Citizens Bank in Kilgore Holding Company Completes Acquisition of Texas National Bancorporation

East Texas Financial Corp., the parent company of Kilgore-based Citizens Bank, and Texas National Bancorporation, the parent company of Jacksonville-based Texas National Bank, have announced the successful completion of East Texas Financial Corp.’s previously announced acquisition of Texas National Bancorporation after receiving all required regulatory approvals. East Texas Financial Corp. will operate as a two-bank … Read more

Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

In early January, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees: Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd. These five iconic bankers will be recognized for their achievements and many contributions to their communities and the banking industry at the 13th Annual Texas … Read more

Newsweek’s ‘America’s Best Regional Banks 2026’ List Includes 48 Texas-based Institutions

To recognize banks (and credit unions) making a meaningful difference, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group have published “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2026.” The methodology utilized the Texas Ratio (a measure of a bank’s credit quality), as well as reviewed profitability and net loans and leases, press coverage over the past two years, … Read more

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Welcomes Moore as Executive Vice President and Deputy Regional President

Troy Moore has joined Jacksonville-based Austin Bank as executive vice president and deputy regional president. He will office in the bank’s Longview Oak Forest location. He will join the advisory board of directors for Austin Bank and assume regional president responsibilities in March. With 33 years of lending experience in the Longview and Kilgore area, … Read more

VeraBank Named 2025 Hispanic Business Alliance Community Organization of the Year

Henderson-based VeraBank has been named the 2025 “Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) Community Organization of the Year” for its commitment to fostering opportunity through meaningful initiatives. The award recognizes the bank’s impactful partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas to facilitate the “Consulado sobre ruedas” (Consulate on Wheels) program. Consulado sobre ruedas brings essential … Read more

VeraBank Promotes Bradham to Executive Vice President, Longview Regional President

Henderson-based VeraBank has promoted Parker Bradham to executive vice president/regional president. He will oversee the growth and management of the Longview market, which includes the White Oak and Lakeport branches. Parker has been with VeraBank since 2019, starting as a financial analyst and later transitioning to commercial banker. Prior to joining VeraBank, he was a … Read more

Mullins, Jacksonville-based Austin Bank’s Chief Risk Officer, Announces Retirement

William L. “Billy” Mullins, senior executive vice president, chief risk officer and director at Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, announced his retirement after a banking career spanning 51 years, effective July 17. Mullins started his banking career in 1974 as an assistant national bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). In 1979, … Read more

East Texas Financial Corp. to Acquire Texas National Bancorporation and Texas National Bank

East Texas Financial Corp., the bank holding company for Kilgore-based Citizens Bank, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Texas National Bancorporation Inc., the bank holding company for Jacksonville-based Texas National Bank. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Upon closing, East Texas Financial Corp. will operate as a … Read more

Texas Bank and Trust Announces
Chairmanship Transition

ORogers Pope Sr. and Rogers Pope Jr.n June 17, Rogers Pope Sr., chairman of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced a significant leadership transition during the bank’s board of directors meeting. He is passing the gavel of chairmanship to his son, Rogers Pope Jr. He will remain active in the bank in his new role … Read more

Longtime East Texas Banker Joe H. Sharp Jr., Passes Away

Joe H. Sharp Jr., 86, a highly respected leader in the banking industry, passed away on June 30 in Longview. After graduating from Mineola High School in 1956, he earned a BBA degree in accounting from Southern Methodist University and gained his license as a certified public accountant. He also attended and later taught at … Read more