Rodney Nabors, President, Agility Bank

In an interview with Invest:, Rodney Nabors, president of Agility Bank, discussed the institution’s community banking approach. “We’re a Houston bank, owned by Houstonians,” Nabors said. “Our deposits stay here and are reinvested in our community.”

What have been some key accomplishments for the bank in Houston over the past year?

2024 marked a pivotal transition year for Agility Bank. As a de novo institution, we experienced the type of accelerated growth typical of the early stages, with total assets increasing by 35% — a $27 million rise that brought us to $104 million by year-end. This strong performance reflects both the natural progression of a new bank and our strategic efforts to establish a solid foundation in the Houston market.

Looking ahead, we anticipate another year of significant growth in 2025, with a target of $160 million in total assets. While our growth trajectory may exceed that of more established institutions, it is a direct result of our early-stage momentum and commitment to thoughtful expansion in a dynamic and diverse market.

What makes Houston an ideal location for your bank, and how does it support your members and growth strategy?

Houston’s diversity presents a unique opportunity for our bank. We can serve a wide range of clients, from the east side of Houston — characterized by a distinct demographic and business environment — to the Clear Lake market, which operates under a different dynamic. This diversity requires our bankers to be versatile, adaptable, and skilled communicators across a variety of client needs and cultural contexts.

As a young and nimble institution, Agility Bank has carved out a niche by emphasizing personalized service and community engagement. Our relationship bankers are deeply embedded in the communities we serve, building trust through consistent outreach and support. While larger banks often prioritize high-value transactions to drive scale, we are committed to serving clients with financing needs ranging from $50,000 to $5 million — delivering value where it matters most to small and mid-sized businesses.

What’s your view on the current state of Houston’s banking and financial services industry?

The entry of out-of-state banks into the Houston market underscores the city’s economic vitality and growth potential. These institutions recognize the opportunities here and are eager to participate. While their presence increases competition, we view it through a different lens.

At Agility Bank, we’ve been part of Houston from the beginning. We are locally owned and deeply rooted in the community. Our deposits remain in Houston and are reinvested to support the local economy. We take pride in operating within a dynamic market that continues to attract both people and businesses.

Rather than being distracted by outside noise or short-term market disruptions, we remain focused on our core strengths. While some larger banks may pursue business through aggressive pricing, we believe in earning our clients’ trust by delivering lasting value, fostering relationships, and helping companies grow.

Could you share if there have been any shifts in the sectors seeking your support, or new areas of opportunity you foresee?

We remain committed to the same strategic focus that guided us last year — an approach that reflects the core values of community banking. While there are certainly opportunities in other sectors, we continue to concentrate on what we do best: serving small to mid-sized businesses that value personalized relationships, direct access to local decision-makers, and the ability to call their banker — not a call center.

We are always open to building new relationships and welcome businesses that seek a more connected and responsive banking experience. While we strive to maintain a balanced and diversified portfolio, we are not rigidly industry specific. We evaluate each opportunity on its merits and aim for mutual alignment. If a partnership isn’t the right fit for either side, we’re comfortable with that.

Ultimately, our goal is to work with businesses and individuals who share our commitment to supporting Houston’s economy by keeping capital local and reinvesting in the communities we serve.

With the new administration and ongoing uncertainty around tariffs, how are you advising your clients to stay agile and focused during these transitions?

We operate in an increasingly dynamic environment, where each day presents new challenges and opportunities. The most accurate insight into current conditions comes directly from our clients. Through active listening and ongoing dialogue, we gain a clear understanding of their evolving needs — enabling us to offer timely, tailored solutions and maintain contact on a cadence that works best for them.

This consistent communication allows us to identify emerging trends early. While uncertainties such as tariff fluctuations may temporarily impact activity, the underlying demand among businesses remains strong. What many clients seek now is greater economic clarity.

By staying closely connected, we’re able to provide real-time insights that go beyond headline news — offering our clients meaningful, on-the-ground perspectives. These two-way conversations foster a collaborative environment where we grow together and navigate change with confidence.

What’s your take on the current labor pool in banking and finance?

I began my banking career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a time when Texas was home to a vibrant network of strong community banks and a well-established pipeline for developing banking talent. Since then, we’ve witnessed a significant decline in both the number of community banks and the depth of the talent pool entering the industry.

At our bank, we are committed to reversing that trend by attracting top talent and investing in the next generation of bankers. One of the ways we do this is through immersive summer internship programs that offer students a comprehensive view of community banking — from deposits and lending to credit operations and client engagement. Unlike larger institutions, where internships often involve narrow, segmented roles, we provide meaningful, hands-on experiences.

For example, a finance major from the University of Arkansas who interned with us last year shared how eye-opening it was to be directly involved in both day-to-day banking activities and community initiatives. Programs like these not only help students build practical skills but also highlight the unique value of community banking as a fulfilling career path with real, local impact.

Could you share how Agility Bank is giving back to the community beyond your core financial services?

Our bankers are deeply engaged in the communities we serve, particularly in underserved areas such as East Houston. Through active participation in chamber events and local gatherings, they not only represent Agility Bank but also advocate for local initiatives that strengthen these communities. The insights gained from these engagements allow us to connect our clients with impactful nonprofit organizations and programs that align with their values — creating opportunities for meaningful involvement beyond traditional banking relationships.

We take pride in fostering connections among like-minded individuals and organizations, helping to build partnerships that drive positive, lasting change.

As a women-owned and women-led institution, Agility Bank is guided by the leadership of Chairwoman Edna Meyer-Nelson and a majority-female board. We are growing with a clear purpose and vision, with a strong commitment to supporting women- and minority-owned businesses that have historically faced challenges in accessing capital through traditional channels.

Our approach goes beyond inclusion — it’s about genuine partnership. Our clients aren’t treated as just account numbers; they are valued relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual success. While we’re proud of our designation as a Minority Depository Institution (MDI), we serve as a full-service commercial bank, dedicated to delivering personalized, relationship-driven service to all clients.

What is your outlook for Agility Bank’s growth in Houston over the next few years, and what are your top priorities moving forward?

At Agility Bank, our highest priority is remaining true to our identity as a women-owned, women-led institution committed to creating meaningful impact for everyone we serve. As we look toward 2025 and beyond, our focus remains on strategically expanding our presence across Houston and attracting the top talent needed to support our continued growth.

It’s important to recognize that while large national banks control 60–70% of local deposits, they seldom disclose how much of that capital is reinvested into the Houston community. At Agility Bank, we take a different approach — one rooted in transparency and local commitment. We consistently remind our clients that their deposits stay here, fueling growth for Houston businesses and supporting the broader community.

In contrast, funds placed with national institutions are often redirected to out-of-state markets like New York or California. Our message is clear: we are rooted in Houston, committed to its future, and dedicated to making a lasting impact — right here at home.