Nichols Named General Counsel of the Texas Department of Banking

Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, has announced the selection of Robert K. Nichols III as the agency’s general counsel. Nichols will be responsible for overseeing the legal division and providing advice to the banking commissioner, as well as other divisions across the agency. He will also be responsible for assisting … Read more

City Bank of Lubbock’s Edwards Celebrates 75 Years in Banking

On November 6, Lubbock-based City Bank celebrated Clara Edwards’ 75 years in banking. She began her career in 1948 at the First State Bank of Monahans. Since then, she has served in many capacities and is currently the smiling face that greets customers as they enter the Monahans branch. Edwards is also active in the … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Opens Loan Production Office in Forney

Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank has opened a loan production office in Forney. This follows the bank’s acquisition of AccessBank in 2021, which added five offices to its network. In addition to Forney, the bank has plans to open several banking centers in the East Dallas region within the next 12 to 18 months. The Forney … Read more

IBC Bank and Commerce Bank Launch Food Drive at All Branches

On November 9, Laredo-based IBC Bank and Commerce Bank held a press conference at its main office to announce that all their branches in their Laredo, Roma, Zapata, Eagle Pass and Del Rio markets will be collecting canned foods from November 15 through December 15 to benefit the South Texas Food Bank. Joining the press … Read more

Victory Bank Opens for Business in Lubbock

On October 16, Lubbock-based Victory Bank opened its doors for business following the successful acquisition of Security State Bank of Winters by Victory Financial Corp., the new bank’s holding company. Victory Bank’s headquarters are located at 4710 4th St. in Lubbock. The company is led by former Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope, executive chair; C. Brett … Read more

First National Bank of Bastrop Names Valderrama Austin Market President

First National Bank of Bastrop has promoted Fil Valderrama to serve as Austin market president. He will take the helm at the Austin loan production office to further grow this market and oversee area lenders. Valderrama has been a member of the First National Bank of Bastrop team for more than 32 years. He previously … Read more

FirstBank Southwest Launches Banking Advisory Council to Nurture Career Opportunities and Evolve

Amarillo-based FirstBank Southwest has created a 15-member Banking Advisory Council (BAC) to help understand the future of banking through the eyes of students. The council is made up of high school seniors at Amarillo ISD, Canyon ISD and Bushland ISD, as well as freshmen and sophomore students at Amarillo College. Members were chosen during a … Read more

Texas Bank and Trust Co. Welcomes Smith and McElroy

Brandon Smith and Kathleen McElroy have joined the staff of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust Co. Smith has been hired to serve as vice president and mortgage loan underwriter at the bank’s branch in The Colony. He previously served as senior underwriter with Colonial Savings Mortgage in McKinney and has been involved in the closing, … Read more

Guaranty Bank & Trust’s Payne to Retire After 40-Year Career

On October 23, Addison-based Guaranty Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Guaranty Bank & Trust NA, announced that Clifton A. “Cappy” Payne, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer of the company, plans to retire March 31, 2024, after 40 years with the company and 35 years as its principal accounting officer. He will … Read more

Piland Joins Western Bank to Head New Mortgage Division

Lubbock-based Western Bank has named Allyn Piland executive vice president and president of the bank’s new mortgage division. She brings 18 years of market expertise to her new role, having served markets across Texas and New Mexico. Piland began her career at PrimeWest Mortgage in the servicing department. In 2005, upon graduating from Texas Tech … Read more