Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
A. Ford Sasser III of Rio Bank was inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame as part of its 2026 class, an honor recognizing bankers who have made lasting contributions to the industry and their communities. The Hall of Fame, established by the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking at Sam Houston State University, has inducted 57 honorees since 2013.
The 13th Annual Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala was celebrated April 23, 2026, at the Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom on the Sam Houston State University campus in Huntsville. Proceeds from the event support scholarships and educational activities of the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking.
“Bankers are often seen as the heartbeat of their local communities, working closely with families and businesses to fuel growth and create opportunities for all,” said Jill Sharp Vaughan, chair of the Smith-Hutson Endowed Chair of Banking. “Their legacies run deep, built on years of hard work, positive influence, and meaningful change. The Texas Bankers Hall of Fame is a time to come together to recognize and celebrate Texas banking leaders—not only for their dedication to our profession, but also for their dedicated service to their communities.”
Sasser was one of five honorees inducted in 2026, alongside Mark K. Johnson, Michael G. O’Rourke, Rogers Pope Jr., and Marelyn B. Shedd. According to announcements from the Texas Bankers Association and Sam Houston State University, the honorees were selected for their significant contributions to the banking profession and their communities.
Sasser previously served as chairman of the Texas Bankers Association from 2022 to 2023 and has held leadership roles in community banking across Texas. His career includes executive leadership at Rio Bank and statewide involvement in industry initiatives.
Beyond banking, Sasser serves on the advisory board of the Commercial Banking Program at Texas A&M University and was appointed by the governor as a public member of the State Bar of Texas board of directors. He has also served on various community boards.
Sasser and his wife, Abbie, co-founded Can Achieve Maximum Potential University, a day habilitation program serving young adults with special needs in the Rio Grande Valley. In 2025, he was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame for his years as a high school and college football official.
Industry coverage, including reporting by Bankers Digest, and official announcements from the Texas Bankers Association and Sam Houston State University describe the Hall of Fame as recognizing leaders whose work has shaped the Texas banking landscape and strengthened their communities.
