TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) has announced its highest honors of the year. Michael G. O’Rourke, president and CEO of TIB, will be honored with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award and J. Carter Tolleson, CEO of Tolleson Wealth Management, will be honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award. The … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) in Dallas recently announced its program schedule for 2026. Since 1957, SWGSB has been a leader in developing banking talent nationwide. Known for its rigorous curriculum and powerful professional network, SWGSB delivers immersive learning experiences that prepare financial services professionals to lead in an evolving … Read more
On January 5, Sweetwater-based Texas National Bank announced that Slade Cupps has been named senior vice president/Tuscola market president. He succeeds Joel Terry, who retired in 2024 after more than 20 years serving the Tuscola community. A native of Tuscola, Slade is a true hometown banker who brings a decade of community banking experience and a deep understanding … Read more
In the new year, San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank announced key executive promotions upon the retirement of Danny Butler, the bank’s longtime president and CEO, who retired at the end of 2025. Butler retired after 26 years of service at Jefferson Bank and nearly 50 years in the banking industry. Under his leadership, the bank expanded … Read more
On January 2, Investar Holding Corp., the holding company of Investar Bank NA, announced the completion of its acquisition of Wichita Falls Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Wichita Falls-based First National Bank. An agreement relating to the acquisition was announced last July. The acquisition became effective as of January 1. As of December 31, … Read more
On December 1, Ernst & Young LLP announced that John D. Steinmetz, president and CEO of Dallas-based Vista Bank, has been named a 2025 “Entrepreneur of the Year” national finalist, following his selection as a Southwest regional award winner in June. Steinmetz was chosen from a group of 221 “Entrepreneur of the Year” regional winners, … Read more
On November 13, Texas Community Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Mineola-based Broadstreet Bank SSB, announced the retirement of Julie Sharff and the appointment of Jason McCrary as chief financial officer, effective December 1. During her tenure of over 28 years with the company and the bank, Sharff has been an integral part of shaping … Read more
Houston’s longest-serving independent bank, Central Bank, announced that it has once again been recognized as one of the region’s premier employers. The bank was named among the Houston Chronicle’s “2025 Top Workplaces,” placing first among mid-sized companies (150–499 employees). Winners were announced during a November 6 awards luncheon, marking Central Bank’s third consecutive Top Workplaces … Read more
On October 16, Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Investar Bank NA announced several key executive leadership promotions that add clarity to the bank’s direction and provide the needed infrastructure. Investar currently operates Texas branches in the Houston and Galveston areas. Jeffery “Jeff” Blum, currently executive vice president and regional president of the western division, has been promoted … Read more
On October 16, Cornerstone Capital Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Houston-based Cornerstone Capital Bank, and Peoples Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Lubbock-based Peoples Bank, announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Cornerstone will acquire Peoples. This transaction marks Cornerstone’s first bank acquisition since its merger with Roscoe Bank in 2022. Upon … Read more