TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

Texas community banking

SW Graduate School of Banking Accepting 2027 Graduate Banking Program Applications

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The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University (SWGSB) is now accepting applications for the 2027 session of its graduate banking program, a nationally recognized, three-year executive education experience designed to develop the knowledge, leadership capabilities and professional relationships that banking and financial services professionals need to advance their careers and strengthen their … Read more

Charter Bank Appoints Oilfield Service Professional to Board of Directors

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Corpus Christi-based Charter Bank has announced the appointment of John Jalufka to its board of directors. He has more than 50 years of experience in the oilfield service industry, designing and building high-pressure pumps, chemical blenders, coiled tubing units, laydown units and well-flowing equipment. Jalufka has successfully built and sold multiple companies in the Corpus … Read more

Ramirez Joins First Bank Texas to Serve as Fort Worth Market President

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Fort Worth-based First Bank Texas has hired Michael Ramirez to serve as Fort Worth market president. He brings more than 20 years of banking experience to his new position, with extensive expertise in commercial real estate lending, relationship management and portfolio management. Ramirez’s experience includes handling complex commercial real estate transactions ranging from $1 million … Read more

Community Bankers Honor IntraFi’s Blackwell with IBAT President’s Award

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In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Rob Blackwell, chief content officer and head of external affairs at Arlington, Virginia-based IntraFi, with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Open Eighth North Texas Branch in Frisco

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On September 22, Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank opened its new Frisco banking center. The location at 15147 Preston Rd. is the bank’s eighth branch in North Texas. Frisco continues to draw significant business investment alongside sustained population growth. Corporate relocations, business expansion and residential development have strengthened the city’s position. The new location establishes a … Read more

Louisiana-based Home Bank Debuts in Sugar Land, Expanding its Houston Market

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On September 21, Lafayette, Louisiana-based Home Bank opened its relocated full-service banking center in Sugar Land. Located at 14965 Southwest Fwy., the new branch replaces the bank’s former location at 12946 Dairy Ashford Rd. Home Bank also operates five other banking centers in the greater Houston area: River Oaks, Friendswood, Webster, Pasadena and Tomball. “Our … Read more

R Bank Welcomes Matthews as Round Rock Market President

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Round Rock-based R Bank has hired Will Matthews to serve as market president in Round Rock. A member of the University of Texas’ Rose Bowl-winning football team and a former player for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, he developed a strong foundation in discipline, teamwork and relationship-building. Following his football career, he worked in nonprofit fundraising, … Read more

McDonald Named Chief Operating Officer at R Bank in Round Rock

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Round Rock-based R Bank has promoted Cole McDonald to executive vice president and chief operating officer. Since joining the bank in 2024, he has quickly established himself as a respected leader and trusted resource across the organization. Prior to joining R Bank, McDonald served on the commercial lending team at VeraBank for almost four years. … Read more

Community Banking Advocate Scurlock Added to IBAT’s Wall of Heroes and Legends

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The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced a new addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in Austin. Steve Scurlock, IBAT’s former government affairs director, was presented with the honor during the association’s recent convention in San Antonio. The Wall of Heroes and … Read more

In Memoriam: Robert Smith III, Federal Reserve Bank Stalwart

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Robert Smith III, a distinguished public servant, naval officer and devoted family man, passed away on October 3 in Dallas at the age of 86. He spent much of his career in service to the Federal Reserve System. After earning his BS degree in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University, Smith pursued further studies at … Read more