TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2026 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. This year, 24 community banks participated in the program, with 42 entries receiving awards. Now in its 35th year, the Best of Community Banking Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of IBAT member banks … Read more
The board of directors of Waco-based Community Bank & Trust announced that Benjamin “Ben” C. Lacy has been named president of the bank, effective immediately. David Lacy will remain chairman and CEO. As president, Ben Lacy will assume increased administrative and leadership responsibilities while continuing to serve as senior commercial lending officer. In his expanded … Read more
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
On August 3, Columbus, Ohio-based The Huntington National Bank announced the appointment of Blake Absher as Central Texas division president. Based in Austin, he will lead the bank’s client strategy and growth across Austin, San Antonio, Waco and Bryan/College Station. The Huntington National Bank has 145 banking offices in Texas. Absher brings more than 20 … Read more
Forbes has produced its 2026 ranking of America’s Best-In-State Banks. The ninth annual rankings—created in partnership with market research firm Statista—are based on survey responses from 26,000 U.S. residents. The rankings include nine Texas-based banks. Participants were asked how satisfied they were and how likely they were to recommend the U.S.-based banks at which they … Read more
The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected board of directors for its 2026–27 fiscal year. The officers’ terms run from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027. William Lucas, Shelby Savings Bank SSB in Center, has been named TBA chairman. The new vice chair is Michael Neill, First State Bank in Athens. Micah … Read more
On May 4, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2026 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO or board chair, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service and impact on the banking industry. “These honorees are … Read more
First Guaranty Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Hammond, Louisiana-based First Guaranty Bank, has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement for the sale of its Texas operations to Muskogee, Oklahoma-based Armstrong Bank, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. The transaction, already approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in the … Read more
The Education Foundation of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) is gearing up for the fourth-annual IBAT EDGE, a program that offers two days of education, renowned industry keynote speakers and leadership development training focused on community banks in Texas. The goal is to Educate, Develop, Guide and Empower (EDGE) community bank employees. This … Read more
Waco-based The First National Bank of Central Texas (FNBCT) has opened its newest banking center in College Station. The brand-new 21,000-square-foot facility is located at 4270 State Hwy. 6 S. To celebrate the opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held at the new location. As part of the celebration, the bank made $5,000 donations to … Read more