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 are already making a difference in their banks and communities,” notes Chris Furlow, president and CEO of the Texas Bankers Association. “Their innovation, energy and values will help shape the future of banking in Texas.”
Launched in 2019 by the Texas Bankers Foundation in partnership with TBA’s Bank Leadership Council, the Emerging Leader Award celebrates bankers who exemplify the integrity, professionalism and dedication that define Texas community banking. Each recipient is a testament to the strength and promise of the next generation of bank leadership.
The winners of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award include:
- Adam Bandy, senior vice president, lending/branch manager at First United Bank, Canyon;
- Charles C. Bolds, vice president and senior mortgage loan officer at First Liberty Bank, Liberty;
- Brett Clifton, senior vice president and credit analyst manager at First Financial Bank, Abilene;
- Estrellita Garcia-Diaz, vice president and CRA officer at Jefferson Bank, San Antonio;
- Roxanne Grabbe, senior vice president and commercial lender at Amarillo National Bank, Amarillo;
- Kimen Johnson, senior vice president and chief experience officer at Citizens State Bank, Woodville;
- Crystal Martin, vice president and wealth management relationship officer at WestStar Bank, El Paso;
- James Ocker, vice president of finance at Texas Security Bank, Dallas;
- Luke Ortega, assistant vice president and commercial loan officer at Freedom Bank, Alamo;
- Aveena Patel, vice president and director of marcom at North Dallas Bank & Trust Co., Dallas; and
- Sonja Ruiz, vice president, compliance officer and audit manager at First State Bank of Uvalde.
- Fabiola Urgel-Caporusso, vice president and commercial lender at Vantage Bank Texas, McAllen.
For more information about the 2025 Emerging Leader Award recipients, check out the May–June issue of Texas Banking Magazine.
