TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
College Station-based American Momentum Bank has launched a formal Energy Finance Division, expanding its commitment to serving companies across Texas’ energy sector and building on the bank’s existing relationships in the industry. American Momentum Bank has long served customers in the sector, particularly upstream oil and gas companies and energy service businesses. “Energy continues to … Read more
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 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
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
After 30 years at Odessa-based SouthWest Bank and a remarkable 60-year career in banking, Toby Tripp, trust and wealth manager, is retiring. Tripp has been with SouthWest Bank since the very beginning, playing a key role in the bank’s growth and success. As trust and wealth manager, his leadership and expertise helped build a legacy of … 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
Herbert Lee Graham, a highly respected entrepreneur and visionary leader, passed away on September 25 at the age of 87. Born in 1938 in New Mexico, he relocated to Odessa in the late 1950s and would go on to leave a lasting impact on the region, including his ownership of Odesssa-based SouthWest Bank. Graham attended … Read more
On July 17, John E. Grist, president and CEO of Snyder-based West Texas State Bank, announced that the board of directors has appointed Justin Rosson as market president in Snyder. Rosson is a native of Snyder and a graduate of Lubbock Christian University. Grist also announced that Toby J. Latham has been promoted to senior … Read more
College Station-based American Momentum Bank announced a new hire and a promotion in July. The bank has hired Scott Winchell to serve as senior vice president/market president for Andrews. He will focus on community development, lending and risk management for the Andrews, Seminole and greater Permian Basin markets. Winchell brings nearly 20 years of banking … Read more
Lou Deane Littlefield has joined Odessa-based SouthWest Bank to serve as senior vice president/senior compliance officer. She oversees all of the bank’s compliance processes with an emphasis on Bank Secrecy Act and Community Reinvestment Act policies and procedures. With more than four decades of banking experience Littlefield previously worked as a CRA officer and compliance … Read more