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
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2026 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and New Mexico convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted by … 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 Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and participating member financial institutions awarded more than $1.8 million to 71 community‑based organizations through its Partnership Grant Program (PGP) as the program marks its 30th anniversary. The awards were made in partnership with 44 member institutions in FHLB Dallas’ five‑state district of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank recently hired two relationship bankers, one in San Antonio and one in Round Rock. Justin Vohs has joined the bank as senior vice president/senior relationship manager, based at its Round Rock office located at 400 Sundance Pkwy. He brings more than 16 years of banking and financial services experience, with a strong … Read more
Colorado City-based City National Bank has hired four associates to join its Abilene team and one in San Angelo, as well as announcing new board appointments. Monica Houston is the new market president of City National Bank in Abilene. She began her banking career while in college and has since built more than 30 years … Read more
On July 22, Lubbock-based Victory Bank announced the promotion of Chad Hill to executive vice president and chief lending officer. He has also been appointed to the bank’s board as an advisory director. Hill joined Victory Bank in 2023 as senior vice president before being named chief lending officer in 2025. Since then, he has … Read more
After a 38-year career in banking, Jeanie Hawkins, assistant vice president/BSA compliance, is retiring from Odessa-based SouthWest Bank. In 1999, SouthWest Bank purchased Wink Bank and moved its headquarters to Odessa. Hawkins was part of that transition, having first been an employee of Wink Bank and then continuing her career with SouthWest Bank after the … 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
Larry Allen, area chairman of Lubbock-based Peoples Bank, and Kelly Marsh, regional manager and senior vice president for Cornerstone Home Lending, have jointly announced a promotion of Sonya Garcia to branch manager and senior mortgage loan originator for Peoples Bank Home Loan Center, a division of Cornerstone Home Lending. Garcia has more than 16 years of … Read more