TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
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
Nacogdoches-based Commercial Bank of Texas has named Austin Williams vice president of commercial lending and business development for Jefferson County. Williams has more than 25 years of leadership experience in business development, commercial lending and community engagement across Southeast Texas. He is a graduate of the Commercial Lending Program at Southern Methodist University, holds a … Read more
On August 15, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced the appointment of two deputy commissioners, Jared A. Whitson and Jesus “Jesse” Saucillo, to the Texas Department of Banking. These structural changes also include the elevation of Deputy Commissioner Wendy Rodriguez to executive deputy commissioner. Whitson has served the department for more than 21 years, … Read more
On July 23, First Financial Bankshares Inc., the parent company of Abilene-based First Financial Bank, announced the promotion of Kyle McVey to executive vice president and chief financial officer of the bank, a position previously held by Michelle Hickox. Hickox will continue serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer for First Financial Bankshares. … Read more
During the IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference held this summer in Galveston, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) presented its annual Excellence in Leadership Award. This year’s recipient was Jay Bearden, president and CEO of Legend Bank in Decatur. To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one must selflessly promote, support and serve … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2025 summer session wrapped up June 6 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVI at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Jan Mills, president and chair of First National Bank of Winnsboro and a graduate of SWGSB Class XL, delivered the commencement address … Read more
ORogers Pope Sr. and Rogers Pope Jr.n June 17, Rogers Pope Sr., chairman of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced a significant leadership transition during the bank’s board of directors meeting. He is passing the gavel of chairmanship to his son, Rogers Pope Jr. He will remain active in the bank in his new role … Read more
Joe H. Sharp Jr., 86, a highly respected leader in the banking industry, passed away on June 30 in Longview. After graduating from Mineola High School in 1956, he earned a BBA degree in accounting from Southern Methodist University and gained his license as a certified public accountant. He also attended and later taught at … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank has promoted Shelly Chambers to wealth management market manager for the Fort Worth region of The Private Bank at PlainsCapital. She joined The Private Bank in 2023 as senior vice president/senior wealth administrator and has more than 30 years of financial services experience in Texas. In her expanded role, Chambers will lead … Read more