TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank has opened a new location in Plano. The bank calls itself a “values-based organization committed to helping people live a lifestyle [the bank describes as] ‘Spend Life Wisely’—centered around four pillars: faith, financial well-being, health and wellness, and personal growth.” In April, the bank is hosting grand-opening events, inviting the … Read more
On March 2, Laredo-based Commerce Bank announced that Ignacio Urrabazo Jr., president and CEO, has been appointed to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Community Bank Advisory Council (CBAC). In this role, he will provide valuable insights and recommendations on various consumer financial issues, including lending practices, consumer protection and regulatory compliance. The CBAC, composed … Read more
Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced promotions of employees approved at the March 2023 board of directors meeting. Lynn Littlejohn has been named chief human resources officer. Littlejohn, senior executive vice president, received a title change as she continues in her leadership role overseeing the bank’s human resources … Read more
On March 9, East Texas Bancshares, the parent company of First National Bank of Jasper and First State Bank of Livingston, announced a proposal to merge the two banks under the name First State Bank of Livingston (First State Bank). With a combined asset size of more than $700 million, the merger will position the … Read more
On March 15, Dallas-based Vista Bank announced that it has “lost a friend, mentor, colleague and banking legend” with the passing of Tony “T-Man” Stephenson, metro market president, adding that he “was best known for his contagious smile and genuine love of others.” “Tony literally shaped the trajectory of our company through his tireless efforts … Read more
Wyatt Blackburn has joined Dallas-based Veritex Community Bank as senior vice president and relationship manager, bringing more than 40 years of experience in launching, developing and managing operations for specialty property and casualty insurance company fronting platforms. His focus is on developing lending and banking relationships with a particular emphasis on the insurance industry. Blackburn … Read more
In late January, Corpus Christi-based American Bank announced the promotion of Amanda De Leon to regional manager. Making the announcement was Mark Meyer, South Texas market president. In her new role, De Leon will be responsible for overseeing branch operations for American Bank’s South Texas market, including all locations in Corpus Christi and its branches … Read more
On January 26, associates from Tyler-based Southside Bank, members of the Lufkin Chamber of Commerce and community members gathered for a ribbon cutting and celebration of the bank’s newly renovated branch in Lufkin, located at 2510 West Frank St. The modern, innovative design echoes the bank’s sister location on S. Timberland Dr. in Lufkin and … Read more
Natalen Nicole Castrejana has been hired as vice president/commercial lender at Tyler-based Southside Bank in Austin. Prior to joining Southside Bank, she was director of portfolio optimization at Cypress Real Estate Advisors and, prior to that, served for six years in commercial real estate financing at Amegy Bank of Texas in Houston. Castrejana received her … Read more
Paris-based Lamar National Bank has announced the hiring of veteran banker Mark Stroud as executive vice president/chief accounting officer. He began his banking career in West Texas where his father and brother also served as community bankers. From 2005 to 2022, he served as chief financial officer at Classic Bank in Cameron. “Mark’s passion for … Read more