Left: Parker Hansley, Right: Grier Patton
By Shauna Forkenbrock | Photography by Taylor Lane
4306 Broadway has a new heartbeat—and it’s one that already feels deeply connected to the rhythm of Alamo Heights. Bank of Texas, a subsidiary of BOK Financial, opened its newest branch earlier this year with a clear goal: to offer sophisticated financial services while building authentic relationships in a neighborhood that values community above all.
“This branch is special,” says Parker Hensley, Bank of Texas market CEO for San Antonio. “From the beginning, we didn’t just want to be a bank on a corner. We wanted to be part of the fabric of Alamo Heights.”
That thoughtful integration started long before the doors officially opened. Bank of Texas began its presence in San Antonio by opening a commercial office in the Red McCombs building more than a year prior. As the team became more immersed in the city’s unique character and growth trajectory, they recognized that Alamo Heights—steeped in tradition, pride, and neighborliness—was the right next step.
“From the top down, we all agreed we couldn’t be Bank of Texas if we weren’t in San Antonio,” said Hensley, adding that the company’s focus on building long-term relationships with clients and communities is aligned with how Alamo Heights and the surrounding area has grown. “Our employees, like Mark Johnson and Grier Patton, know Alamo Heights like the back of their hand, and they really helped make the expansion a seamless one.”
The branch’s interior reflects that intentionality. Designed to feel welcoming, open, and modern, it departs from the more traditional, legacy look of some older Bank of Texas locations. The Alamo Heights branch is now considered the prototype for future designs across the company. But for all its clean lines and modern touches, it’s the relationships that truly define the space. “We’re not focused on being transactional,” says Michelle George, VP and Senior Regional Community Relations Manager. “This is about trust, access, and building real relationships with the community.”
That philosophy starts at the top. Branch Manager Emily Watson brings 20 years of experience in both branch operations and small business banking. She also brings deep local involvement—serving on nonprofit boards, participating in Rotary, and staying active in the Alamo Heights Chamber of Commerce. In many ways, Watson is a reflection of the very community she now serves.
As a part of BOK Financial, Bank of Texas can offer what George describes as “the personality of a regional bank with the firepower of a big bank.” That includes everything from digital banking tools and personal accounts to business lending, treasury services, and private wealth management. But again, it’s the personal connection that anchors it all. “We believe banking is deeply personal,” Watson shares. “People want to feel known and understood when it comes to their finances, whether they’re buying their first home, starting a business, or learning how to build generational wealth. Alamo Heights is a place where stories matter. We’re here to listen.”
And they’re backing that up with action. Even before the branch opened, Bank of Texas received support from the BOK Foundation to invest in the community. That early engagement included partnerships with the San Antonio Zoo, Junior Achievement, and the San Antonio Opera. They’re also rolling out a new Financial Literacy program in the fall.
In 2024, the Bank of Texas San Antonio team alone dedicated 400 volunteer hours serving 20 nonprofits in San Antonio. “We want to be present not just in name but in action,” Hensley says. “You’ll see us at local fundraisers, community meetings, and neighborhood celebrations. This is about more than banking—it’s about belonging.”
