TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
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
On September 14, Houston-based Third Coast Bank announced the appointment of Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as executive vice president/head of corporate banking. He joined the bank in March. Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and … Read more
Ozona Bank has announced the appointment of Marc Villarreal as San Antonio market president. With nearly two decades of banking experience, he has built his career around helping businesses, entrepreneurs and families achieve their financial goals through relationship-driven banking. Since beginning his banking career in 2007, Villarreal has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor, … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2026 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and New Mexico convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted by … 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
San Antonio-based Vantage Bank has named Tray Mounce executive vice president and Houston regional president. Mounce, who joined the bank in 2023 as executive vice president and Houston market president, has 36 years of banking experience. Before joining Vantage Bank, Mounce spent more than 10 years with Texas Capital Bank in Houston, most recently as … Read more
On August 18, San Antonio-based Vantage Bank announced the appointment of Layne E. Nunes as executive vice president/chief treasury and network banking officer. He will oversee the new treasury and network banking division and provide strategic leadership for treasury management, treasury operations, network banking and related customer-focused services. He brings more than 30 years of experience … Read more
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
San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank has hired David Morris as senior vice president/trust and estates officer and Taylor West as senior vice president/commercial lending officer. Morris will serve as the primary point of contact for clients with moderate and complex trusts, providing fiduciary services and addressing client needs. He will oversee trust account administration, ensure transactions … Read more
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and participating member financial institutions awarded more than $1.8 million to 71 community‑based organizations through its Partnership Grant Program (PGP) as the program marks its 30th anniversary. The awards were made in partnership with 44 member institutions in FHLB Dallas’ five‑state district of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, … Read more