American State Bank Names Bowen Market President for Amarillo Region

Arp-based American State Bank has appointed Steve Bowen Amarillo region market president. The bank recently established loan/deposit production offices in West Texas and the South Plains. The Amarillo office is located at 801 S. Fillmore, Suite 205. “As a community bank committed to Texas, we’re starting with the right individuals to lead our markets and … Read more

First United Bank Promotes Webb, Moody and Scott

Dimmitt-based Plains Bancorp Inc., the holding company for First United Bank and Spirit Mortgage, has announced the following promotions: Ashley Webb has been promoted to vice president (Plains Bancorp Inc.). She has been with the bank since 2006 and has 18 years of bank industry experience. She serves as the electronic services manager and offices … Read more

FirstCapital Bank of Texas Awarded 5-Star Rating by BauerFinancial

BauerFinancial Inc., the nation’s premier bank-rating firm, recently announced that Midland-based FirstCapital Bank of Texas has been awarded Bauer’s 5-Star rating for the 23rd consecutive time. To earn this top rating, the bank must excel under a rigorous, independent analysis of its financial condition. FirstCapital Bank of Texas has done so continuously since June 2016. … Read more

First United Bank to Acquire First Bank and Trust of Childress

On June 28, the board of directors of Plains Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Dimmitt-based First United Bank, announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement with Childress Bancshares Inc., the parent company of First Bank and Trust of Childress, whereby First United Bank will acquire First Bank and Trust. Following the … Read more

Smith-Johnson Joins WestStar Bank’s Commercial Banking Group

On February 12, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced the addition of Giselle Smith-Johnson to its commercial banking group. She will focus on special projects supporting the group. Smith-Johnson brings more than 20 years of commercial banking experience to WestStar Bank. She has been successful in facilitating expansive business growth focused in the area of treasury management. … Read more

In Memoriam: Jerome J. “Buddy” Lednicky Jr.

Jerome J. “Buddy” Lednicky Jr., former chairman of State National Bank, passed away on January 1 at his residence in West. He was 84. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and serving in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, Lednicky launched his banking career, which culminated with his roles as chairman and … Read more

FirstCapital Bank of Texas Welcomes Pruitt as Mortgage Loan Originator

Midland-based FirstCapital Bank of Texas has hired Jamie Pruitt as a mortgage loan originator at the bank’s Midland Plaza location. She attended the Texas Tech University School of Business, majoring in real estate and construction, and obtained her mortgage loan origination license through the state of Texas. Pruitt serves on the CASA of West Texas fundraising … Read more

First Financial Bank Names Dacus CEO of Kingwood Region

The board of directors of Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA recently announced the promotion of Shelley Dacus to chief executive officer of the bank’s Kingwood region. She was promoted to president of the region in 2019 and now replaces Harry J. Brooks as CEO. Brooks is departing the bank at the end of the year. Dacus has more … Read more

Happy State Bank to Acquire First National Bank of Tahoka

On December 11, J. Pat Hickman, chairman of Amarillo-based Happy State Bank, and Frederick B. Hegi Jr., chairman of Tahoka-based First National Bank of Tahoka (FNB), announced that Happy State Bank is acquiring First National Bank of Tahoka through a merger. FNB Tahoka holds approximately $56 million in total assets and has one location in … Read more

Commericial State Bank’s Grist Acquires Controlling Interest in West Texas State Bank

On November 30, longtime West Texas banker John E. Grist acquired a controlling interest in Snyder-based West Texas State Bank, according to the Odessa American. Grist assumed the positions of chairman and chief executive officer. Mark Williamson will remain as president and continue to serve on the board, while Darryl Calley will continue to serve as executive vice … Read more