TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
Arlene Carroll has joined the leadership team at San Antonio-based Vantage Bank to serve as executive vice president and El Paso market president. A native El Pasoan with family roots spanning more than 100 years in the area, she began her banking journey as a part-time teller while earning her degree at the University of … Read more
On June 3, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced the appointment of Jill Macias as senior vice president and deputy chief credit officer. She will help oversee the bank’s credit culture, underwriting standards and portfolio risk management to support the bank’s continued growth and long-term success across the Borderplex. Macias brings more than 25 years of … 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
In April, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced four promotions. Mara Portillo has been promoted to senior vice president/compliance and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) officer. With more than 16 years of experience in the banking industry, including 14 years at WestStar Bank, she will expand her leadership role by overseeing the bank’s CRA initiatives. Portillo will … Read more
On April 22, El Paso-based WestStar Bank announced that David W. Osborn, president and CEO, has been named McMurry University’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus, the Abilene-based university’s highest alumni honor. Osborn was recognized during McMurry’s Alumni Achievement Awards celebration held April 24 in Abilene. The Distinguished Alumnus Award honors graduates who have achieved exceptional professional success, … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar Bank has promoted Priscilla Monarez to senior vice president. She has played a central role in strengthening the bank’s commitment to El Paso’s small-business community. Recognizing the necessity of having a dedicated division to support the unique needs of small businesses, she led the development and stabilization of the bank’s small-business division in … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar Bank has promoted Claudia Rodriguez to executive vice president. She oversees all aspects of risk management, including the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), financial intelligence unit (FIU), compliance, information security, legal, audit and loan review. With 23 years of experience in the banking sector, Rodriguez has dedicated the past 13 years of her career … Read more
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
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