After Almost Three Decades, Scurlock Retiring from Community Banking Association

When Steve Scurlock retires on December 31 of this year, he will do so after almost 29 years of faithful service leading the government relations efforts of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT). While intending to spend just a few years at IBAT and then move on, Scurlock instead became a champion for community … Read more

Williston Elected Chair of the Council of Community Banking Associations

In early October, Christopher Williston, president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, was elected to serve as chairman of the Council of Community Banking Associations (CCBA). CCBA is comprised of the leaders of independent community banking associations around the country, and is exclusively affiliated with the Independent Community Bankers of America. The … Read more

The First National Bank of Central Texas Appoints Attorney and Real Estate Professional to Board

Waco-based The First National Bank of Central Texas has appointed two new business leaders to its board of directors. The appointments were announced by Joe Barrow, chairman and CEO. Julia Jurgensen is an attorney with Beard Kultgen Brophy Bostwick & Dickson PLLC. The Waco native’s work focuses on construction contract negotiation and consulting, construction disputes … 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 Bankers Foundation Announces 2021 50-Year Banker Honorees

The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, has announced the 17 recipients of the 2022 50-Year Banker Awards. Each of the bankers selected is recognized for his/her exemplary and long-standing service to the banking industry. Launched in 1989 by the Texas Bankers Association, the 50-Year Banker Awards honor the men … 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

McCauley Named a Hero and Legend of Texas Community Banking

The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) announced that George “Cliff” McCauley, executive vice president/correspondent banking at San Antonio-based Frost Bank, is the newest addition to the IBAT Wall of Heroes and Legends of Texas Community Banking located at the organization’s headquarters in downtown Austin. The Wall of Heroes and Legends is reserved for special … Read more

Barclay Re-Elected to Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Board

Kelly A. Barclay of Wimberley has been re-elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors by its member banks. She will serve a three-year term ending December 31, 2024. She has served on the Dallas Fed’s board since 2019. In her role as a board member, Barclay provides input on regional economic … Read more

Johnson Re-Elected to Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Board

Renard U. Johnson of El Paso has been re-elected to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas board of directors by its member banks. He will serve a three-year term ending December 31, 2024. He has served on the Dallas Fed’s board since 2020 and previously served on the bank’s El Paso branch board from 2012 to … Read more

First Financial Bank Southeast Region President Lee Named to Texas State University System Board of Regents

Stephen Lee, chairman, president and CEO of the Southeast region at Abilene-based First Financial Bank NA was recently appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State University System Board of Regents. He will serve in that role until February 2027. “Stephen’s excellent leadership over our Southeast Texas region is transcended only by his … Read more