TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Abilene-based First Financial Bank opened a new full-service branch in Bee Cave in late October. The new branch expands the company’s presence into Central Texas and the greater Austin area. First Financial has maintained a mortgage loan production office in Bee Cave since 2020. The new full-service branch is the company’s 81st location and will operate … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Brad Tidwell and Claire Renzetti with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. The IBAT Chairman’s Award is the association’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose contributions extend beyond service to IBAT and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to the community banking industry as a whole. IBAT’s 2025–26 Chair Greg Wilson, … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) is now accepting applications for the 2027 session of its graduate banking program, a nationally recognized, three-year executive education experience designed to develop the knowledge, leadership capabilities and professional relationships that banking and financial services professionals need to advance their careers and strengthen their … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Rob Blackwell, chief content officer and head of external affairs at Arlington, Virginia-based IntraFi, with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond … Read more
Round Rock-based R Bank has hired Will Matthews to serve as market president in Round Rock. A member of the University of Texas’ Rose Bowl-winning football team and a former player for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, he developed a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork and relationship-building. Following his football career, he worked in nonprofit fundraising, … Read more
Round Rock-based R Bank has promoted Cole McDonald to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Since joining the bank in 2024, he has quickly established himself as a respected leader and trusted resource across the organization. Prior to joining R Bank, McDonald served on the commercial lending team at VeraBank for almost four years. … 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
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 Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, has reopened its Flood Relief Fund to support Texas communities affected by the severe storms and flooding unfolding across the state this summer. The foundation is coordinating its efforts with the Texas Division of Emergency Management, local bank leaders and community organizations throughout … Read more
On June 9, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced appointments and reappointments of four individuals to the Finance Commission of Texas, among them a Texas community banker. The commission is the governing body of the state’s banking, savings and loan, and consumer credit agencies. William “Chip” Jenkins, one of those newly appointed to the commission, is … Read more