Third Coast Bancshares, the holding company of Third Coast Bank, appointed Bernardo “Bernie” Lacayo as executive vice president, head of corporate banking, effective immediately. Lacayo joined Third Coast in March 2026, adding depth and experience to the organization as it advances its long-term strategy to broaden its corporate banking capabilities across Texas and beyond.
“I’m thrilled to join Third Coast, a growth-oriented organization that combines a relationship-driven culture with an entrepreneurial vision,” Lacayo said. “The bank has assembled an outstanding leadership team with deep industry expertise and a genuine commitment to serving as trusted advisors to our clients. Together, we have an opportunity to build a distinctive corporate banking platform that delivers sophisticated solutions without losing the personal approach that sets Third Coast apart.”
Lacayo brings more than three decades of banking and financial services experience, with a track record of building corporate and middle-market banking businesses, developing specialized lending capabilities and leading teams through periods of significant growth. In his new role, he is responsible for advancing the bank’s corporate banking strategy and expanding its capabilities for larger, more complex client relationships.
Under Lacayo’s leadership, the bank expects to broaden its reach among middle-market companies and deepen relationships across its Texas markets and beyond.
“Bernie’s extensive experience building successful banking businesses, developing talent and creating client solutions makes him an exceptional addition to our organization,” Bill Bobbora, chief banking officer of Third Coast, said. “His ability to identify emerging opportunities, collaborate across the organization and translate strategy into consistent results will be instrumental as we execute the next phase of Third Coast’s growth.”
Lacayo spent nearly 18 years with CIBC Bank USA and its predecessor, The PrivateBank & Trust Company. He most recently served as Head of Loan Markets from 2025 to 2026, leading teams focused on senior-debt syndications as well as junior-debt solutions, including mezzanine and second-lien financing. Previously, he served as head of loan syndications from 2008 through 2024, leading the origination, structuring and distribution of syndicated commercial and industrial and commercial real estate credit facilities.
Earlier in his career, Lacayo was senior vice president and division manager at Citizens Financial Group, where he established middle-market banking teams and specialized industry lending groups across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Missouri. He also held senior roles at LaSalle Bank, with experience spanning credit administration, loan portfolio management, business development and leadership of the bank’s food distribution group. Across these roles, he built businesses within regulated financial institutions by combining experienced talent, disciplined execution and collaboration across business lines. Lacayo earned a bachelor of business administration degree in finance and psychology from the University of Notre Dame.
