TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

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TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS

TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS

Texas Bankers Association

Osborn, WestStar Bank CEO, Named McMurry University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus

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On April 22, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced that David W. Osborn, president and CEO, has been named McMurry University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, the Abilene-based university’s highest alumni honor. Osborn was recognized during McMurry’s Alumni Achievement Awards celebration held April 24 in Abilene. The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors graduates who have achieved exceptional professional success, … Read more

Dominguez Named President of National Bank of Andrews

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On April 24, Ricky Kidd, CEO of National Bank of Andrews, announced the promotion of Eric Dominguez to president. Dominguez will assume leadership of the bank’s daily operations. A West Texas native, he brings more than two decades of banking experience to his new position. The son of a Fort Stockton banker, Dominguez developed an early … Read more

First Financial Bank Announces Greater Houston Leadership Appointments

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The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank has announced senior leadership changes in its Greater Houston region. Rodney Nabors has been elected regional CEO, Bart Griffith has been promoted to Conroe market president and Brian Bonner has been promoted to executive vice president/senior lender for construction and development. “Rodney, Bart and Brian have … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking to Welcome More Than 150 Bankers to Commercial Lending School

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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

Bartlett Joins Texas Bankers Association as Senior Vice President of Government Relations

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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

SW Graduate School of Banking Announces 2026 Program Schedule

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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

Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

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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

Moody Bank’s Pierson Named 2025 ‘Nonno‘ Tony Smecca Galvestonian of the Year

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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, Passes Away

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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

Milich Joins Cadence Bank as Wealth Regional President in Texas

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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