Harlingen-based Texas Regional Bank recently announced an expansion into the Houston market with a banking center located at 9821 Katy Fwy., Ste. 101. Longtime Houston bankers Gregg Booth and Lewis Gissel will be responsible for growing and developing opportunities and and the bank’s presence in the Bayou City. The two worked together previously at Texas Commerce Bank in Houston, where they supported the banking needs of family-owned businesses in the finance franchise industry.
Booth is a 29-year veteran in banking. He has 23 years of experience working in the corporate banking side of the franchise industry. He has led national marketing and financing efforts that assisted franchisees—from single-store operators to multi-store/multi-branded distributorships. Most recently, Booth served as a regional president and advisory director for community banking in his South Texas hometown. He feels that his career has prepared him to lead Texas Regional Bank’s community-style banking movement into Houston.
“I look forward to utilizing my skills and service to meet the needs of the greater Houston area,” Booth says. “Texas Regional Bank has been successful in the communities it serves, and I think Houston will benefit from our style of banking.”
Gissel is a 25-year veteran in the Houston banking community. Prior to joining Texas Regional Bank, he worked for large institutional banks, focusing primarily on solution-based banking relationships for both middle-market companies and corporate organizations. His banking knowledge and industry experience includes health care, nonprofit, commercial/industrial, public finance and real estate development.
“I’m excited to establish and grow our presence in Houston,” Gissel says. “I have known Gregg for many years and we bring different strengths and skill sets that will complement Texas Regional Bank’s vision for the Houston market.”
”Our move into Houston perfectly aligns with our vision of ‘banking Texas one relationship at a time,’” says Michael Scaief, chairman of the board and CEO.
Established in 1987, Texas Regional Bank operates 21 banking offices in South Texas, Central Texas and the Houston region.