TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
In late September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that Gabe Guerra, president and CEO of Corpus Christi-based Kleberg Bank, has been elected chair of the IBAT board of directors for 2026–27. He officially accepted the position during the association’s 52nd Annual Convention held September 19–22 in San Antonio. In addition to Guerra, … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar has named Marcela Candia vice president/director of accounting. In her role, she oversees accounting operations, financial reporting, regulatory compliance and internal controls and works with senior leadership to support the bank’s financial objectives. Candia joined WestStar in 2022 and has more than 20 years of accounting experience across multiple industries. During her … Read more
On August 13, El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Christopher Mims as vice president/information security officer. He will lead the development and management of the bank’s information security program, oversee regulatory compliance and align security initiatives with the bank’s strategic objectives. Mims brings 15 years of information technology and cybersecurity experience, with expertise in … Read more
Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank has announced the addition of four banking professionals to its team. Randy McCauley has joined the bank as an advisory director. He brings more than 43 years of community banking experience, with a comprehensive background in lending, compliance, loan review, risk management and executive leadership. He is the principal consultant … Read more
Omaha, Nebraska-based Security National Bank of Texas has announced the promotion of a new leader for the bank’s commercial lending team and a new hire for SBA sales management. Ian Smith has been promoted to senior vice president/commercial lending team lead. He is based at the bank’s financial center at The Union in Dallas. In … Read more
The SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University 2026 summer session wrapped up June 5 with a commencement ceremony for SWGSB Class LXVII at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. William T. Chittenden, Ph.D., president and CEO of SWGSB, delivered the commencement address to more than 350 guests celebrating 82 graduates from … Read more
The Leadership Division of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) elected new executive committee members to its board during the 41st Annual Connecting Leaders Conference, held in June at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. Founded in 1985, the IBAT Leadership Division is dedicated to the development of tomorrow’s leaders in community banking. The … Read more
Larry Allen, area chairman of Lubbock-based Peoples Bank, and Kelly Marsh, regional manager and senior vice president for Cornerstone Home Lending, have jointly announced a promotion of Sonya Garcia to branch manager and senior mortgage loan originator for Peoples Bank Home Loan Center, a division of Cornerstone Home Lending. Garcia has more than 16 years of … Read more
Liberty-based First Liberty Bank has announced the promotion and appointment of officers and supervisory staff for 2026, as approved by its board of directors. Charles Bolds has been promoted to senior vice president and continues to serve as senior mortgage officer. He has nine years of experience at First Liberty Bank. Bolds is actively involved … Read more
Laura Acosta has been promoted to chief transformation officer at Texas City-based Texas First Bank. In this newly created position, she will partner with the CEO and executive team to execute strategic and operational priorities, coordinate high‑impact initiatives and lead cross‑functional transformation efforts across the organization. Acosta brings more than 15 years of banking and … Read more