TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
In November, D CEO magazine, published by D Magazine Partners, released its 2025 “Dallas 500,” a special publication profiling the most powerful business leaders in Dallas and Fort Worth. This year’s list represents months of research, interviews and conversations with extensive, high-level contacts in the regional business community. It “goes far beyond corporate bios to … Read more
On November 20, the board of Abilene-based First Financial Bankshares Inc. announced promotions for First Financial Bankshares and First Financial Bank. These promotions—part of the company’s ongoing management succession plan the board has been working on for several years—will be effective January 1, 2025. Ron Butler II was promoted to vice chair of the executive … Read more
On October 17, Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based b1BANK announced that N. Jerome “Jerry” Vascocu Jr. will be the bank’s new president, reporting to Jude Melville, who will retain the title of chair and CEO. b1BANK currently operates 18 banking offices in Texas. Vascocu, who joined b1BANK in 2022 as chief administrative officer, oversees the coordination of … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has promoted Michael Moores to bank president. He previously served as executive vice president and chief lending officer. Moores will oversee lending, mortgage banking, loan operations and servicing, and wealth management. “This promotion has been three decades in the making and Michael is a natural fit,” says Brad Tidwell, CEO. “As Michael steps … Read more
Les Mendicello, CEO and chairman of Longview-based Spring Hill State Bank, announced that the board of directors has appointed Wallace E. Rhymes III as president and bank director. Rhymes has served as executive vice president and advisory director since 2021. Rhymes joined the bank in 1997 and has more than 30 years of banking experience. … Read more
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based Valliance Bank has promoted Matt Clouse to chief lending officer. He will also continue to serve as Norman president. Valliance Bank has Texas branches in Fort Worth and McKinney. “Matt has been with Valliance since it was chartered in 2004 and has played an integral and important role in our growth as … Read more
On August 19, San Antonio-based USAA announced that Wayne Peacock plans to retire as president and CEO after a distinguished 36-year career at the company, including nearly five as CEO. He will retire in the first half of 2025. “Wayne has always answered the call to serve and the board is thankful for his leadership,” … Read more
Round Rock-based R Bank has named Todd Engemoen president and CEO. His experience includes strategic planning, operational excellence and customer-centric initiatives. Engemoen succeeds Steve Stapp as president and CEO. Stapp recently announced his retirement after 16 years with R Bank. During his tenure there, he led the bank from a single location with 12 employees … Read more
On May 15, Southside Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Tyler-based Southside Bank, announced the election of Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun to the company’s board of directors. He was also appointed to the bank’s board of directors. Calhoun has served a combined 22 years as the president of the University of Texas–Tyler and the University … Read more
On May 16, the boards of Southside Bancshares Inc. and Tyler-based Southside Bank unanimously approved the appointment of Keith Donahoe to serve as president of the company and the bank. Lee R. Gibson will continue as chief executive officer of the company and the bank. Donahoe has almost 30 years of experience in banking in … Read more