Oliver Joins Ozona Bank as Executive Vice President and Senior Commercial Lender

Ozona-based Ozona Bank has hired James Oliver to serve as executive vice president/senior commercial lender. He has served on the bank’s board of directors since 2010 and for the past two years as chairman of the board, until October 2023. Oliver has many years of experience in various banking roles all over Texas. He has … 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

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

In Memoriam: J. Michael Terrell, Waggoner National Bank

Longtime Lubbock banker James Michael Terrell passed away on April 19. He was 71. Better known as Mike, he previously served as president and CEO at Vernon-based Waggoner National Bank, then as vice chairman of the board starting in 2014. According to his obituary, Terrell was a teacher at heart. After serving several years as … Read more

Jefferson Bank Announces Handoff of Chairman and President Roles

On February 23, San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank announced the execution of a planned succession of its chairman and president roles. After 17 years, Steve Lewis has stepped down from his position as chairman of the board, but will continue as member of the board of directors. Paul McSween III, who has served as president for … Read more

Broadway Bank Appoints Timmins Chairman of the Board

San Antonio-based Broadway Bank announced that Rick Timmins has been elected chairman of the board of directors, effective April 1. The Austin-based business leader has served on the bank’s board since 2017 and is board chair of the Central Texas Angel Network. “We are honored to have Rick’s leadership as Broadway continues down the path … Read more

Ferguson, Pearland State Bank Founder, Passes Away

Dr. Lloyd R. Ferguson, one of the founders of Pearland State Bank, passed away in his Pearland home on March 9. He was 96. Ferguson served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-17 gunman during World War II. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Howard Payne University, a master’s degree from Texas Christian … Read more

Fernandez Named President and CEO of Texas National Bank; Johnson to Remain Board Chair

The board of directors of Sweetwater-based Texas National Bank announced changes in the bank’s executive management following its December meeting. Mike Fernandez was named president and chief executive officer of the bank effective December 31, 2021. Former CEO Bill Johnson is moving to the bank’s holding company, Mesa Financial Corp. Johnson will remain board chairman … Read more

Austin Bank Announces Change in Corporate Office

The board of directors of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank announced a change in their corporate office at the November meeting. Jeff Austin Jr. has been elected senior chairman of the board and his son, Jeff Austin III, has been named chairman of the board. This transition continues the Austin family legacy of banking into the fourth generation. … Read more

In Memoriam: Lowell ‘Stretch’ Smith Jr.

Lowell “Stretch” Smith Jr., longtime banker and avid civic supporter in Johnson County, passed away on August 29. He was 88. For decades, he helped lead the First State Bank of Rio Vista. Smith grew up on a family ranch near Rio Vista. Many people knew him as “Stretch,” a nickname acquired from his high … Read more