TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
Herbert Lee Graham, a highly respected entrepreneur and visionary leader, passed away on September 25 at the age of 87. Born in 1938 in New Mexico, he relocated to Odessa in the late 1950s and would go on to leave a lasting impact on the region, including his ownership of Odesssa-based SouthWest Bank. Graham attended … Read more
On October 6, Cincinatti-Ohio-based Fifth Third Bancorp and Dallas-based Comerica Inc. announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Fifth Third will acquire Comerica in an all-stock transaction valued at $10.9 billion. This transaction brings together two long-tenured banking franchises to create the ninth largest U.S. bank with approximately $288 billion … Read more
On June 22, McAllen-based Rio Bank celebrated its official opening in Dripping Springs with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking its successful acquisition and transition from Lone Star Capital Bank. The event, hosted in partnership with the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce, brought together community members, business leaders and longtime customers to celebrate Rio Bank’s new chapter … Read more
On September 30, United Way of Greater Houston announced that Julie Young Sudduth, executive vice president and regional president for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based PNC Bank in Houston, has been named chair of the 2025–26 annual community campaign, a major fundraising effort that supports a wide range of community services helping neighbors find their pathway to financial … Read more
On October 1, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced that Bells-based Cendera Bank National Association has completed its conversion to a Texas state-chartered bank from a national banking association. The bank began operating as Cendera Bank under its new charter effective October 1. The bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendera Financial Holdings Inc. … Read more
Abilene-based First Financial Trust , a division of First Financial Bank, has appointed R. Mark Davidovich executive vice president and leader of its Fort Worth market. With a career spanning wealth management, real estate and public affairs, he brings an abundance of experience and leadership to the team. “We are thrilled to welcome Mark to … Read more
Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, have announced the upcoming retirement of Lee Gibson as chief executive officer, effective December 31, 2025. He will continue to serve as a director of the company and bank. Succeeding him as CEO is Keith Donahoe, current president of the company and bank, who has more … Read more
Willow Park-based First Bank Texas has promoted Brooks Ferguson to chief credit officer. He has been an integral part of the bank’s leadership team. In his new role, he will oversee the bank’s credit administration, lending policies and risk management practices. “Brooks has demonstrated exceptional leadership and deep knowledge of credit management,” notes Zan Prince, … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Will Metcalf to serve as business development officer at its Conroe branch. Joining the team in July, he brings 18 years of experience in the banking industry. A longtime Conroe resident and public servant, Metcalf has served in the Texas House of Representatives since 2015 and remains actively involved in both … Read more
On September 15, Denver-based National Bank Holdings Corp., the holding company for NBH Bank, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement to acquire Vista Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Dallas-based Vista Bank with operations in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and Lubbock, as well as Palm Beach, Florida. The transaction is expected to close in … Read more