The Woodlands-based Woodforest National Bank announced the appointment David Mendez to its board of directors. He retired as vice chairman/middle-market banking and specialized industries after serving JPMorgan Chase (and its predecessors) for 42 years. His prior roles include head of middle market south region, chairman of the Houston region, head of Texas commercial real estate banking, managing director real estate lodging and investment banking.

“We…are excited about the valuable insights and council he brings to Woodforest National Bank given his breadth of experience and knowledge in the banking and financial services industry,” says Jay Dreibelbis, president and CEO. “His strong Texas roots will also help strengthen and deepen our community partnerships and outreach efforts throughout the communities we serve.”

A native of Brownsville, Mendez earned his BBA degree in finance from the University of Texas–Austin. He has been a long-standing director of Texas Children’s Hospital. His recent board roles include board chair for the Houston Endowment/Central Houston and dean’s executive board of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. Some of Mendez’s accomplishments and civic contributions include “Career and Recovery Resources Barrier Breaker” award honoree, honorary chair of the “Art of the Avenue” event and honorary chair of the Houston Urban League Gala. He also served on the Greater Houston Partnership and Catholic Charities boards and was board chair for The Center for Houston’s Future.

Established in 1980, Woodforest National Bank operates more 760 branches in 17 states.