TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
In June, Houston-based Gulf Capital Bank announced that longtime Houston banker Brent Harraman has joined the bank as senior vice president/business banking director. Harrraman joins Gulf Capital Bank after serving for more than 14 years at Comerica Bank. His last position there was as senior vice president, regional director/small-business banking for Texas, Arizona and Florida. … Read more
Harry J. “Johnny” Brooks, chair and CEO of Woodville-based Citizens State Bank, has been named 2026 Mr. East Texas as part of the community’s 83rd Annual Tyler County Dogwood Festival in Woodville, held on weekends in March and April. The Dogwood Festival is the longest-running outdoor celebration in Texas. Citizens State Bank has supported it … Read more
On March 2, Dallas-based T Bank NA announced the opening of a new Houston branch and the appointment of veteran banker Chris Morris to serve as chief lending officer and a member of the bank’s board of directors. T Bank also announced the appointment of Houston businessman John Leggett to its board. “While we operate … Read more
On January 27, the boards of First Financial Bankshares Inc. and Abilene-based First Financial Bank announced the promotion of David Bailey to CEO of both entities. The position was previously held by F. Scott Dueser, who will continue to serve as executive chairman of both boards. “David has been with the company for more than … Read more
Choudrant, Louisiana-based Origin Bank has announced the hiring of Greg Mendez and Rachel Wolfe as commercial group managers serving the Houston region. Both join the company as regional executive vice presidents and will work at the bank’s Memorial City Financial Center in Houston. Mendez brings 20 years of banking experience, specializing in commercial and industrial … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Keith Hughey, founder of J. Keith Hughey Co., with its prestigious IBAT President’s Award. The honor is bestowed each year at the sole discretion of President and CEO Christopher Williston to an associate member who goes above and beyond in serving the community banking industry … Read more
Texas City-based Texas First Bank has hired Lee Garza to join its team in Pasadena as vice president/relationship manager. In addition, the bank has hired Tip Spata to serve as SBA business development officer and sales lead. With more than 20 years in banking, Garza brings a variety of experiences to his new position—from personal … Read more
Tanya T. Castro has been appointed senior vice president/wealth strategist in the trust and wealth management division at Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank. She will serve the bank’s Houston area market. With more than 20 years of experience in trust and estate administration and wealth management, Castro brings a proven track record in developing tailored strategies … Read more
The Dakri family, which includes the leadership of Wallis-based Wallis Bank, has pledged $4 million to support the University of Houston’s new Center for Economic Inclusion (CEI) in the C.T. Bauer College of Business. Launched in May, the CEI’s programs build on Bauer’s award-winning SURE program (Stimulating Urban Renewal through Entrepreneurship), which trains students in … Read more
As COVID vaccinations increase and mask mandates subside, businesses are beginning to draw sighs of relief, hoping that the worst is behind us and the future brings some sense of normalcy. But there is no doubt that the past 14 months have been fraught with anxiety, not only for the health of our population, but … Read more