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 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
On July 16, The Woodlands-based Woodforest National Bank announced the appointment of Julie V. Mayrant as chief executive officer. A banking executive with more than 30 years of experience at the bank, she has played a defining role in its growth, operational excellence and customer-focused culture. Most recently, Mayrant served as president and chief community … 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
Natalie Saikowski Goertz has joined Texas City-based Texas First Bank to serve as senior vice president and director of treasury management. An Athena Leadership Award recipient, she brings extensive experience in corporate and public fund banking to the bank’s treasury management team in The Woodlands. Before joining Texas First Bank, Goertz was president and CEO … Read more
In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored the 2025 top winners of its Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank won Best of Show for its community service entry “Starr County Volunteerism.” The 2025 BOCB Best of Show, Community Spirit and Gold Eagle Award recipients were recognized at … Read more
Seven Texas banks have been recognized by the American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation for their outstanding community initiatives in this year’s Community Commitment Awards, which celebrate banks nationwide that go above and beyond to strengthen the communities they serve. From affordable housing to financial education and senior protection, these programs reflect the deep community roots … Read more
On May 5, Houston-based Gulf Capital Bank announced that it has established a new small-business lending group with veteran banker Saman Noorani and underwriter Sebastian Aguirre. Saman has more than 20 years of experience in SBA loan origination, underwriting, closing and secondary market sales. Prior to joining Gulf Capital Bank, she was senior vice president … Read more
Representatives from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and eight of its members awarded $283,000 in grants to eight nonprofit organizations in Dallas and Fort Worth. The awards were part of more than $1.2 million awarded to community groups through the Partnership Grant Program (PGP) and were celebrated during an event on … Read more
On September 18, Bowie-based Legend Bank received the Best of Show honor during the 2023 Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards presented by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). The Awards Luncheon, held as part of the organization’s 49 Annual Convention in Frisco, recognized the top 17 recipients of IBAT’s 2023 BOCB Awards. This … Read more