Texas Governor Abbott Appoints Community Bankers Curlee and Neill to School Land Board

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Brad Curlee and reappointed Michael A. Neill to the School Land Board for terms set to expire on August 29, 2023. The board manages the acquisition, sale and mineral leasing of the lands that comprise the Permanent School Fund, which contributes billions of dollars each year to public education … Read more

VeraBank Senior Vice President and Branch Manager Vera Honored by Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance

Henderson-based VeraBank is congratulating Jesus Vera, senior vice president and manager of the Front Street branch in Tyler, who was recently named the 2022 “Oustanding Professional of the Year” by the Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance. “We couldn’t be more proud of and happy for Jesus to receive this honor,” says Brad Tidwell, president and CEO. … Read more

Interstate Bank Announces the Retirement of Market President Blasingame

On December 7, Perryton-based Interstate Bank announced the retirement of Mike Blasingame as market president. He has been with the bank for 20 years serving in various roles, including executive vice president, commercial and ag lender, chief lending officer and, most recently, market president. He is also a member of the bank’s board of directors. … Read more

WestStar Bank CEO Osborn Inducted Into El Paso Business Hall of Fame

On December 14, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced that David W. Osborn, president and CEO, has been inducted into the El Paso Business Hall of Fame. The El Paso Business Hall of Fame, presented by Junior Achievement of El Paso, recognizes business leaders who have made enduring contributions to El Paso. “I am honored to … Read more

First Foundation Inc. Announces Senior Leadership Appointments

On December 6, Dallas-based First Foundation Inc., a financial services company with two subsidiaries, First Foundation Bank and First Foundation Advisors, announced that Christopher M. Naghibi, who has served as executive vice president/chief credit officer of the bank since 2014, has been named executive vice president/chief operating officer, effective immediately. Additionally, Hugo Nuño, who has … Read more

Kerrville’s Schreiner University Announces Launch of New Banking Program

On December 6, Dr. Charlie McCormick, president of Schreiner University in Kerrville, announced the launch of the university’s new banking program, created to help students navigate rural-focused banking needs in Texas. Schreiner University students will be admitted into the program by the end of their sophomore year. Upon acceptance, they will receive a scholarship for … Read more

Former Texas Capital Bank Executive Hall Named Austin Chamber of Commerce Interim CEO

On December 1, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce announced that Kerry Hall will serve as interim president and CEO beginning on January 3, 2023. She is taking over for Laura Huffman, who is leaving the organization on December 31, 2022. Hall has more than 35 years of experience in banking in Austin and recently … Read more

Quiroga and Taylor Re-Elected to Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Board of Directors

Joe Quiroga of Edinburg and Cindy Taylor of Houston have been re-elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors by its member banks. They will both serve a three-year term ending December 31, 2025. In this role, they provide input on regional economic conditions as part of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy … Read more

Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Inductee B.A. Donelson Passes Away

B.A. Donelson, 86, of Amarillo passed away on November 22. Born and raised in the Texas Panhandle, he attended Arlington State College on a football scholarship and continued his education at Texas Tech University, playing on the varsity baseball team. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and finance in 1958. After college, Donelson returned … Read more

Frost Bank Opens Two More Financial Centers in 28-branch Dallas Expansion

San Antonio-based Frost Bank’s Central Plano and Northwest Dallas locations—the seventh and eighth of 28 new financial centers to open in the bank’s Dallas region expansion—are open for business. The Central Plano branch opened on November 14 and the Northwest Dallas branch opened on the morning of December 12. A 154-year-old bank with deep Texas … Read more