WestStar Bank Appoints Morales Executive Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer

On February 24, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced the appointment of John Morales as executive vice president of information technology and chief information officer. He brings decades of federal senior executive leadership experience overseeing complex, mission-critical organizations and large multidisciplinary teams. Most recently, Morales served as a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent in charge, … Read more

Gatlin Rejoins WestStar Bank as Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker

El Paso-based WestStar Bank recently announced the return of Liz Gatlin as senior vice president/commercial banker. With 19 years of financial expertise, 17 of which were spent at WestStar, she has a robust track record of delivering exceptional service to a diverse clientele. Gatlin earned her BBA degree from the University of Texas–El Paso. She … Read more

WestStar Promotes Marquez and Anaya to Commercial Banking Officers

El Paso-based WestStar Bank has announced the promotions of Andres Marquez and Robin Anaya to commercial banking officers. Both officers will leverage their expertise to develop and manage a diverse portfolio of businesses, offering services such as loan structuring, credit risk management and tailored financial strategies. Their focus will include strengthening existing client relationships and … Read more

Ortiz Appointed Senior Vice President and McElroy Hired as Vice President for WestStar’s Corporate Accounting

El Paso-based WestStar announced the appointment of Myrna A. Ortiz as senior vice president of corporate accounting. She will oversee capital and liquidity planning activities, manage interest rate risk and reporting, handle investment accounting and monitoring and lead special projects. In addition, the bank has hired Nancy C. McElroy as vice president of corporate accounting. … Read more

The Texas Bankers Foundation Announces 2025 Emerging Leader Honorees

On April 2, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, announced the 12 recipients of the 2025 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 outstanding professionals … Read more

WestStar Title’s Coon Retires, Leaving Legacy of Leadership and Community Service

Janette Coon, senior vice president and commercial escrow officer at WestStar Title, a division of El Paso-based WestStar Bank, retired at the end of January, concluding a 41-year career. She has been a member of the WestStar Title team for 14 years. “It has been a great honor to be part of WestStar Title and … Read more

December 1–7, 2024

Loan Production Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by First National Bank Texas, based in Killeen, to establish a loan production office at 641 N. Stanton Dr. in El Paso. Branches The OCC reports that it has approved an application by Woodforest National Bank, based in The Woodlands, to establish a … Read more

November 24–30, 2024

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Independent Bank, based in McKinney, has applied to merge into SouthState Bank NA, based in Winter Haven, Florida. Main Offices The OCC reports that it has approved an application by The First National Bank of Eagle Lake, based in Eagle Lake, to relocate its home office from 100 … Read more

November 17–23, 2024

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports that Sunflower Bank, based in Dallas, has withdrawn its application to merge with HomeStreet Bank NA, based in Seattle, Washington, and has also withdrawn its application to convert to a national association. Branches The OCC reports that VeraBank NA, based in Henderson, has applied to establish a branch at … Read more

November 10–16, 2024

Mergers and Acquisitions The TDB reports BOM Bank, based in Natchitoches, Louisiana, has acquired the following branches of American State Bank, based in Arp: 13218 U.S. Hw.y 84 E in Joaquin; 830 N. 1st St. in Timpson; 163 Casscaid St. in Center, TX; 3001 S. John Redditt Dr. in Lufkin; 1601 S. Chestnut St. in … Read more