2024 Five*Star Award Winners Announced by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) has announced this year’s recipients of its coveted Five*Star Award: AccuBranch (tier 1), Advantage Health Plans Trust (tier 2) and Whitley Penn LLP (tier 3). These three IBAT associate members—based on company size—were honored during the association’s 2024 IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference in June in San Antonio. Since … Read more

Independent Banker’s 2024 ‘40 Under 40 Community Bank Leaders‘ Includes Several Texas Bankers

On June 3, Independent Banker, the flagship publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America, announced the recipients of its sixth annual “40 Under 40 Community Bank Leaders” Awards. The recognition pays tribute to an insightful group of professionals who have continuously stepped up to lend a hand, offer a new perspective or make a … Read more

Texas Bankers Foundation Announces 2024 Emerging Leader Honorees

In May, the Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association (TBA), announced the 10 recipients of its 2024 Emerging Leader Awards. Each of the bankers selected was chosen by a TBA member banking institution president, CEO or chairman of the board and recognized for his or her outstanding qualities. Launched in … Read more

Community Banking Advocate Scurlock Honored as SWGSB Distinguished Alumnus

On May 30, Steve Scurlock, former director of government relations at the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), received the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate of the SW Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University, receiving recognition as a Distinguished Alumnus. The honor was presented to Scurlock during SWGSB’s 67th Annual Awards … Read more

Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Inducts Baine, Heitkamp, Jordan, Ramirez and Wu at Annual Gala

The Texas Bankers Hall of Fame on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville held its Annual Gala on April 25. Five iconic bankers—James E. Baine, the late Harlan R. Heitkamp, Carmen Angelle Jordan, Vidal H. Ramirez and Henry Wu—were inducted. Established by the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking at Sam Houston State … Read more

Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Announces 2024 Inductees

On January 3, the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame announced its 2024 inductees who will be honored at the 11th Annual Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala, April 25 on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville. Five iconic bankers—James E. Baine, the late Harlan R. Heitkamp, Carmen Jordan, Vidal H. Ramirez and … Read more

Medina, Jefferson Bank’s Chief Information Security Officer, Honored with Top Global CISOs Award

Roman Medina, chief information security officer at San Antonio-based Jefferson Bank, has received a 2023 Top Global CISOs Award, sponsored annually by Cyber Defense Magazine. Chief information security officers are the first responders of cyberspace as they fend off cyber criminals, cyber terrorists, malicious insiders and nation-state-sponsored attacks. Medina competed against thousands of candidates for … Read more

Alliance Bank’s Sellers Bestowed 2023 ‘Excellence in Leadership’ Award by Texas Community Bankers

In September, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) honored Thomas Sellers, chairman of the board at Alliance Bank in Sulphur Springs, with its 2023 “Excellence in Leadership” Award. He was presented the award during the association’s 49th annual convention held September 16–19 in Frisco. To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one … Read more

First Security Bank Wins Beaumont’s 2023 ‘Start-up Business of the Year’ Award

The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce recently bestowed Beaver, Oklahoma-based First Security Bank with its 2023 “Start-Up Business of the Year” Award. The honor was presented during the Beaumont Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Event, which “celebrates excellence and ethical conduct in the marketplace, along with active community involvement.” First Security Bank CEO Clint Walters … Read more

Vérot Moore, Amerant Bank’s Houston Market President, Named “Women Who Mean Business” Honoree

Caroline Vérot Moore, executive vice president and Houston market president at Coral Gables, Florida-based Amerant Bank, was recently honored by the Houston Business Journal at its 2023 “Women Who Mean Business” Awards luncheon. The event was held in Houston on October 13. The award honors women across nine industry categories, as well as a “Woman … Read more