G. Russell Kirkland Distinguished Visiting Executive Lecture

Dr. Brian C. Tietje 
and the faculty of the College of Business at
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
cordially invite you to the Kirkland Lecture honoring

Willard H. Hammonds II

Chairman of the Board, International Bank of Commerce
CEO and Founder of Ocean Group and ACSI

Corpus Christi, Texas

Title: Everyone talks about their successes; I want you to learn from my mistakes!

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

University Center Anchor Ballroom

7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Students, please bring your SandDollar card

Open to the public

Willard H. Hammonds II

Willard Hammonds II is a dynamic entrepreneur and respected community leader with a primary focus on real estate. A graduate of Texas A&M University–College Station, Mr. Hammonds earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance in 1989. His career spans multiple industries, including real estate, oil and gas, and solar energy, showcasing his versatility and strategic vision.

Mr. Hammonds launched his professional journey shortly after college by acquiring a 224-unit apartment complex in Corpus Christi. His entrepreneurial insight and determination propelled him to expand within the real estate sector, ultimately owning approximately 10% of the city’s apartment complexes. Building on this success, he diversified his portfolio with ventures in oil and gas, grocery stores in Australia, a fiberglass tank manufacturing plant, and resort developments, including Spoonbill Bay Resort, Aruba Bay Resort, Kokomo Yacht Club, and others. His active involvement in ACSI further underscores his dedication to strategic enterprise management.

Mr. Hammonds’ leadership extends well beyond his business achievements. He joined the board of IBC Bank 15 years ago and became Chairman of the Board in 2017. Prior to his tenure at IBC Bank, he was part owner and a board member of First Community Bank from 1994 to 1996, broadening his expertise in the financial sector and contributing to Corpus Christi’s cultural growth.

Mr. Hammonds is the son of Willard Hammonds Sr., who moved to Corpus Christi in the 1930s. Willard Sr. was a legendary South Texas businessman and bon vivant, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
A devoted family man, Mr. Hammonds is married to Carol Hammonds. Together, they have two children, Whitney Hammonds and Willard Hammonds III. In his personal time, Mr. Hammonds enjoys spending quality moments with his family and supporting community development initiatives.

History

The G. Russell Kirkland Distinguished Visiting Executive Chair has been created by friends of the late Mr. G. Russell Kirkland and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to honor his distinguished service to the development of the University, the city of Corpus Christi, and South Texas. Mr. Kirkland was the Vice President of Development at Texas A&I at Corpus Christi and Corpus Christi State University from 1975 to 1978. Prior to joining the University, Mr. Kirkland was associated with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith for 35 years, and was Vice President and manager of the Corpus Christi office. Mr. Kirkland was also Founder and Director of Parkdale State Bank. In addition, Mr. Kirkland served as President of the Little Theatre Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Symphony, and was Director of First State Bank of Ingleside, KEDT-TV, and YMCA. Mr. Kirkland was a national director of the Navy League.

For more information call 361-825-2786 or email cobdeansoffice@tamucc.edu.