Hector J. Cerna

International Bank of Commerce (IBC Bank), the undisputed leader in border banking, launched its first expansion into a border city northwest of Laredo in 2001. For its entry into Eagle Pass, IBC Bank sought a leader with an understanding of the needs, aspirations and potential of the region's people and businesses. With his proven expertise in banking, finance, real estate development, and business venture management as well as his vast knowledge of the region, Hector J. Cerna was the clear choice for president and CEO of IBC Bank-Eagle Pass. Over the years, IBC's Eagle Pass market has prospered, and the region now includes banking centers throughout Eagle Pass, Del Rio and Uvalde. Cerna has been an executive in the South Texas banking industry for more than 25 years and has directed business development and real estate lending services at several institutions. His professional experience, however, extends beyond banking. He has also helped organize real estate developments, provided underwriting and shared expertise concerning business venture management. The Eagle Pass native is devoted to the community and maintains extensive involvement with local professional and non-profit organizations. Cerna currently serves as Chair of the city of Eagle Pass Economic Development Business and Industry Sub-Commitee and is a member of the Maverick County

Development Corporation Board of Directors. In these positions, he assists in attracting industry and commerce to Eagle Pass and the region. He serves as Chairman of the Finance Council for the Catholic Diocese of Laredo and is a board member of The Border Trade Alliance (BTA). Cerna has previously served on the Eagle Pass International Bridge Board, The Eagle Pass Hotel Room Tax Committee, the Our Lady of Refuge School Council, he is a Leadership Eagle Pass charter member and Eagle Pass Rotary Club past president. He previously served on the State of Texas Comptroller "Border Advisory Council Committee" and as a trustee of the Piedras Negras (Mexico) chapter of "Adopte Una Obra de Arte." Cerna has been involved in fundraising for the United Way, YMCA, Mission San Bernardo (Guerrero, Coahuila), Boys Scouts of

America and other organizations. Through Cerna's leadership, IBC Bank maintains close ties with various economic development organizations and business leaders in Mexico to better understand and identify international business opportunities.

In recognition of IBC's efforts to promote cross-border business and strengthen ties between the U.S. and Mexico, IBC Bank Eagle Pass was named International Business of the Year in February 2012 at the 18th Annual Eagle Pass Business Journal Awards. In 2013, Cerna received the Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award and since 2015 he has served on the "Consejo de Desarrollo Economico Municipal" in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. In February 2016, Cerna was appointment by Gov. Greg Abbott to the Texas Finance Commission for a term through the year 2020. Cerna earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin.