Author: Christopher Williston
Author: Christopher Williston
Leadership, Celebration and Passing the Gavel
Thank You for Your Service, Rick Jamieson You led with wisdom, courage and unwavering dedication—never hesitating to face tough decisions head-on. As you reflect on your service to the...
40th Annual Connecting Leaders Conference Recap
Texas community bankers and IBAT associate members came together—families in tow—for an unforgettable few days at the beautiful Moody Gardens Hotel in Galveston. This year’s conference was packed with...
Bearden Bestowed 2025 Excellence in Leadership Award
The Excellence in Leadership Award was bestowed upon Jay Bearden, CEO and President at Legend Bank in Decatur. To be considered for the Excellence in Leadership Award, one must...
IBAT Elects New Leadership Division Board Members
The Leadership Division of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) elected new board members during the 40th Annual Connecting Leaders Conference—the division’s flagship event—at Moody Gardens Resort in...
Senate Setback on Efforts to Defund CFPB
In a ruling late last week, the Parliamentarian for the United States Senate ruled that key provisions of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” violated the Senate’s “Byrd Rule,” which...
Community, Commitment and a Century of Trust
Citizens State Bank rang in its 100th anniversary with a full day of festivities and community pride on Friday, June 6, at its Somerville headquarters. With deep roots in...
Blankenship Receives Distinguished Service Award
The SW Graduate School of Banking at SMU Cox (SWGSB) proudly honored H. Gary Blankenship, Chairman, CEO and Chief Lending Officer of Bank of the West, with its prestigious...
CFPB: 1033 “Open Banking” Banking Rule Violates the Law
In a wild twist of fate, last week the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a motion arguing that its own rule implementing Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act...
Texas Legislative Session Wraps Up in Austin
Yesterday marked the end of the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature – and not a moment too soon. The past 140 days have been filled with their...