Community Bankers Honor BCC’s Smith with Prestigious Chairman’s Award

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Kathy Smith with the IBAT Chairman’s Award. She is the founder and principal of BCC (Bank Compensation Consulting), a Plano-based bank-owned life insurance consulting firm serving banks nationwide. IBAT’s 2024–25 Chair Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, presented the … Read more

Community Banking Association Elects Wilson Chair, Names New Executive Committee and Board

In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Greg Wilson, president and CEO of Paris-based Lamar National Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2025–26. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 51st Annual Convention held September 20–23 in Fort Worth. In addition to Wilson, … Read more

Texas Regional Bank Kicks off Annual Summer Intern Program

On June 11, Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank launched its 2025 internship program with an informational Internship Day at its corporate headquarters. Students from universities across the nation—including Texas A&M University, the University of Texas, the University of Arkansas and Indiana University—gathered to kick off their summer journey with the bank. The day was filled with presentations … Read more

Community Banking Association Elects Harris Chair, Names New Executive Committee and Board

In early October, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Tracy Harris, chief strategic planning and project officer at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2024–25. She officially accepted the position during the association’s 50th Annual Convention held October 5–8 in San Antonio. In … Read more

Community Banking Association Elects Doyle Chair, Names New Executive Committee

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently announced that Christopher Doyle, president and CEO of Texas City-based Texas First Bank, has been elected chairman of the IBAT board of directors for 2023–24. He officially accepted this position during the association’s 49th Annual Convention held September 16–19 in Frisco. In addition to Doyle, members of … Read more

Community Banking Association Elects Irwin Chairman, Names New Executive Committee

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently announced that K. Kyle Irwin, president of Gruver-based Western Bank, has been elected chairman of the IBAT board of directors for 2022–23. He officially accepted this position during the association’s 48th annual convention held September 24–27 in Fort Worth. In addition to Irwin, members of the community … Read more

National Bank & Trust Promotes Martinez, Schattle and Rhodes

Tracy Harris, president and CEO of La Grange-based National Bank & Trust, recently announced several promotions. Jennifer Schattle, CIA, has been promoted to assistant vice president, BSA/AML officer and assistant compliance officer. She previously served as compliance specialist. As BSA/AML officer, she is responsible for the implementation and administration of all aspects of the Bank … Read more

Community Banking Organizations Elects Sellers Chairman, Names New Executive Committee and Board Members

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently announced that Thomas Sellers, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Sulphur Springs-based Alliance Bank, has been elected chairman of the IBAT board of directors for 2021–22. He officially accepted this position during the association’s 47th annual convention held September 18–21 in Austin. In addition … Read more

National Bank & Trust Promotes Rhodes to Assistant Controller

Tracy Harris, president and CEO of La Grange-based National Bank & Trust, recently announced that Kimberly Rhodes has been promoted to assistant controller. Rhodes previously served as operations specialist. In her new position, she will be responsible for supporting the chief financial officer with all accounting-related functions at the bank, assist with financial audits and … Read more

Dallas Fed Appoints Four New Members to Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council

The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas has appointed four new members to its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. The council, composed of representatives from financial institutions of various sizes in the 11th District, is part of a Federal Reserve initiative to enhance communication with community bankers. The council provides senior Dallas Fed officials with grassroots information on … Read more