TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce will honor banking industry veteran Vic Pierson as the 2025 “Nonno” Tony Smecca “Galvestonian of the Year” at its 181st annual meeting on January 24 at Galveston Island Convention Center. A banking pioneer and lifelong champion for Galveston’s economic vitality, his leadership continues to shape businesses and communities across … Read more
Tupelo, Mississippi-based Cadence Bank has named Mike Mueller president of its newly created Bluebonnet division. He will oversee 17 branches recently acquired through Cadence Bank’s acquisition of Industry Bancshares and its subsidiary, Industry Bank. The branch locations in Brenham, Bellville, Industry, La Grange, Fayetteville, Columbus and Shiner employ nearly 150 people. With 39 years of banking … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University, a nationally renowned source for banking executive education, has announced that Michelle W. Bowman, Federal Reserve vice chair for supervision, will be the keynote speaker for the SWGSB 161st Assembly for Bank Directors in Oahu, January 29–February 1, 2026. Responsible for overseeing the supervision … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University, a nationally renowned source for banking executive education, will hold its 161st Assembly for Bank Directors at The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, January 29–February 1, 2026. SWGSB Assemblies for Bank Directors attract banking leaders from across the country to address critical issues … Read more
On October 16, Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that Darrell Adams, chief credit officer, will retire on November 10 after 37 years of dedicated service. Brent Raindl, currently serving as Dallas region chairman, will succeed Adams as chief credit officer and Thomas Ricks, currently president of PlainsCapital Bank’s North Dallas branch, is being promoted to Dallas … Read more
Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank recently announced three new hires. Jessica Tolson has joined the bank as senior vice president and chief information officer. She has years of IT experience, ranging from IT manager to information security officer. Tolson graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Texas–Denton. Her industry certifications include CISSP, CISM, … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced two new additions to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Austin: James “Jim” Jirasek and Merrill Reynolds. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special individuals who have contributed significantly to the strength … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Keith Hughey, founder of J. Keith Hughey Co., with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond in serving the community banking industry … Read more
The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Kathy Smith with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. She is the founder and principal of BCC (Bank Compensation Consulting), a Plano-based bank-owned life insurance consulting firm serving banks nationwide. IBAT’s 2024–25 Chair Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, presented the … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Dan Leonard for its commercial banking team. He will serve as senior vice president/commercial banker and office at the downtown Austin location. He has more than 22 years of experience serving the Austin business community. His responsibilities include commercial lending and deposit services, while also collaborating with commercial customers to deliver … Read more