First State Bank Breaks Ground on Banking Center in Forney

On August 7, Athens-based First State Bank broke ground on a new full-service banking center in Forney. Construction of the 4,278-square-foot facility is targeted for completion by the end of the year. Bank executives, along with general contractors with the SLI Group Inc., a fully integrated commercial design firm specializing in financial institutions, were on … Read more

SouthStar Bank Welcomes Lenders Herbert and Garcia

On August 11, Moulton-based SouthStar Bank SSB announced the hiring of two new lenders. Jason Herbert joins the bank’s Leander branch as a vice president of lending and branch executive. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry with a focus on residential lending. One of Herbert’s crowning achievements across his … Read more

PlainsCapital Bank Welcomes Gonzales to Edinburg Commercial Lending Team

Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank has announced that Judge John Gonzales Jr. has joined its Edinburg lending group as senior vice president/commercial loan officer at the bank’s 100 W. Cano Street location. He brings more than 30 years of financial services experience, including roles in the banking, financial advisory and insurance industries, as well as local government. … Read more

Texas State Bankshares Announces Acquisition Agreement with Estrada Hinojosa & Co.

On August 7, Texas State Bankshares Inc., the holding company for Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank (TRB), announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dallas-based investment banking group Estrada Hinojosa & Co. Inc. The acquisition will add a team of 48 individuals—as well as offices in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Edinburg, … Read more

Texas Banking Commissioner Names Wisian Houston Regional Director

On August 16, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced the appointment of Gregory Cole Wisian as Houston regional director of the bank and trust supervision division for the Texas Department of Banking. The appointment is effective September 1. Wisian will be responsible for the bank supervisory activities of the Houston regional office and its … Read more

Kleberg Bank’s Henkel Celebrates 50 Years of Texas Community Banking

The board of directors of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently presented Joe Henkel, vice chairman of the board of Kingsville-based Kleberg Bank, with an IBAT board resolution recognizing more than 50 years of service as a True Texas Community Banker. Henkel started his career at Kleberg Bank in 1970 while a student … Read more

Farmers Bancshares and Farmers State Bank to be Acquired by FSBH Inc.

FSBH Inc. has agreed to acquire Farmers Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Center-based Farmers State Bank. Upon completion of the merger, management and the employees of the bank will remain in place and there will be no change in the business plan of the bank. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth … Read more

McElrath Joins the R Bank Team for Community Development and Commercial Lending

Round Rock-based R Bank has hired Charles McElrath to serve as senior vice president, community development director and commercial lender. His primary focus will be on promoting the bank’s small-business lending products and programs while also facilitating community development initiatives. Prior to joining R Bank, McElrath was vice president and regional director for commercial lending … Read more

The First National Bank of Central Texas Opens Banking Center in Gatesville

Waco-based The First National Bank of Central Texas recently opened a new banking center in Gatesville. A new facility is currently under construction at  2908 E. Main St. It is expected to open in late 2023 or early 2024. Currently, the bank is operating a temporary location at 1400 E. Main St. in Gatesville. “We … Read more

Dopjera, Longtime Accounting Professional, Appointed to Board of Stellar Bancorp

Stellar Bancorp Inc., the holding company of Houston-based Stellar Bank, announced the election of Cynthia Dopjera to the board of directors of the company. This election as a class II director fills an existing vacancy. Stellar Bancorp has a 14-member board, which consists of 11 independent directors. Dopjera currently serves on the Stellar Bank board … Read more