TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS

Texas community banking

Jefferson Bank Hires Morris for Trusts and Estates and West as Commercial Lender

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San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank has hired David Morris as senior vice president/trust and estates officer and Taylor West as senior vice president/commercial lending officer. Morris will serve as the primary point of contact for clients with moderate and complex trusts, providing fiduciary services and addressing client needs. He will oversee trust account administration, ensure transactions … Read more

SW Graduate School of Banking Adds Southern Methodist University’s Sawers to Board of Trustees

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The SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business (SWGSB) has added a new trustee to its board of advisors. Kit Sawers, inaugural CEO of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) new Dallas office and a vice president of the university, has joined the SWGSB board as the SMU representative. In her … Read more

Pilgrim Bank Adds Bockman to Lending Team

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Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank announced that it has added Garrett Bockman to its lending team. He will serve customers in Wise County and surrounding North Texas communities. Bockman brings experience in commercial and community banking, including leadership roles with The Community Bank in Bridgeport, American National Bank & Trust in Decatur and First State Bank in … Read more

WestStar Appoints Mims Vice President and Information Security Officer

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On August 13, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Christopher Mims as vice president/information security officer. He will lead the development and management of the bank’s information security program, oversee regulatory compliance and align security initiatives with the bank’s strategic objectives. Mims brings 15 years of information technology and cybersecurity experience, with expertise in … Read more

FHLB Dallas and Members Award More Than $1.8 Million as Partnership Grant Program Celebrates 30 Years

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The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and participating member financial institutions awarded more than $1.8 million to 71 community‑based organizations through its Partnership Grant Program (PGP) as the program marks its 30th anniversary. The awards were made in partnership with 44 member institutions in FHLB Dallas’ five‑state district of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Appoints Willerson President of TRB Trust & Wealth Management

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Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank has appointed Trey Willerson, CFA, president of TRB Trust & Wealth Management. He will continue to serve as chief investment officer, leading Texas Regional Bank’s Houston-headquartered trust and wealth division, which manages more than $4 billion in assets and serves clients throughout Texas. Willerson joined Texas Regional Bank in 2024 as … Read more

First United Mortgage Group Taps Schneider to Manage Mortgage Sales in San Antonio

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Todd Schneider has joined the team at First United Mortgage Group, a division of Durant, Oklahoma-based First United Bank, to serve as mortgage market manager in San Antonio. He will lead the San Antonio and surrounding markets’ mortgage operations, increase brand awareness and visibility, grow and support the sales team, promote the bank, insurance, wealth … Read more

WestStar Promotes Medrano to Zaraloop Branch Manager

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El Paso-based WestStar has promoted Beny Medrano to branch manager of its Zaraloop location. He joined the bank in 2023, bringing more than nine years of experience in the financial industry. Known for his strong analytical skills and ability to build meaningful relationships, he delivers personalized financial solutions to both personal and business clients. Medrano … Read more

WestStar Appoints Garay as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker

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On August 4, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Lorena Garay as senior vice president/commercial banker. She will manage the bank’s existing investment real estate client relationships while continuing to grow its commercial lending portfolio. Garay brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial lending and deposit relationship management, with a focus on … Read more

Alabama’s ServisFirst Bank Names Cannon New Houston Market President

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Birmingham, Alabama-based ServisFirst Bank has hired Cody Cannon to serve as executive vice president/Houston market president. He joins the bank with more than 25 years of experience. Cannon will lead efforts to establish and grow ServisFirst Bank’s Houston team. Throughout his career, Cannon has successfully launched and expanded banking operations, recruited high-performing teams and developed long-term … Read more