TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2025 summer session wrapped up June 6 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVI at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Jan Mills, president and chair of First National Bank of Winnsboro and a graduate of SWGSB Class XL, delivered the commencement address … Read more
ORogers Pope Sr. and Rogers Pope Jr.n June 17, Rogers Pope Sr., chairman of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust, announced a significant leadership transition during the bank’s board of directors meeting. He is passing the gavel of chairmanship to his son, Rogers Pope Jr. He will remain active in the bank in his new role … Read more
On June 3, Independent Banker magazine, the monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), announced its seventh annual “40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders” list, recognizing the rising stars transforming community banking through innovation, leadership and service. Several Texas-based bankers were included on the list, which represents a diverse mix of emerging … Read more
This spring, Henderson-based VeraBank awarded 35 scholarships totaling $35,000 to local college-bound high school seniors through its annual Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) scholarship program. Since the inception of the program in 2005, the bank has awarded more than $252,000 in scholarships to 401 local high school students who have met the established criteria. To qualify, … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank announced the addition of William “Billy” Brannon as senior vice president and commercial banker at the College Station location. He joins the bank with extensive experience in various sectors of commercial banking, including homebuilder finance, land acquisition, development lending and SBA lending. VeraBank will be expanding its presence in College Station with the … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has hired Alix Obermeyer to serve as senior vice president/commercial banker in Austin. With extensive commercial lending experience, she is well-versed in the local business landscape. Obermeyer has more than a dozen years of banking experience. Prior to joining VeraBank, she was a senior vice president at Hillcrest Bank in Austin for four … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank recently announced the addition of Doug Snyder to its Austin team, where he will serve as senior vice president/senior mortgage and commercial banker. A resident of Austin for 50-plus years, he brings more than 35 years of experience in the lending industry to his new role. Before joining VeraBank, Snyder served as a … Read more
Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced the promotions of numerous employees approved at the March 2025 board meeting in Jacksonville. Crystal Bateman, senior vice president and relationship manager, has been promoted to deputy regional president for the Southwest Region, encompassing Jacksonville, South Jacksonville, Troup, Rusk, Frankston and Palestine. … Read more
On February 19, Henderson-based VeraBank announced that it will be opening a new location in Brenham this summer. The new full-service branch, located at 2690 Becker Dr., will be VeraBank’s first in Washington County and fourth in Southeast Texas. “We’re eager to expand our reach and plant roots in Brenham,” says Brad Tidwell, CEO. “We … Read more
Henderson-based VeraBank has been named “2024 Member of the Year” by the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce. The annual awards program recognizes organizational strength and its impact on key community priorities. “This recognition highlights VeraBank’s commitment to supporting local businesses, cultivating economic development and investing back in the communities we proudly serve,” says Paul Gerling, … Read more