TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
In April, Henderson-based VeraBank announced a new commercial banker in Conroe, as well as a new wealth management team member. Billy Brannon has joined the bank as senior vice president/commercial banker at its Conroe location. He was born and raised in Conroe and is excited to return home to support the area where his roots … Read more
Pittsburg-based Pilgrim Bank has announced the promotion of Jason Snodgrass to market president/Tyler. He joined the bank in 2018 and currently serves in Mount Pleasant as senior vice president/market leader for Northeast Texas. Pilgrim Bank has steadily expanded its presence across East Texas in recent years, and Snodgrass will play an important role in strengthening the … Read more
Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced promotions of employees approved at the March board meeting. Troy Moore has been named regional president for the North region. He joined the bank in December 2025 as executive vice president/deputy regional president, working from the Longview Oak Forest office. With 33 years … 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
To recognize banks (and credit unions) making a meaningful difference, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group have published “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2026.” The methodology utilized the Texas Ratio (a measure of a bank’s credit quality), as well as reviewed profitability and net loans and leases, press coverage over the past two years, … Read more
On November 13, Texas Community Bancshares Inc., the holding company of Mineola-based Broadstreet Bank SSB, announced the retirement of Julie Sharff and the appointment of Jason McCrary as chief financial officer, effective December 1. During her tenure of over 28 years with the company and the bank, Sharff has been an integral part of shaping … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has been named the 2025 “Hispanic Business Alliance (HBA) Community Organization of the Year” for its commitment to fostering opportunity through meaningful initiatives. The award recognizes the bank’s impactful partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas to facilitate the “Consulado sobre ruedas” (Consulate on Wheels) program. Consulado sobre ruedas brings essential … Read more
On October 16, the board of directors of Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, announced the appointment of Mitchell Craddock to chief operating officer of the company and bank, effective immediately following the retirement of Brian K. McCabe, current COO, on November 14. In addition, the company announced the appointments of Keith … Read more
On October 1, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced that Bells-based Cendera Bank National Association has completed its conversion to a Texas state-chartered bank from a national banking association. The bank began operating as Cendera Bank under its new charter effective October 1. The bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendera Financial Holdings Inc. … Read more
Southside Bancshares Inc. and its subsidiary, Tyler-based Southside Bank, have announced the upcoming retirement of Lee Gibson as chief executive officer, effective December 31, 2025. He will continue to serve as a director of the company and bank. Succeeding him as CEO is Keith Donahoe, current president of the company and bank, who has more … Read more