The Texas Bankers Foundation announces the 2026 50-Year Banker honorees

(AUSTIN) - The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, proudly announces the 22 recipients of the 2026 50-Year Banker Awards. These distinguished individuals are being honored for five decades of dedication, leadership and service to the banking industry.

"We are honored to recognize this year's class of 50-Year Bankers and celebrate their extraordinary commitment to our profession," said Chris Furlow, president & CEO of the Texas Bankers Association. "Their careers represent the kind of integrity, service and perseverance that have long defined Texas banking. We are proud to congratulate each of them on this remarkable milestone."

Established in 1989 by the Texas Bankers Association, the 50-Year Banker Awards honor men and women who have dedicated 50 years or more to a career in banking. Over the decades, these honorees have helped guide customers, strengthen communities and support generations of colleagues while adapting to tremendous change across the financial services industry.

The recipients of the 2026 50-Year Banker Award include:

1. Stewart Alcorn, Frost Bank
2. Barbara Brandt, Columbus State Bank
3. Dana Blackstock Heath, The First State Bank
4. Jake Caraway, First National Bank in Granbury
5. Jo Karen Finch, First National Bank of East Texas
6. Mary Gutierrez, First National Bank of Giddings
7. Robert Hulsey, American National Bank of Texas
8. Joy Langston, Southwestern National Bank
9. Lynn Lebeck, Stellar Bank
10. Kim Lee, Stellar Bank
11. Beverly Lindsey, First Financial Bank
12. Anita Maxey, Citizens State Bank
13. Kenneth McGee, First State Bank
14. Kirk McLaughlin, Vista Bank
15. Sally Myers, Austin Bank
16. Tommy Norman, First National Bank of Texas
17. Jean Sanders, Texas Bank
18. Mike Schnell, Anchor D Bank
19. Lorna Willhelm, Community Bank & Trust
20. Geri Lynn Wright, Austin Bank
21. K.C. Wyatt, Community National Bank & Trust of Texas

The Foundation also recognizes Neilson Davis in memoriam. Davis began his banking career on Jan. 13, 1975, at Farmers State Bank in Center, where he spent more than 50 years serving the bank, its customers and the broader Shelby County community. He passed away on Dec. 11, 2025, while still active in banking.

This year's honorees began their banking careers during a period of significant change in the country and went on to help guide customers, communities and institutions through decades of transformation in Texas banking. Together, their careers reflect the steady leadership, customer commitment and community service that define the profession at its best.

For further information about the Texas Bankers Foundation, visit https://www.texasbankers.com/Foundation and check out May / June issue of Texas Banking Magazine, the official publication of the Texas Bankers Association, which includes a special feature on the 2026 winners.

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Founded in 1885, the Texas Bankers Association is the largest state-based banking association in the U.S. TBA advocates for roughly 400 member banks in Austin and Washington; trains more than 20,000 bankers annually; provides nationally recognized community bank services; and invests in Texas communities through financial literacy, scholarship and charitable activities.