TEXAS BANKING NEWS, PEOPLE and IDEAS
WestStar Bank Holding Company Inc., the holding company of El Paso-based WestStar Bank, and Las Vegas Bancorporation Inc., the holding company of Albuquerque-based Southwest Capital Bank, have entered into a definitive agreement to combine their organizations, creating a premier community banking franchise serving New Mexico and the Borderplex region. Southwest Capital Bank is expected to … Read more
On September 17, WestStar Bank announced the promotion of Trish Marquez to executive vice president and chief commercial banking officer. In her new role, she will lead the bank’s commercial lending, construction lending and treasury management teams. Marquez brings more than 41 years of banking experience to the position, including extensive leadership experience in commercial … 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
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and participating member financial institutions awarded more than $1.8 million to 71 community‑based organizations through its Partnership Grant Program (PGP) as the program marks its 30th anniversary. The awards were made in partnership with 44 member institutions in FHLB Dallas’ five‑state district of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, … Read more
El Paso-based WestStar has named Yvonne Dorado senior vice president and chief accounting officer as part of an internal leadership realignment within the accounting, tax and treasury division. She previously served as senior vice president and treasurer. In her new role, she oversees the bank’s accounting and financial reporting functions in addition to supporting the … Read more
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