American National Bank of Texas Strengthens Local Leadership With Seven Additions to Commercial Banking Team Amid Industry Consolidation

New hires—including a Dallas regional president and two market presidents—bring more than a century of combined, relationship-driven banking experience in North Texas

American National Bank of Texas (ANBTX), one of the oldest and largest independently owned community banks in Texas with more than $5.5 billion in assets, announced seven key additions to its commercial banking team serving Dallas and Frisco. The hires underscore ANBTX’s continued commitment to local leadership, relationship-based banking, and independent decision-making at a time when industry consolidation is reshaping the North Texas market.
 
The announcement follows the recent promotion of longtime Dallas commercial banking leader Steve White to chief strategy officer, further reinforcing ANBTX’s focus on strategic growth led by experienced local bankers.
 
“These bankers understand the Dallas market because they’ve built their careers here,” said White. “As out-of-state institutions continue to acquire local banks, ANBTX is addressing a growing critical need by investing in seasoned bankers who are committed to relationship-driven community banking. Our clients benefit from the continuity and local expertise of a neighborhood bank, backed by the scale, technology, and product offerings typically found at much larger institutions.”
 
The seven additions to ANBTX’s commercial banking team come from well-established local banks that were recently acquired by out-of-state institutions and include:

• Josh McKee, Dallas Regional President, brings more than 15 years of banking experience in the Dallas market. He specializes in delivering tailored financial solutions for owner-operated businesses across diverse industries.
• Brian Bertcher, North Dallas Market President, brings more than 25 years of community banking experience with deep specialization in the North Dallas submarket.
• Jason Dudley, Frisco Market President, brings decades of experience supporting owner-operated businesses in Collin County. He currently serves as a board member of the Frisco Economic Development Council.
• Jeff Fraser, Commercial Banker, brings more than 20 years of experience in relationship management and commercial lending.
• Karla Jones, Commercial Banker, brings more than two decades of experience as a relationship manager and lender focused on the Irving–Las Colinas submarket. She serves on the board of the Irving–Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.
• Phillip Koons, Commercial Banker, is a seasoned lender with more than a decade of relationship management experience.
• Grayson Smith, Community Banker, brings a background in portfolio management and business development.

 
Over the past 12 months, North Texas has experienced eight bank consolidations, accelerating the entry of interstate financial institutions through the acquisition of local banks. In contrast, ANBTX’s long-standing independence and deep community roots continue to resonate with business owners seeking local ownership, decision-making and consistent banking relationships.
 
“With fewer locally owned banks remaining, we aim to be the premier banking partner for owner-operated businesses in Dallas,” said McKee. “We are building on ANBTX’s 150 years of excellence in North Texas by proving true, relationship-based banking by listening first, understanding our clients’ goals, and making decisions locally—because what works elsewhere doesn’t always work here.”