TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Gabe Guerra, president and CEO of Corpus Christi-based Kleberg Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2026–27. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 52nd Annual Convention held September 19–22 in San Antonio. In addition to Guerra, … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2026 summer session wrapped up June 5 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVII at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB, delivered the commencement address to more than 350 guests celebrating 82 graduates from … Read more
Kerrville-based Guadalupe Bank has hired Lydia Gonzales to expand its commercial lending presence in San Antonio. She will serve as executive vice president of commercial lending. A San Antonio native with more than 28 years of banking experience, Gonzales most recently served as executive vice president/market president at Blue Sky Bank, leading commercial operations and … Read more
San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank has added three new bankers and promoted one. Gabe Longoria has joined Jefferson Bank as executive vice president/chief information officer. He brings more than 20 years of technology leadership in financial services, specializing in digital transformation, infrastructure modernization and cybersecurity. Before joining Jefferson Bank, he served as senior vice president/chief information … Read more
Harlingen-based TRB Trust & Wealth Management, a division of Texas Regional Bank, has named Michael Costa senior advisor and director of international wealth management. He will oversee and expand TRB’s international wealth platform, supporting clients with customized investment, trust and private banking solutions. Based primarily at the bank’s corporate headquarters in Harlingen, Costa will also … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2025 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank won Best of Show for its community service entry “Starr County Volunteerism.” The 2025 BOCB Best of Show, Community Spirit and Gold Eagle Award recipients were recognized at … Read more
Loan Production Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, to establish a loan production office at 641 N. Stanton Dr. in El Paso. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Woodforest National Bank, based in The Woodlands, to establish a … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Independent Bank, based in McKinney, has applied to merge into SouthState Bank NA, based in Winter Haven, Florida. Main Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by The First National Bank of Eagle Lake, based in Eagle Lake, to relocate its home office from 100 … Read more
Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Sunflower Bank, based in Dallas, has withdrawn its application to merge with HomeStreet Bank NA, based in Seattle, Washington, and has also withdrawn its application to convert to a national association. Branches The OCC reports that VeraBank NA, based in Henderson, has applied to establish a branch at … Read more