TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

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TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS

TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS

SW Graduate School of Banking

VeraBank Welcomes Leonard as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker in Austin

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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

Whitson and Saucillo Appointed Deputy Commissioners at the Texas Department of Banking

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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

McVey Promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at First Financial Bank

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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

Community Bankers Honor Legend Bank’s Bearden with Excellence in Leadership Award

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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

107 Bankers Complete SW Graduate School of Banking Three-Year Executive Education Program

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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

Texas Bank and Trust Announces
Chairmanship Transition

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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

Longtime East Texas Banker Joe H. Sharp Jr., Passes Away

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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

Community National Bank Announces Promotions and New Talent Joining the Team

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On June 4, Midland-based Community National Bank announced several new hires and promotions. Bryce Mayo has joined the bank as vice president/project manager. He began his banking career in 2004 and has since gained a wide range of experience across various banking roles while pursuing higher education at Midland College, Texas Tech University and the … Read more

Ray Joins Susser Bank as Vice President/Relationship Manager

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Ben Ray has joined Arlington-based Susser Bank as vice president/relationship manager. Based in the bank’s Plano office, he will serve business owners, professionals and families across the Dallas/Fort Worth market. Ray brings more than seven years of commercial banking experience to his new post. His expertise is centered in commercial and industrial banking, with a … Read more

The 10-Year Rule is Here to Stay

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By ASCENSUS The SECURE Act—officially known as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019—made significant changes to IRA and retirement plan rules, including to the beneficiary payout options. One of the most noteworthy changes involves the 10-year rule, which requires a total distribution of inherited assets by December 31 of the … Read more