TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
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
On September 19, Liberty Capital Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Addison-based Liberty Capital Bank, announced its plans to merge with Southwestern Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Boerne-based Texas Heritage Bank. The merger is based upon long-standing respect and mentorship between Texas Heritage Bank principals Jack Griggs and Steve Mack and the co-founder of Liberty … Read more
Addison-based Liberty Capital Bank has promoted Ryan Friend to president. Friend, who presently serves as senior vice president, will be promoted to president effective June 1. He assumes the responsibilities from his mentor, Robin Wantland, who is retiring following a successful 42-year career in banking, 10 of them with Liberty Capital Bank. “I consider it … Read more