Gross and Cooper Honored for Distinction by Southwestern Graduate School of Banking

On June 1, William “Tex” Gross, chairman of Dallas-based Commerce Street Holdings, and Charles G. Cooper, commissioner of the Texas Department of Banking, were honored by the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University. During an awards banquet, Gross received SWGSB’s Distinguished Service Award Award and Cooper received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. … Read more

Gunnels Joins Texas Bank and Trust as Mortgage Loan Originator

Brittani Gunnels has joined the staff of Longview-based Texas Bank and Trust as assistant vice president and mortgage loan originator in the bank’s Richardson location. She has worked in the financial services industry for 12 years. Gunnels holds an associate of the arts degree in education from Trinity Valley Community College. Active in her community, … Read more

Classic Bank Appoints Minor CEO and Chairman of the Board

The board of directors of Cameron-based Classic Bank NA has appointed John D. Minor chief executive officer and chairman of the board. He previously served as president and chief lending officer. Minor is a third-generation banker with more than 30 years of banking experience in Central Texas. Prior to joining Classic Bank, he was senior vice … Read more

American Bank Taps Reeder as Branch Manager in Victoria

Chelsey Reeder was recently named branch manager for Corpus Christi-based American Bank’s Victoria branch, located at 4304 N. Navarro St. The announcement was made by Randy Price, Victoria market leader. “Chelsey’s extensive experience as a banking leader in our community, combined with her commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, will be invaluable assets to our … Read more

Castillo and Marmon Join NBT Financial Bank

Fort Worth-based NBT Financial Bank has announced two new hires. Julian Castillo has joined the bank as first vice president/loan officer. He has been in banking for more than 25 years. He previously was employed by Cendera Bank as a vice president. Castillo holds a BBA degree in international business with an emphasis on Spanish … Read more

Reyer, Texas Banking Department General Counsel, to Retire

Catherine Reyer has announced her retirement from the Texas Department of Banking, effective July 31. She has served as general counsel for the department since 2014. As general counsel, she has been responsible for overseeing the legal division and providing advice and counsel to the finance commission, the banking commissioner and other divisions across the … Read more

VeraBank Hires Powell as Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor in Austin

Henderson-based VeraBank has tapped Ronnie Powell, CFP, to serve as senior vice president/senior wealth advisor on the bank’s wealth management team in downtown Austin. He has been in wealth management for 28 years and most recently served as Austin region president for Northern Trust and as senior wealth advisor for Wells Fargo Private Bank. In his … Read more

Texas Republic Bank Welcomes Four New Hires

Frisco-based Texas Republic Bank NA recently announced four new hires. Kevin Loudermilk has been hired to serve as senior vice president/compliance/BSA/security. He has more than 20 years of banking experience across—from the mail room as a temp in high school to frontline retail to back-office internal auditing and compliance. Loudermilk earned a BS degree in … Read more

In Memoriam: Karl Edward Hill, The First State Bank CEO and Chair

Karl Edward Hill passed away on May 22 at the age of 58 at his home in Columbus. At the time of his passing, he was CEO and chairman of the board at Columbus-based The First State Bank, capping a 35-year career there. Hill attended Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and played … Read more

Texas Bankers Association Elects 2023–24 Officers and Board

The Texas Bankers Association (TBA) recently announced the elected officers and directors for the 2023–24 board. The officers elected are Chair David W. Osborn, WestStar Bank in El Paso; Vice Chair Jan Mills, First National Bank of Winnsboro; and Treasurer Ron Butler, First Financial Bank in Abilene. The officers’ terms run from June 1, 2023, … Read more