TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2026 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and New Mexico convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted by … Read more
On July 16, The Woodlands-based Woodforest National Bank announced the appointment of Julie V. Mayrant as chief executive officer. A banking executive with more than 30 years of experience at the bank, she has played a defining role in its growth, operational excellence and customer-focused culture. Most recently, Mayrant served as president and chief community … Read more
On May 18, Wilmington, Delaware-based PNC Bank announced that Amy Reardon has been named market leader for commercial banking in Houston. She will lead the bank’s Houston commercial banking team, which serves companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million. PNC Bank has more than 300 branches in Texas, including approximately 90 locations … Read more
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO or board chair, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impact on the banking industry. “These honorees are … Read more
On May 22, Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, announced the opening of Houston-based Houston Bank & Trust, the first de novo state bank charter approved since April 2022. The bank is anticipated to serve customers primarily in the Houston MSA, with a focus on Harris and Montgomery counties. Houston Bank … Read more
Jacksonville-based Austin Bank hired three team members in April, as announced by Jeff Austin III, chair. Dan Taylor has joined the bank as senior vice president/relationship manager in the Creekside Park location. He has a varied background in finance, banking, real estate, aviation and entrepreneurship. With two decades of experience in banking, he joins Austin … Read more
Dallas-based PlainsCapital Bank announced that it has hired two bankers to serve on the bank’s relationship management teams in The Woodlands and Denton. Jamie Ballard, CTP, has joined the bank as senior vice president/senior relationship manager. He will office out of The Woodlands branch at 1699 Research Forest Dr., Ste. 100. Ballard brings more than … Read more
East Texas Financial Corp., the parent company of Kilgore-based Citizens Bank, and Texas National Bancorporation, the parent company of Jacksonville-based Texas National Bank, have announced the successful completion of East Texas Financial Corp.’s previously announced acquisition of Texas National Bancorporation after receiving all required regulatory approvals. East Texas Financial Corp. will operate as a two-bank … Read more
Natalie Saikowski Goertz has joined Texas City-based Texas First Bank to serve as senior vice president and director of treasury management. An Athena Leadership Award recipient, she brings extensive experience in corporate and public fund banking to the bank’s treasury management team in The Woodlands. Before joining Texas First Bank, Goertz was president and CEO … Read more