The Texas Bankers Foundation announce the 2025 Emerging Leader honorees
(AUSTIN) – The Texas Bankers Foundation, the charitable arm of the Texas Bankers Association, is proud to announce the twelve recipients of the 2025 Emerging Leader Awards. Nominated by their bank’s president, CEO, or board chairman, these rising stars were selected for their exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and impact on the banking industry.
“We are excited and proud to recognize this year’s class of Emerging Leaders,” said Chris Furlow, president & CEO of the Texas Bankers Association. “These outstanding professionals are already making a difference in their banks and communities. Their innovation, energy, and values will help shape the future of banking in Texas.”
Launched in 2019 by the Texas Bankers Foundation in partnership with TBA’s Bank Leadership Council, the Emerging Leader Award celebrates bankers who exemplify the integrity, professionalism, and dedication that define Texas community banking. Each recipient is a testament to the strength and promise of the next generation of bank leadership.
The twelve winners of the 2025 Emerging Leader Award include:
- Adam Bandy, Senior Vice President, Lending/Branch Manager at First United Bank, Canyon.
- Charles C. Bolds, Vice President and Senior Mortgage Loan Officer at First Liberty Bank, Liberty.
- Brett Clifton, Senior Vice President and Credit Analyst Manager at First Financial Bank, Abilene.
- Estrellita Garcia-Diaz, Vice President and CRA Officer at Jefferson Bank, San Antonio.
- Roxanne Grabbe, Senior Vice President and Commercial Lender at Amarillo National Bank, Amarillo.
- Kimen Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Citizens State Bank, Woodville.
- Crystal Martin, Vice President and Wealth Management Relationship Officer at WestStar Bank, El Paso.
- James Ocker, Vice President of Finance at Texas Security Bank, Dallas.
- Luke Ortega, Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Freedom Bank, Alamo.
- Aveena Patel, Vice President and Director of MarCom at North Dallas Bank & Trust Co., Dallas.
- Sonja Ruiz, Vice President, Compliance Officer and Audit Manager at First State Bank of Uvalde.
- Fabiola Urgel-Caporusso, Vice President and Commercial Lender at Vantage Bank Texas, McAllen.
For further information about the Texas Bankers Foundation, visit www.texasbankers.com/Foundation and check out the May / June issue of Texas Banking Magazine, the official publication of the Texas Bankers Association, that includes a special feature on the 2025 winners.
Founded in 1885, the Texas Bankers Association is the largest state-based banking association in the US. 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.