TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB), in partnership with the Texas Bankers Association (TBA), will welcome more than 150 community bankers to the 2026 session of its Commercial Lending School, held April 26–May 1 on the campus of Southern Methodist University. Now in its second year, the Commercial Lending School continues … Read more
The Texas Bankers Association has appointed David “Chip” Bartlett as senior vice president of government relations. The appointment—announced by Chris Furlow, TBA’s CEO, and Celeste Embrey, the association’s general counsel/executive vice president of government relations—is effective March 1. “I was drawn to TBA because Texas is emerging as the new financial capital of the nation, … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) in Dallas recently announced its program schedule for 2026. Since 1957, SWGSB has been a leader in developing banking talent nationwide. Known for its rigorous curriculum and powerful professional network, SWGSB delivers immersive learning experiences that prepare financial services professionals to lead in an evolving … Read more
In early January, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees: Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., A. Ford Sasser III and Marelyn B. Shedd. These five iconic bankers will be recognized for their achievements and many contributions to their communities and the banking industry at the 13th Annual Texas … Read more
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
Longtime East Texas banker Jane Austin Chapman passed away peacefully on November 2 in her hometown of Frankston. She was a third-generation banker. Her grandfather, John F. Austin Sr., founded the First State Bank of Frankston in 1909, and her father, Jeff Austin Sr., served there as president starting in 1946. Jeff Austin Sr. went … Read more
Tupelo, Mississippi-based Cadence Bank has hired Michael Milich to serve as wealth regional president for Texas. Based in Houston, he is an accomplished private banking and wealth management expert and an estate attorney. He leads an integrated team providing investment management, trust and estate planning, and financial consulting services. Early in his career, Milich practiced … Read more
The July 4 and 5 flash floods across Central Texas—particularly along the Guadalupe River in the Hill Country—resulted in more than 135 deaths, a handful of people still missing and catastrophic financial impacts in the multi-billion-dollar range, with some estimates between $18 and $22 billion. Texas banks rallied immediately to help in the aftermath of the … 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
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