VeraBank’s Tidwell Honored with Community Bankers’ Prestigious Leadership Award

Brad Tidwell receives IBAT’s 2022 Excellence in Leadership Award from Justin Steinbach, IBAT Leadership Division chair and senior vice president at Frost Bank in Dallas.The Leadership Division of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently honored Brad Tidwell, president and CEO of Henderson-based VeraBank, with its 2022 Excellence in Leadership Award. Tidwell was honored … Read more

Neeley, Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ General Counsel for 33 Years, to Retire in August

Karen Neeley, general counsel for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) since 1989, has announced her planned retirement from IBAT “no later than August 31.” She chose the August 31 deadline to correspond with the due date for comments on the proposed revisions to the Community Reinvestment Act. “A fitting finale,” Neeley notes. “After … Read more

2022 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: Fenimore Kay Harrison (tier 1), Bank Compensation Consulting (tier 2) and SHAZAM (tier 3). These three IBAT associate members—based on company size—will be honored during the association’s 2022 IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference, June 16–18 in Round Rock. Since … Read more

Texas Banking Associations Join Efforts in Soliciting Donations in Support of Uvalde

In the wake of the recent tragic events at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, bankers in the Lone Star State and across America are committed to supporting the families of victims, as well as impacted educators and first responders. The Texas Bankers Association and Independent Bankers Association of Texas have united to provide support … Read more

Community Bankers Announce Finalists for Five*Star Award Honoring Associate Members

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) recently announced this year’s finalists for its coveted Five*Star Award. Three winners—based on company size—will be announced during the association’s 2022 IBAT Connecting Leaders Conference, June 16–18 in Round Rock. Since 2002, IBAT’s Five*Star Award has recognized associate members that routinely provide excellent service and innovative solutions to … Read more

Community Bankers Prepare for Connecting Leaders Conference in June

SheenRegistration for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ (IBAT) 37th Annual Connecting Leaders Conference, the IBAT Leadership Division’s flagship event, is now open. Texas community bankers are encouraged to attend the family-friendly event being held June 16–18 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. IBAT’s Connecting Leaders Conference focuses on developing the next generation of … Read more

Community Bankers Head to D.C. in May to Advocate and Broaden Awareness

The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) will host hundreds of community bank leaders during its 2022 ICBA Capital Summit, May 1–4 in the nation’s capital. Throughout the week, community banks will meet with key policymakers to bring greater awareness to the community banking industry’s legislative and regulatory agenda and share personal accounts of its … 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

Gib Blackman, Longtime Bankers Digest Publisher, Passes Away

Ralph Gilbert (Gib) Blackman Jr. died peacefully at home on January 8 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer. A Texas community banker, he was most widely known as the publisher and editor—along with his wife, Bonnie—of Bankers Digest for more than 30 years. Born October 11, 1947, to Ralph and Betty … Read more

Community National Bank & Trust of Texas Announces 2022 Promotions

Rusty Hitt, CEO of Corsicana-based Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, has announced the promotion of five bank officers in Corsicana and Waxahachie. Jarod Gordon was promoted to chief wealth management officer. He has been with the bank for nearly 13 years, working with trust and investment clients for the past 12 years. Gordon … Read more