Employee Awards & Anniversaries 2025

RIDE FOR THE BRAND

The Ride for the Brand award recognizes those individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold the SouthStar Bank brand. In the cowboy days, when you worked for a big ranch or participated in a trail drive, the cowboy was loyal to the Brand he “rode for.” Guys that rode for the brand had deep connections representing the ranch that transcended their daily work. To strengthen our culture, we continue to need employees that are a good example of this type of steadfast loyalty and who support our mission, vision, and values.

Loan Officer- Ivan Garcia
Operations- Davonica Rembert
Support Operations- Jeremy Bernal
Support Lending- Melissa Greger

RIDE FOR THE BRAND NOMINEES: Tracy Talkington, Kimberly Watson, Ivan Garcia, Anthony Albino, Davonica Rembert, Kali Gaskill, Jeremy Bernal, Lucia Fernandez, Amy Coldeway, Felicia Hamilton, Melissa Greger, Christine McGinnis

STAR LEADER

The Star Leader award is a special award given to applaud and promote the work and contributions of our most senior team. These individuals articulate a compelling vision for the institution and have inspired others to that vision. They actively support all aspects of our Bank’s advancement and show the highest commitment to professional growth. Recipients deserve exceptional notice and praise.

Gary Mobbs
Roni Nickelson
Sam Bell

TRAIL BOSS

We also wanted to recognize a few individuals who have stepped up in their leadership roles. On a cattle drive, Trail Boss is the one in charge of the entire operation – keeping track of all the different elements of the drive, selecting routes, and making key decisions. Our Trail Boss awards go to those who have helped guide our teams, selected routes for new and expanded operations, and supported key initiatives to exceed expectations. We can all agree that this year brought many new challenges, and the executive team appreciates those who helped set the path for success.

Kacy Kirk
Stephanie Nevlud
Pam Browning
Dawn Embry

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

This prestigious recognition is awarded by the bank president, David Kapavik, to the individual he and the executive team feel has made the strongest contribution to the organization over the past year. They review many aspects including performance, leadership, service, and related organizational benefits.

Keely McCarthy
Jo Ann Biezenski
Greg Vesely
Doug Foster

RISING STAR AWARD

These individuals have been with the bank for less than two years, but have already made our star shine brighter. These emerging leaders were selected by the executive committee in each department because of their exceptional growth and contributions to the organization, as well as increased levels of leadership, responsibility, and sphere of impact.

Operations- Jean Ann McCarthy
Support Lending- Robert Gordon
Support Operations- Chris Benavides

INVESTAR SUPERSTAR

This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Hilltop Securities. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship and the benefits it provides for our clients.

Stephanie Chaffin

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

SouthStar Bank takes great pride in supporting our communities. The Community Involvement Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for exemplifying the community bank spirit through active involvement in worthy causes and initiatives throughout the area.

Barbara Shaffer
Kyla Gesell
Daniel Desselle
Melissa Chavez

STAR SERVICE AWARD

The Star Service Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for service above and beyond the expected norm. Recipients consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge of our products and services, as well as an intuitive understanding of our clients’ needs. Recipients consistently exemplify the SouthStar mantra of providing friendly, flexible common-sense financial services.

Fatima Alamilla
Kali Gaskill
Laura Desselle
Laura Blackstock

BRANCH OF THE YEAR

The Branch of the Year award was created to celebrate a branch’s achievements as a team. Multiple factors are taken into consideration including loans, deposits, internal operations, marketing efforts, and community outreach.

Franklin

ANNIVERSARIES

50 YEARS: Jo Ann Biezenski

35 YEARS: Carla Meisetschleager

30 YEARS: David Kapavik, Kevin Knesek, Mary Kujawa

25 YEARS: Melissa Greger, Jenny Currie

20 YEARS: Laura Blackstock, Tamara Siegel

10 YEARS: Kacy Kirk, Samantha Alexander, Sarah Ortega, Mark Kelly, Elizabeth Lorrick

5 YEARS: Michelle Felde, Keely McCarthy, Samalia Huggins, Taryn Vandenberg, Laura Desselle, Aften Serrano, Jeremy Bernal, Christine McGinnis, Stephanie Chaffin, Melissa Chavez

STAR SERVICE NOMINEES: Aften Serrano, Amanda Jordan, Amy Coldeway, Bailey Edgington, Billy Fleming, Brandy Rumfolo, Bridget Brosh, Carla Meisetschleager, Christine McGinnis, Davonica Rembert, Dawn Embry, Dayton Mejias, Deanna Ford, Debra Morris, Donna Corley, Fatima Alamilla, Glenn Walsh, Hillary Hernandez, Jenny Currie, Joey Patek, Kacy Kirk, Kali Gaskill, Katherine Frederick, Kerri Gonzalez, Kimberly Moore, Kristy Hollis, Kyla Gesell, Laura Blackstock, Laura Desselle, Lora Scasta, Lucia Fernandez, Maggie Womack, Mariela Tinajero, Mark Kelly, Meghan Rabel, Melissa Chavez, Melissa Greger, Melissa Swift, Melissa Thompson, Michelle Felde, Monica Chavez, Riley Martine, Rosie Weaver, Sam Bell, Samantha Alexander, Samantha Myers, Samantha Schulz, Sara Huggins, Sarah Ortega, Sharon Green, Shelby Mossman, Steffani Scarborough, Stephanie Chaffin, Terry Thompson, Torie Adkins

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT NOMINEES: Anthony Albino, Barbara Shaffer, Bryan Buck, Daniel Desselle, Davonica Rembert, Debra Morris, Glenn Walsh, Greg Vesely, Hillary Hernandez, Ivan Garcia, Jo Ann Biezenski, Jeff Harris, Kevin Knesek, Kimberly Moore, Kimberly Watson, Kyla Gesell, Laura Blackstock, Lora Scasta, Lucia Fernandez, Mary Kujawa, Melissa Swift, Melissa Thompson, Monica Chavez, Pam Browning, Rosie Weaver, Samalia Huggins, Sara Huggins, Sche Kehner, Shirley Sears, Stephanie Chaffin, Torie Adkins, Tracy Talkington, Tyler Narro

Congratulations Tracy Talkington! New Branch Executive & Senior Vice President of Lending

Tracy Talkington has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Lending and Branch Executive at the SouthStar Bank Round Rock branch. Tracy has spent the last two years with SouthStar Bank as a Vice President of Lending, with 5 years of total lending experience alongside 13 years in real estate as a realtor and business manager. In her new role, Tracy is focused on working alongside her team to grow deposits and loans, support day-to-day operations, and strengthen their presence in the Round Rock community, all while delivering an excellent client experience!

Tracy currently serves as Vice President of Membership for Professional Women of Williamson County (PWOW), a local organization that connects, supports, and empowers women through professional development, leadership, and community involvement. Tracy also recently completed the Round Rock Chamber’s Leadership Program, a year-long program designed to develop community leaders while building strong relationships across the Round Rock business and nonprofit community.

Outside of the office, Tracy can be found tending to her garden, working on home projects, or travelling with her husband to keep up with all their kids’ activities.

Congratulations Tracy!

10 Ways to Maximize Your Savings in 2026

Ten ways to maximize your savings in 2026, A woman holds a piggy bank, which symbolizes savings, financial planning, and economic challenges. Budgeting, investing, and money management for a secure future.

Your finances are constantly evolving, and your savings plan should be no different. 2026 is the perfect time to take a fresh look at your savings strategy! Whether you’re building an emergency fund, planning for a home or major purchase, or preparing for the future, small habits can make a significant impact over time. Here are ten practical ways to maximize your savings in 2026, with guidance to help you make the most of your money at SouthStar Bank.

1. Set Clear Savings Goals

It is essential to start your savings journey by clearly defining what you’re saving for. Whether it’s a fund for emergencies, travel, a home, or retirement, clear goals help you stay motivated and choose the proper savings accounts to support your plans. A great way to set realistic savings goals is by using the S.M.A.R.T. method.

Specific – clearly state your goal (e.g., how much you want to save each month)
Measurable – ensure you can measure your success (e.g., savings growth)
Attainable – set goals you know you can achieve
Relevant – set goals pertinent to your needs
Time-Based – set a clear deadline for the goal

Basing your goals on the S.M.A.R.T. method will ensure they are attainable and increase your chances of achieving savings success.

2. Automate Your Savings

Automating your savings is one of the easiest ways to ensure you stay on track with your savings goals. Setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account at SouthStar Bank is easy and available to all customers through our online banking platform.

3. Take Advantage of Account Alerts

It can be challenging to stay on top of spending when there are so many purchases and recurring payments coming out of your account. An excellent way for SouthStar Bank customers to combat this is to use Secure Alerts through the online banking portal. Secure Alerts allows you to stay in control of your money with real-time account alerts covering:

Debit Card Purchases
Balance Alert
ATM Withdrawal
Cleared Checks

4. Review and Adjust Your Budget

It is essential to review your budget and spending habits from 2025 and work to identify areas where you can cut back. Minor adjustments to your spending habits can add up to a significant amount by the end of the year.

5. Build or Strengthen Your Emergency Fund

Financial experts recommend saving three to six months of expenses. Keeping your emergency fund in a FDIC-insured savings account at SouthStar Bank provides peace of mind and easy access when needed.

6. Reduce Debt to Increase Savings Power

High-interest debt can be a lingering hindrance to your savings. Prioritizing high-interest debts, such as credit card debt or personal loans, can be a great way to free up money for future savings.

7. Separate Short-Term and Long-Term Savings

Staying organized with your finances is vital to accurately tracking your savings goals. Having separate accounts for different savings goals can be a great way to keep things in order. For example, keep vacation savings separate from your emergency fund to avoid dipping into the wrong account.

8. Reduce Subscriptions and Recurring Expenses

Subscriptions and recurring expenses can be a silent killer for your savings goals. Take time before the new year to review your current subscriptions and recurring expenses, and eliminate unnecessary spending to boost your 2026 savings!

9. Save Windfalls and Bonuses

Commit to saving portions of bonuses or pay increases as they come in. These windfalls can provide an excellent boost for your savings and keep you on track in case any unexpected expenses have thrown you off track.

10. Review Your Savings Strategy Annually

Your life is constantly evolving, and so should your savings plan. Reviewing your 2025 financial picture is vital to setting yourself up for success in 2026. An annual review of your finances allows you to adjust your strategy to stay aligned with your current needs.

Start Saving Smarter with SouthStar Bank

Maximizing your savings doesn’t require drastic changes, just consistent, thoughtful habits! SouthStar Bank offers a variety of savings solutions designed to help you reach your goals with confidence. Visit your local SouthStar Bank branch or explore our account options online to start making the most of your savings in 2026.

Checking vs Savings Accounts: What’s the Difference?

When you’re building a strong financial foundation, one of the first steps is understanding the difference between a checking account and a savings account. Although both are essential banking tools, they serve very different purposes. It is important to understand the key differences between these accounts and how SouthStar Bank can help you choose the right accounts for your financial needs.

What Is a Checking Account?

A checking account is best for everyday money management. It’s designed for frequent transactions, such as paying bills, making debit card purchases, and receiving direct deposits.

Key features of checking accounts at SouthStar Bank include:

Unlimited transactions
Online and mobile banking
Debit card access
Options like our Star Free Checking with no monthly service charge and no minimum daily balance

Because checking accounts prioritize easy access, they typically offer little or no interest. Their main advantage is flexibility, allowing you to manage daily finances with minimal restrictions.

What Is a Savings Account?

A savings account is meant for storing and growing money over time. It’s ideal for building emergency funds, large purchases, or long-term savings goals.

SouthStar Bank’s savings options include:

Traditional Savings Accounts with a modest minimum balance requirement
Money Market Savings Accounts with higher interest potential and higher balance requirements
Health Savings Accounts with unique advantages for those enrolled in High Deductible Health Plans

Savings accounts are structured for less frequent withdrawals, making them perfect for setting money aside rather than using it for daily spending.

Checking vs. Savings: The Key Differences

When comparing checking and savings accounts, the main differences center on usage, accessibility, and earning potential.

Purpose
- Checking: Best for day-to-day banking and frequent transactions
- Savings: Designed for long-term money accumulation and achieving financial goals
Access to Funds
- Checking: Unlimited access, ideal for regular spending
- Savings: Limited withdrawals encourage saving rather than spending
Interest Rates
- Checking: Usually non-interest or low interest
- Savings: Typically pays interest, helping your money grow
Fees & Requirements
- Checking: SouthStar Bank offers no-fee and low-fee options with no minimum balances
- Savings: These accounts often require minimum balances to avoid service charges

Which Account Do You Need?

Many people benefit from using both accounts strategically.

Use your checking account for bills, income deposits, and everyday expenses.
Use your savings account to build financial security, reach long-term goals, and earn interest.

If you receive your direct deposit (or other consistent deposits) to your checking account, setting up recurring transfers from checking to savings can help automate your financial growth and keep spending in check.

Why Choose SouthStar Bank?

SouthStar Bank combines modern digital banking tools with personalized service you can only find at a community bank. From checking and savings to everything in between, SouthStar offers accounts designed to support your financial life at every stage!

Ready to get started? Have any questions?

Reach out to your local branch today!

Saving For Retirement in Your 30’s: The IRA Advantage

Your 30s are often marked by major financial milestones, such as buying a home, starting a family, and advancing your career. With so many competing priorities, saving for retirement can easily slip down the list. Still, this decade of your life is actually one of the most important times to focus on your financial future! An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a great way to help you build long-term security without requiring a significant investment upfront.

Why Your 30s Matter for Retirement Planning

By your 30s, you’ve likely settled into your career and are earning more consistently than in your early 20s. This will give you a unique advantage while retirement planning: time plus earning power. Every dollar you save now can grow for decades through compound interest, making it much easier to reach your retirement goals later.

Starting early doesn’t just mean more savings; it means flexibility. A solid retirement foundation can give you greater freedom to handle life’s surprises and make future decisions with confidence.

The IRA Advantage

An IRA is one of the most effective tools for retirement savings because it offers tax benefits, flexibility, and control over investments. Even if you already contribute to a workplace retirement plan, an IRA can help you build additional savings on your own terms.

There are two primary types of IRAs to consider:

Traditional IRA:
- Contributions may be tax-deductible, which can lower your taxable income today
- Investments grow tax-deferred
- Qualified withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income
- Pay taxes when you withdraw the funds in retirement, ideally at a lower tax rate
Roth IRA:
- Contributions are made with after-tax dollars
- Investments grow tax-free
- Qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.
- Great option for younger earners who expect their income (and tax rate) to rise over time.

For 2025, the IRA contribution limit is $7,000 (or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older). Even small, consistent contributions can make a significant difference.

Get Started with SouthStar Bank

Your 30s are the perfect time to take control of your retirement strategy. With an IRA from SouthStar Bank, you can turn today’s small steps into tomorrow’s financial independence. Visit your local SouthStar Bank branch or explore our IRA options online to start building lasting retirement security, one wise decision at a time.

Whether you’re opening your first IRA or looking to roll over an existing account, SouthStar Bank offers personalized guidance and local service to make the process simple and stress-free!

Have any questions? Reach out to our IRA experts at 512.384.3948 or IRA@southstarbank.com, and they will be happy to assist!

SouthStar Bank Mortgage Programs: Helping Texans Achieve Homeownership

For more than a century, SouthStar Bank has been helping Texans achieve their dreams of homeownership through personalized service, flexible financing, and local decision-making. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to your forever home, or refinancing an existing mortgage, SouthStar Bank’s local experts are here to help you find the right loan for your needs!

Personalized Mortgage Solutions with a Local Touch

At SouthStar Bank, we treat every loan as more than a transaction; we treat it as a relationship. As a community bank with deep Texas roots, SouthStar Bank’s mortgage professionals take the time to understand your needs, identify the best loan program for you, and guide you through every step of the homebuying process. With underwriting decisions made locally, borrowers benefit from faster approvals and genuine customer care you won’t find with larger national lenders.

A Range of Mortgage Options for Every Buyer

SouthStar Bank offers a variety of home loan programs to serve a wide range of borrowers:

Conventional Loans: Ideal for buyers with strong credit and established savings, offering competitive rates and flexible down payment options.
VA Loans: Exclusively for qualified veterans, active-duty military, and surviving spouses, VA loans offer zero down payment options and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).
ITIN Loans: Specifically designed for those pursuing homeownership without a Social Security Number.
Jumbo Loans: For luxury properties or higher-priced homes that exceed conventional loan limits, SouthStar Bank provides customized jumbo loan solutions.
Rural Living Loans: Available for customers looking for something more than a postage-stamp lot and big-city congestion.
Refinance: Refinancing options as rates change
Lot and Construction Loans: Funding options from raw land to construction and permanent mortgage financing

Empowering First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming but with SouthStar Bank, it doesn’t have to be. The H.O.P.E. Home Loan Program is designed to make homeownership more accessible, affordable, and less intimidating.

H.O.P.E. Loan Advantages:

No downpayment required
No mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement
No origination fees
No SouthStar Bank closing costs

While first-time buyers get to take advantage of low-down payment options, down payment assistance, and competitive fixed-rate loans tailored to fit their budget. They also get access to SouthStar Bank’s expert loan officers, who offer local expertise, one-on-one guidance, education on credit requirements and loan terms, and what to expect at closing.

Start Your Homeownership Journey Today

Whether you’re just starting to explore homeownership or ready to apply for a mortgage, SouthStar Bank is here to help you every step of the way. With local expertise, flexible loan options, and a commitment to putting people first, SouthStar Bank is more than a lender, it’s your homebuying partner.

Ready to get started? Contact your local branch or start your application today!