On August 15, Texas Banking Commissioner Charles G. Cooper announced the appointment of two deputy commissioners, Jared A. Whitson and Jesus “Jesse” Saucillo, to the Texas Department of Banking. These structural changes also include the elevation of Deputy Commissioner Wendy Rodriguez to executive deputy commissioner.

Whitson has served the department for more than 21 years, working as the director of bank and trust supervision since 2023. He is responsible for overseeing the regulation and supervision of Texas state-chartered banks, trust companies and foreign bank agencies and representative offices of foreign bank agencies. The bank and trust supervision area is the largest division within the agency, with more than 100 employees stationed in offices in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Lubbock.

Whitson started working in Austin as an assistant examiner in 2004. He earned his commission in 2008, becoming a senior examiner, and was later promoted to review examiner in 2014. He graduated from Texas State University in 2002 with a BBA degree in finance. He also graduated from SW Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 2015.

Saucillo has served the Texas Department of Banking for more than 24 years. He has worked as director of non-depository supervision since 2019. He is responsible for the oversight and supervision of the three non-depository activities the department regulates in Texas: prepaid funeral contract sellers, perpetual-care cemetery certificate holders and money services businesses.

Saucillo began his career as a financial examiner in 2001, then was promoted to the division’s review examiner in 2006. He also serves as an active member of various Conference of State Bank Supervisors committees, a chair of the MSB Supervisory Engagement Taskforce, a member of the Multi-state MSB Examination Task Force and a board member of the Money Transmitter Regulators Association. He holds the designations of certified anti-money laundering specialist and certified fraud examiner. Saucillo graduated from the University of Texas–El Paso and holds a BBA in finance and management.

“Jared and Jesse bring a wealth of management experience and insight from their respected fields,” Cooper says. “As we move forward, both deputy commissioners will help shape the department with their knowledge and long-tenured experience, while working with Wendy, who oversees the day-to-day operations for the agency.”