Interstate Bank has announced a significant leadership change, with Danny Skarda stepping down from his role as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Blair Berg, who has served as the bank’s Chief Financial Officer for the past five years, has been elected to succeed Skarda, effective September 30.
Berg brings 18 years of industry experience to his new position. He holds a degree in accounting and business administration from Texas Lutheran University and has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and critical thinking abilities. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Berg is actively involved in the community, serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.
Skarda’s retirement marks the end of a distinguished career spanning over 45 years in the banking industry. As a third-generation banker, he has managed financial institutions across New Mexico, Montana, and Texas. Skarda began his tenure as CEO in 1981 and has been
instrumental in developing and mentoring his teams throughout his career. Reflecting on his time at Interstate Bank, Skarda emphasized the importance of personnel, stating, “You’re only as good as your people, and we’re pretty darn good.”
A retirement reception honoring Skarda was held on September 26 at Interstate Bank’s Amarillo office, located at 5085 Coulter St. S.
Interstate Bank has been a trusted financial institution in the Texas Panhandle for more than six decades. The bank continues to offer personalized banking services through its locations in Perryton and Amarillo. Customers can access a wide range of financial products, including personal and business accounts, loans, and cash management services. The bank remains committed to serving its local communities.
In other local business news, Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) Heart and Vascular Center has achieved a medical milestone. On September 23, the hospital announced the successful implantation of the Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy device, marking a first for the Amarillo area. This groundbreaking treatment is the world’s first FDA-approved heart failure device to utilize neuromodulation, harnessing the power of the brain and nervous system to alleviate symptoms in patients with systolic heart failure.
The innovative therapy is designed for heart failure patients who may not be experiencing adequate symptom relief from medications alone. The procedure was performed at NWTHS Heart and Vascular Center by Dr. Bradley Trinidad, a Vascular Surgeon, and Dr. Prakash Desai, specializing in Cardiology and Electrophysiology.
Dr. Trinidad, who serves as the Director of Endovascular and Vascular Surgery at NWTHS Heart and Vascular Center, emphasized the importance of providing cutting-edge medical technology for heart failure patients. He stated that this advancement aligns with the center’s standard as the region’s premier cardiovascular facility.
Unlike traditional heart failure devices, Barostim does not require any hardware to be placed in the heart or blood vessels. Instead, it functions by electrically stimulating baroreceptors, which are natural sensors located in the carotid artery wall. These sensors communicate with the nervous system, regulating heart, kidney, and vascular function. By activating these receptors, the device reduces the heart’s workload and improves its pumping efficiency. This process helps restore balance to the autonomic nervous system and alleviates the symptoms associated with heart failure.
The introduction of this innovative treatment option represents a significant advancement in cardiac care for the Amarillo community and surrounding areas. It offers new hope for patients struggling with heart failure symptoms and demonstrates NWTHS Heart and Vascular Center’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art medical care to the region.