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 Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2026 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and New Mexico convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted by … 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
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2025 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and three other states convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted … Read more
On March 13, First National Bank of Eldorado announced that it is changing its name to Lone Oak Bank. The transition marks a significant step forward as the bank expands its reach. “For generations, we have been honored to serve our customers with personal, community-driven banking,” says Mason Vaughan, president and CEO. “As Lone Oak … Read more
On January 8, the First National Bank of Eldorado and Lubbock-based Western Bank announced the signing of a definitive agreement providing for the First National Bank of Eldorado’s acquisition of the Loraine branch of Western Bank. The transaction is targeted for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2025. “We are excited to … Read more
On January 2, Dan Odom, president and CEO of Lubbock-based Western Bank, announced that Clark Campbell has been named market president for the bank’s Brownwood location. Campbell has 11 years of banking experience and joined the Western Bank team in 2023. He is a graduate of Texas Tech University and the SW Graduate School of … Read more
Lubbock-based Western Bank has named Allyn Piland executive vice president and president of the bank’s new mortgage division. She brings 18 years of market expertise to her new role, having served markets across Texas and New Mexico. Piland began her career at PrimeWest Mortgage in the servicing department. In 2005, upon graduating from Texas Tech … Read more
On January 9, Dan Odom, president and CEO of Lubbock-based Western Bank, announced that eight team members have received promotions in the new year. John Weddige has been promoted to senior vice president/Lubbock president. Prior to the promotion, he was senior vice president/commercial lender. Melinda Rechkemmer is now senior vice president/loan operations director. Jared Bailey … Read more
The Texas Tech School of Banking recently completed its 2022 session. Banking professionals from across Texas and three other states convened at Rawls College of Business on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock for the program. Established in 1973, the school offers a blend of traditional academic coursework and interactive lecture sessions hosted … Read more