TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2026 summer session wrapped up June 5 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVII at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB, delivered the commencement address to more than 350 guests celebrating 82 graduates from … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) will hold its 162nd Assembly for Bank Directors September 3–6 at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa in Beaver Creek/Vail, Colorado. SWGSB Assemblies for Bank Directors attract banking leaders from across the country to address the latest issues affecting the industry. From … Read more
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
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
On May 18, Groom-based State National Bank announced the appointment of Tracy Harris as president and chief executive officer. She brings more than 30 years of community banking experience, including seven years as a president and CEO, to her new job. Harris joins State National Bank from Texas Regional Bank, a $2.7 billion institution headquartered … Read more
In April, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced four promotions. Mara Portillo has been promoted to senior vice president/compliance and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) officer. With more than 16 years of experience in the banking industry, including 14 years at WestStar Bank, she will expand her leadership role by overseeing the bank’s CRA initiatives. Portillo will … Read more
Fort Worth-based TexasBank has hired Matt Duncan to serve as executive vice president/chief credit officer. He brings more than 30 years of experience in community banking and risk management. Duncan’s career spans senior leadership roles in credit administration, enterprise risk management and loan portfolio oversight. Before joining TexasBank, he held executive roles at regional community … Read more
Weatherford-based First Bank Texas has announced the appointment of Stan Lambert to its board of directors. He brings more than 35 years of experience in community banking, having served in executive leadership roles across Texas, including as president of banks in Abilene, Ennis and Ozona. Lambert currently serves as state representative for Texas House District 71 … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) has announced that Stephan Crétier, GardaWorld Security founder, president and CEO, will be the keynote speaker for SWGSB’s 2026 summer graduate school session, May 26–June 5. Crétier founded GardaWorld in 1995 with an initial investment of $25,000, secured through a second mortgage on his … Read more
On March 31, Arlington-based Worthington Bank announced the hiring of Mark Evans to serve as chief lending officer and Brian Compton as Arlington market president. Evans succeeds the current chief lending officer, Dan Mocio, who recently retired. “Both Compton and Evans bring a total of six decades of industry experience with them to Worthington Bank,” … Read more