TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
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
William L. “Billy” Mullins, senior executive vice president, chief risk officer and director at Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, announced his retirement after a banking career spanning 51 years, effective July 17. Mullins started his banking career in 1974 as an assistant national bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). In 1979, … Read more
East Texas Financial Corp., the bank holding company for Kilgore-based Citizens Bank, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Texas National Bancorporation Inc., the bank holding company for Jacksonville-based Texas National Bank. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Upon closing, East Texas Financial Corp. will operate as a … Read more
The Leadership Division of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) elected new executive committee members to its board during the 40th Annual Connecting Leaders Conference, held in June at the Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston. Click here to view a gallery of photographs from the event. Founded in 1985, the IBAT Leadership Division is … Read more
Jeff Austin III, chairman of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, has announced promotions of three executives within the organization. Jason Petersen has been named chief credit officer. A current member of the executive committee and a senior executive vice president, Petersen will move from the role of chief lending officer to chief credit officer following the retirement of … Read more