On September 14, Houston-based Third Coast Bank announced the appointment of Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as executive vice president/head of corporate banking. He joined the bank in March.
Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and leading teams through periods of significant growth. Under his leadership, the bank expects to broaden its reach among middle-market companies and deepen relationships.
“Bernie’s extensive experience building successful banking businesses, developing talent and creating client solutions makes him an exceptional addition to our organization,” says Bill Bobbora, chief banking officer. “His ability to identify emerging opportunities, collaborate across the organization and translate strategy into consistent results will be instrumental as we execute the next phase of Third Coast’s growth.”
Lacayo spent nearly 18 years with CIBC Bank USA and its predecessor, The PrivateBank & Trust Co. He most recently served as head of loan markets from 2025 to 2026, leading teams focused on senior-debt syndications as well as junior-debt solutions, including mezzanine and second-lien financing. Previously, he served as head of loan syndications from 2008 through 2024, leading the origination, structuring and distribution of syndicated commercial and industrial and commercial real estate credit facilities.
Earlier in his career, Lacayo was senior vice president/division manager at Citizens Financial Group, for which he established middle-market banking teams and specialized industry lending groups across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri. He also held senior roles at LaSalle Bank, with experience spanning credit administration, loan portfolio management, business development and leadership of the bank’s food distribution group. Lacayo earned a BBA degree in finance and psychology from the University of Notre Dame.
Established in 2008, Third Coast Bank operates 21 branches in the Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Greater Houston and San Antonio markets.
