TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
On March 2, Dallas-based T Bank NA announced the opening of a new Houston branch and the appointment of veteran banker Chris Morris to serve as chief lending officer and a member of the bank’s board of directors. T Bank also announced the appointment of Houston businessman John Leggett to its board. “While we operate … Read more
Brownwood-based Citizens National Bank has announced the promotion of Jesse Mendoza to executive vice president, chief financial officer and chief operations officer. He brings more than 49 years of banking experience in compliance, lending and operations. Originally from Clovis, New Mexico, Mendoza earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Eastern New Mexico University and is … Read more
On March 23, Ozona Bank announced the promotion of Lance Kruse to chief lending officer. He has been a member of the Ozona Bank team for more than 10 years, during which he has demonstrated strong lending expertise, leadership and a commitment to serving customers and communities across the bank’s footprint. His contributions have played a … Read more
Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced promotions of employees approved at the March board meeting. Troy Moore has been named regional president for the North region. He joined the bank in December 2025 as executive vice president/deputy regional president, working from the Longview Oak Forest office. With 33 years … Read more
In March, Henderson-based VeraBank announced promotions and a new hire for its commercial banking teams in Henderson, Austin and Corsicana. Zach Kuehner, who has been with VeraBank since 2023, has transitioned into the role of commercial banker at the Austin downtown office. He brings a strong foundation in commercial credit, portfolio management and relationship‑focused service … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that Anthony White has joined its San Antonio lending team as senior vice president/senior relationship manager. He will be based at the bank’s Renaissance Plaza location at 70 N.E. Loop 410. White brings nearly 30 years of experience in commercial and corporate lending. His background includes serving clients in the commercial, … Read more
Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank announced three personnel changes in March. Lee Beckelman has joined the bank as an advisory director. A graduate of the University of Texas–Austin, his past work experience includes positions at various banks, as well as several oil and gas companies. He currently serves as chief financial officer of Smart Sand … Read more
The Education Foundation of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) is gearing up for the fourth-annual IBAT EDGE, a program that offers two days of education, renowned industry keynote speakers and leadership development training focused on community banks in Texas. The goal is to Educate, Develop, Guide and Empower (EDGE) community bank employees. This … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar Bank has promoted Claudia Rodriguez to executive vice president. She oversees all aspects of risk management, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), financial intelligence unit (FIU), compliance, information security, legal, audit and loan review. With 23 years of experience in the banking sector, Rodriguez has dedicated the past 13 years of her career … Read more
On March 5, Third Coast Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Humble-based Third Coast Bank, announced the appointment of Eva Pawelek to serve as regional president and head of Houston corporate banking. She joined the organization in October 2025 following the merger between Third Coast Bancshares Inc. and Keystone Bancshares Inc. Pawelek will lead the … Read more