provide strategic guidance to the Texas First … 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