TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Community bankers from across the state will gather in San Antonio later this month for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 52nd Annual Convention, a perfect opportunity for education, networking and inspiration for those shaping the future of Texas community banking. Set for September 19–22 at the Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar has named Marcela Candia vice president/director of accounting. In her role, she oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and internal controls and works with senior leadership to support the bank’s financial objectives. Candia joined WestStar in 2022 and has more than 20 years of accounting experience across multiple industries. During her … 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
By JAMES WHITE, EngageFI Scan the trade publications and conference agendas, and you’ll find a drumbeat of optimism: AI adoption is surging. Two-thirds of financial institutions are now “implementing AI.” Budgets are climbing. Use cases are multiplying. The future, we’re told, has arrived. But the banking industry is celebrating the wrong number. Here’s the problem. … Read more
Austin-based Compliance Select recently announced the hiring of Amy Woolsey and Barbra Sims to serve as digital compliance officers. Since 2022, Compliance Select has provided community banks with resources to ensure consumer and regulatory compliance. The team continually expands to meet the needs of all client banks. Woolsey brings 21 years of community banking experience to … Read more
On July 21, Houston-based Gulf Capital Bank announced that Bob S. Smith has been appointed an advisory director on its board of directors. He retired recently from the Texas Department of Banking for which he served as a review examiner. He has more than 12 years of experience with the Texas Department of Banking and … 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
El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Myrna A. Ortiz as senior vice president of corporate accounting. She will oversee capital and liquidity planning activities, manage interest rate risk and reporting, handle investment accounting and monitoring and lead special projects. In addition, the bank has hired Nancy C. McElroy as vice president of corporate accounting. … Read more