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Steve White knows North Texas—its people, its businesses, and its neighborhoods. It’s that deep understanding of the metroplex that has helped him, and American National Bank of Texas, grow to one of the largest and oldest community banks in the area. And as a sixth-generation banker, he upholds a legacy of leadership at American National Bank of Texas, which has remained independently owned for over 150 years.
Now, in his expanded role as senior executive vice president and chief strategy officer, White is responsible for developing and implementing the bank’s five-year plan as well as driving alignment across the organization. Part of that strategy aims to diversify commercial banking services by expanding commercial and industrial lending, complementing real estate loans, and increasing relationships with small- to medium-sized businesses.
He also continues to lead ANBTX’s commercial banking division, overseeing teams that now include more than 40 commercial and community bankers serving businesses across North Texas, focusing on local decision-making, personal relationships, and maintaining the bank’s independent spirit.
“This isn’t just where we do business,” White said. “It’s our home, and it’s where we’ll keep growing right beside the businesses we bank and the communities we support. We’re not new to North Texas. We grew here in North Texas.”
Tradition and Transformation
Founded in 1875 in Terrell, Texas, ANBTX has remained independently owned while much of the North Texas banking industry has become increasingly consolidated by out-of-state institutions. The bank has built its reputation on stability, relationships, and community trust—values that have guided the bank across generations and remain central today.
Part of the bank’s story, and its stability, comes from the continuity of leadership. White is the nephew of longtime ANBTX CEO, Robert Hulsey, giving him a personal connection to ANBTX’s history as well as a firsthand view of the strategic balance between tradition and progress.
For White, his role is more than a career milestone. It’s a responsibility that both influences and informs how he approaches leadership in an industry and market defined by constant change.
“In North Texas, business moves fast,” he said. “If you want to make a difference, you need to move just as quickly, which is one of the benefits of a local, community bank. Local decision making combined with our focus on new technologies and solutions allows us to offer all the products and services of a larger bank, but with the relationship-driven approach that has defined ANBTX for a century and a half.”
When White joined ANBTX in 2006 as its Dallas banking center president, relationships were built in person, decisions were made locally, and trust was essential. He embraced this approach, spending time with business owners and learning how they operated long before conversations turned to balance sheets.
“People want to know who’s on the other side of the table,” White said. “They want to know you’ll pick up the phone when they call and that you’ll still be there years down the road.”
Growth With a Local Touch
White’s vision for ANBTX is evident in both strategy and talent. In January 2026, the bank announced seven key additions to its commercial banking team in Dallas and Frisco, bringing over a century of combined, relationship-driven experience. The new teams include a Dallas regional president and two North Dallas and Frisco market presidents, all from well-established, recently acquired local banks.
The new hires include Josh McKee, Dallas Regional President; Brian Bertcher, North Dallas Market President; Jason Dudley, Frisco Market President; and four experienced commercial bankers: Jeff Fraser, Karla Jones, Phillip Koons, and Grayson Smith. Together, they strengthen the bank’s commitment to local leadership and expand ANBTX’s presence in key business areas where recent consolidation from large out-of-state financial institutions has left a gap for businesses looking for a quality, local banking relationship. This new team builds on an already seasoned roster of commercial and community bankers at ANBTX, many who have spent their entire careers with the bank serving North Texas businesses.
“These bankers understand the Dallas market because they’ve built their careers here,” White said. “As out-of-state institutions continue to acquire local banks, ANBTX is addressing a critical need by investing in seasoned bankers who are committed to being a customer-centric community bank. 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.”
Outside of work, White is active in the North Texas community through organizations such as The Salesmanship Club of Dallas, Mercy Street Dallas, Momentous Institute Foundation, Highland Park Presbyterian Church, the Board of Governors at Brook Hollow Golf Club and the Stemmons Corridor Business Association. He says these commitments keep him grounded in the challenges business owners face and reinforce his responsibility as a community bank leader.
After more than 150 years of serving North Texas, ANBTX holds a unique position in modern banking. Its longevity and scale are matched by a continued focus on local relationships, which shape both its operations and identity.
White says he is committed to preserving that balance.
“Strategy isn’t about chasing trends,” he said. “It’s about understanding who you are and growing in a way that stays true to that. We’re 151 years old, and we’re only getting started.”
In a fast-moving market, patience—and staying true to its values—may be ANBTX’s most strategic move yet.
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