TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS



Victory Bank Names Fernandez Vice President and Hill Country Banking Leader

Lubbock-based Victory Bank has hired Kyle Fernandez as vice president/Hill Country banking leader, a newly created role focused on growing the bank’s presence in the region. Stephen Harris, a Fredericksburg banker and business owner who serves as a Victory Bank ambassador, will help Fernandez expand the bank’s presence in the Hill Country. “Victory Bank already … Read more

American Momentum Bank Introduces Energy Finance Division

College Station-based American Momentum Bank has launched a formal Energy Finance Division, expanding its commitment to serving companies across Texas’ energy sector and building on the bank’s existing relationships in the industry. American Momentum Bank has long served customers in the sector, particularly upstream oil and gas companies and energy service businesses. “Energy continues to … Read more

Financial Women in Texas Takes the Stage in Austin

This fall, Financial Women in Texas (FWIT) heads to Austin for its 17th Annual Conference, September 27–29 at Hotel Viata. The event brings women from across Texas together for education, professional growth and plenty of time to connect with peers. Whether you are already part of the FWIT community or are just learning about the … Read more

Mayrant Named Woodforest National Bank Chief Executive Officer

On July 16, The Woodlands-based Woodforest National Bank announced the appointment of Julie V. Mayrant as chief executive officer. A banking executive with more than 30 years of experience at the bank, she has played a defining role in its growth, operational excellence and customer-focused culture. Most recently, Mayrant served as president and chief community … Read more

Texas Gulf Bank Promotes Cash to Chief Credit Officer

Jessica Cash has been promoted to chief credit officer at Houston-based Texas Gulf Bank. Since joining in 2022, she has overseen credit department operations, led the implementation of the bank’s loan origination system and built a credit analyst training program. In her new role, she will lead the bank’s credit strategy and risk governance as … Read more

First Liberty Bank Adds Former American National Bank of Texas Executive to Board

The Liberty-based The First Liberty Bank board of directors has elected Robert Messer to the board. He brings more than four decades of financial and executive leadership experience, having served as senior executive vice president/chief financial officer of the American National Bank of Texas prior to his retirement. At American National Bank, he was responsible … Read more

Texas Bankers Association Announces 2026–27 Officers and Board of Directors

The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected board of directors for its 2026–27 fiscal year. The officers’ terms run from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. William Lucas, Shelby Savings Bank SSB in Center, has been named TBA chairman. The new vice chair is Michael Neill, First State Bank in Athens. Micah … Read more

Delaware-based PNC Hires Reardon to Lead Houston’s Commercial Banking Team

On May 18, Wilmington, Delaware-based PNC Bank announced that Amy Reardon has been named market leader for commercial banking in Houston. She will lead the bank’s Houston commercial banking team, which serves companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million. PNC Bank has more than 300 branches in Texas, including approximately 90 locations … Read more

Three Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Employees Hired in April

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank hired three team members in April, as announced by Jeff Austin III, chair. Dan Taylor has joined the bank as senior vice president/relationship manager in the Creekside Park location. He has a varied background in finance, banking, real estate, aviation and entrepreneurship. With two decades of experience in banking, he joins Austin … Read more

First Financial Bank Announces Greater Houston Leadership Appointments

The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced senior leadership changes in its Greater Houston region. Rodney Nabors has been elected regional CEO, Bart Griffith has been promoted to Conroe market president and Brian Bonner has been promoted to executive vice president/senior lender for construction and development. “Rodney, Bart and Brian have … Read more