Houston, TX, January 13, 2026
Sunflower Bank has appointed Andy Gaines as the new Regional President for Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. This strategic move aims to enhance commercial banking services in Texas, reflecting the bank’s commitment to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. Gaines, with over 15 years of experience in commercial banking, is set to lead the bank’s growth efforts in these key markets following a significant expansion plan that includes increasing its regional footprint.
Houston, TX – The vibrant business landscape of Texas, known for its dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and robust economic expansion, is seeing continued growth with strategic leadership appointments aimed at bolstering financial services for businesses. Sunflower Bank, a Dallas-based institution, recently announced the appointment of Andy Gaines as its new Regional President for Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. This significant leadership hire is part of the bank’s broader strategy to expand its presence and enhance its commercial banking capabilities across key Texas markets.
The move underscores a commitment to fostering local economic vitality, recognizing the immense potential within these thriving metropolitan areas. For entrepreneurs and established enterprises alike, such strategic investments in leadership and resources by financial institutions are crucial for facilitating the capital and support necessary for innovation and expansion.
A Proven Leader Joins Texas’ Financial Front
Andy Gaines steps into his new role as Regional President for Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, tasked with leading the growth of Sunflower Bank’s middle-market commercial banking business across these important Texas markets. His appointment, announced around January 12, 2026, reflects a strategic alignment with the bank’s vision for growth in a region ripe with opportunity.
Gaines brings a wealth of experience to Sunflower Bank, with more than 15 years dedicated to commercial and corporate banking. His career is marked by a successful track record of building high-performing middle-market banking teams, particularly throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region. Most recently, Gaines served as Regional Executive of Middle Market Banking at a Houston-based regional community bank, where he was instrumental in leading strategic growth initiatives. This background in cultivating business expansion and fostering strong relationships within multiple business communities aligns seamlessly with Sunflower Bank’s focus on relationship-driven banking. Gaines is based out of Sunflower Bank’s Houston corporate office and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Christian University.
Sunflower Bank’s Expanding Footprint in the Lone Star State
Sunflower Bank’s decision to appoint a dedicated regional president for these key cities signifies its deep commitment to the Texas TX entrepreneurs and businesses that drive the state’s prosperity. The bank, headquartered in Dallas, has been strategically expanding its operations within Texas. A significant step in this expansion was the April 2022 merger with Pioneer Bank, which broadened Sunflower Bank’s presence across Greater Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Currently, Sunflower Bank operates 22 locations throughout Texas.
The bank’s model emphasizes delivering relationship-driven banking services with local decision-making. This approach aims to create deep connections within the communities it serves. Expanding its commercial banking teams in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio is a top priority for Sunflower Bank in 2026, indicating a focused effort to meet the growing demands of the region’s businesses. Sunflower Bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, including commercial and business banking, treasury management, personal banking, mortgage lending, private banking, and wealth management, all delivered by local teams.
Fueling Houston Small Business and Middle-Market Growth
Houston’s economy consistently demonstrates impressive growth, positioning it as a major contributor to Texas’ overall economic strength. Projections suggest that the Houston TX business community could account for as much as 30% of Texas’ economic gains over the next two and a half decades. Real gross product in Houston is anticipated to grow by approximately 3.13% annually through 2045, potentially adding over $667 billion to the state’s economy. This robust environment, marked by an expected increase of 1.7 million jobs by 2045, creating a total of 4.9 million, provides fertile ground for financial institutions like Sunflower Bank to support local businesses.
Under Andy Gaines’ leadership, the bank is poised to provide essential services to the Houston small business sector and middle-market companies. Sunflower Bank offers tailored solutions, including business checking and savings accounts, credit services, and a robust small business lending program. As a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, Sunflower Bank facilitates faster loan processing for various business needs, such as acquisitions, owner-occupied commercial real estate, equipment financing, and working capital. This specialized support is vital for entrepreneurs seeking capital to innovate, expand, and create new jobs, further solidifying Houston’s position as an economic powerhouse.
The Texas TX Entrepreneurs Thrive: Insights from Austin and San Antonio
Beyond Houston, the metropolitan areas of Austin and San Antonio are also experiencing significant economic growth, forming part of the “Texas Triangle” – an emerging mega-region recognized as a primary economic engine of the Southwest U.S. This area, encompassing Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin-San Antonio, is home to over 18 million residents and contributes more than 66% of Texas’ population and 77% of its GDP.
Austin’s Economic Boom
Austin has consistently been recognized for its exceptional economic performance. In 2025, it earned the top spot as the No. 1 large U.S. city for economic growth. The city’s gross domestic product (GDP) experienced a remarkable 51% growth from 2019 to 2023, fueled by rapid job creation across technology, manufacturing, and professional services sectors. The entrepreneurial spirit in Austin is evident in the 71% surge in new business applications during the same period. Furthermore, the median income of residents increased by 33% over the last five years, showcasing broad-based prosperity.
San Antonio’s Diverse Economic Landscape
San Antonio also contributes significantly to the region’s economic strength, ranking No. 21 among large U.S. cities for economic growth in 2025. The city is a hub for key industries, notably hosting the nation’s second-largest concentration of cybersecurity companies and an international automotive manufacturing center. These diverse economic drivers, alongside a growing population and robust commercial activity, make Austin and San Antonio integral components of Sunflower Bank’s strategic expansion under Andy Gaines’ leadership.
Fostering Economic Growth Through Private Investment and Local Decision-Making
The expansion of financial services, particularly through local leadership and a focus on middle-market and small business banking, plays a crucial role in broader economic growth. When institutions like Sunflower Bank prioritize local expertise and accessibility, they empower local leaders with decision-making capabilities that are responsive to specific market needs. This localized approach fosters a more resilient economy by ensuring that capital and financial guidance are readily available to innovative entrepreneurs and established businesses looking to expand.
The infusion of private investment, facilitated by an accessible banking sector, often translates into job creation, increased trade, and a more dynamic local economy. By supporting businesses with conventional lending solutions and specialized programs like SBA Preferred Lending, financial institutions contribute directly to the conditions that allow the free market to flourish and communities to prosper.
Conclusion
The appointment of Andy Gaines as Regional President for Houston, Austin, and San Antonio marks a significant step in Sunflower Bank’s strategic commitment to the booming Texas economy. His extensive experience in middle-market commercial banking aligns perfectly with the bank’s mission to support the Texas TX entrepreneurs and businesses that are the backbone of regional prosperity. With Houston’s projected economic surge, Austin’s remarkable growth as a top economic boomtown, and San Antonio’s specialized industries, the broader Texas Triangle continues to offer unparalleled opportunities. This strategic leadership, coupled with Sunflower Bank’s expanded services, is set to reinforce the foundations of private enterprise and contribute to a thriving economic future for the Houston TX business community and beyond.
We encourage our readers to continue supporting local businesses and stay engaged with the ongoing economic developments that shape Houston and the broader Texas region. The resilience and innovation of our local entrepreneurs are the true engines of progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Andy Gaines’ new role?
- Andy Gaines has been appointed as the Regional President for Houston, Austin, and San Antonio at Sunflower Bank.
- What are Andy Gaines’ responsibilities in his new role?
- In his new role, Andy Gaines is responsible for leading the growth of Sunflower Bank’s middle-market commercial banking business in the Houston, Austin, and San Antonio markets.
- What is Andy Gaines’ background?
- Andy Gaines brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial and corporate banking, with a successful track record of building high-performing middle-market banking teams across the Texas Gulf Coast region. He previously served as Regional Executive of Middle Market Banking at a Houston-based regional community bank.
- Where is Sunflower Bank headquartered?
- Sunflower Bank is headquartered in Dallas, TX.
- How many locations does Sunflower Bank operate in Texas?
- Sunflower Bank operates 22 locations in Texas.
- What is the “Texas Triangle”?
- The “Texas Triangle” is an emerging mega-region formed by the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin-San Antonio metropolitan areas, serving as a primary economic engine of the Southwest U.S.
- How much could Houston’s economy grow by 2045?
- Real gross product in Houston could grow as much as 3.13% annually through 2045, potentially adding over $667 billion to the state’s economy.
- How has Austin’s GDP grown recently?
- Austin’s gross domestic product (GDP) experienced a 51% growth from 2019 to 2023.
- What type of lending does Sunflower Bank offer for businesses?
- Sunflower Bank offers small business lending and is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender, providing facilities for term loans, working capital lines of credit, equipment financing, and construction and real estate lending.
Key Features of Sunflower Bank’s Texas Expansion and Andy Gaines’ Role
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New Regional President | Andy Gaines appointed to lead growth. | Houston, Austin, San Antonio |
| Gaines’ Experience | Over 15 years in commercial and corporate banking, specializing in middle-market teams. | Texas Gulf Coast region |
| Bank Headquarters | Dallas, TX. | Dallas, TX |
| Texas Locations | Operates 22 branches. | Texas (State-level) |
| Strategic Expansion | Enhanced presence following April 2022 merger with Pioneer Bank. | Greater Houston, Austin, San Antonio |
| Core Focus | Leading middle-market commercial banking business growth. | Houston, Austin, San Antonio |
| Services Offered | Full range of relationship-focused services including commercial, business, personal banking, mortgage, private banking, and wealth management. | Nationwide (Mortgage capabilities in 43 states, 71 licensed branches in seven states) |
| Small Business Support | Offers small business lending and is an SBA Preferred Lender. | Nationwide (SBA Preferred Lender status) |
| Houston Economic Projection | Could account for up to 30% of Texas’ economic gains over 25 years. | Houston (Local) |
| Austin Economic Ranking | Ranked No. 1 large U.S. city for economic growth in 2025. | Austin (Local), Nationwide (U.S. city ranking) |
| San Antonio Economic Contribution | Home to major cybersecurity and automotive manufacturing hubs. | San Antonio (Local) |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
