SouthStar Bank, Author at SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankFebruary 7, 2022

Employee Spotlight- Christine McGinnis

Christine McGinnis, Senior Mortgage Processor | SouthStar Bank Leander Christine McGinnis has worked in the banking and finance industry for over six years. With SouthStar Bank for the last year and a half, Christine quickly made an impact as a Senior Mortgage Processor. In her first full year with the bank, she was recognized by the executive team for her hard work and dedication and was awarded the Rising Star award for the support lending team. Christine’s favorite part about her job is building relationships with and helping customers through the loan process. In her community, Christine is a member of Bulverde United Methodist Church. When she is not at work, Christine enjoys walking, playing with her dog Milo, traveling, and spending time with her family. Christine’s favorite destination that she has traveled to are the four major Hawaiian islands. Each island’s uniqueness and beauty made the trip extra special. An interesting fact about Christine is that she loves riding roller coasters! A Harry Potter fan, her favorite rollercoaster is Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure at the Universal Studios Theme Parks in Orlando, Florida. NMLS# 2026848

Employee News

by SouthStar BankJanuary 28, 2022

Welcome Martin Aechternacht

Martin Aechternacht, Mortgage Loan Officer | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Martin Aechternacht is located at the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Branch as a Mortgage Loan Officer. An alum of Texas Tech and Texas State University, Martin has spent the last six years in the banking industry focusing on mortgage lending. For Martin, the best part of his job is sitting at the closing table with his clients while they realize their dreams of homeownership. He is always ready to serve his community and find new places to leave his size 14 footprint behind. Martin currently specializes in VA, Jumbo, and Conventional home loans. “I treat all of my customers with the same respect and dedication,” he says. “No home is too small or large. I will get the job done.” In his community, Martin is a member of the Texas Tech University alumni group and San Marcos Food Drive. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, he is also a member of the Dallas Cowboys group in Lakeway. Martin likes to spend his time outside of the office snowboarding, doing cross-fit, playing golf, and hanging out on Lake Travis. Welcome Martin! NMLS# 1429303

Employee News

by SouthStar BankJanuary 26, 2022

Welcome Ryan Newton

Ryan Newton, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Leander Ryan Newton joins SouthStar Bank as a Personal Banker at our Leander location. Ryan graduated from Sam Houston State University in December 2021 with his BBA in Banking and Finance Institutions. He is excited to gain industry experience and bring his love for finance and keen people skills to the Leander operations team. In his free time, Ryan enjoys being outdoors salt-water fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. Welcome Ryan!

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankJanuary 25, 2022

Employee Spotlight- Cecilia Ramos Vazquez

Cecilia Ramos Vazquez, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Gonzales Cecilia Ramos Vazquez is a Personal Banker at our SouthStar Bank Gonzales Branch. She joined the team in 2021 and has quickly slid in as one of the family. In her short time with the bank, Cecilia has most enjoyed learning about the banking industry as a whole. When she’s not at work, Cecilia enjoys going dancing, doing yoga, and spending time with her nieces. One of her favorite pastimes is using her sewing machine to tailor her clothing. A lover of art, if she had the choice to meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, Cecilia would choose Frida Kahlo so that she could discuss the inspiration behind some of her most controversial pieces.

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankJanuary 20, 2022

Employee Spotlight- Carla Meisetschleager

Carla Meisetschleager, Vice President/Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Moulton Carla Meisetschleager is a Vice President and the Branch Manager at the SouthStar Bank Moulton Branch. She has been a part of the SouthStar Bank family for the last 31 years. During her long tenure in the banking industry, Carla has enjoyed meeting and assisting her many coworkers and customers, who she now considers all as friends. One of Carla’s biggest career achievements is being promoted to her current role of Branch Manager. Outside of work, Carla is a member of her local chapter of Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Members of CDA help administer scholarship programs, manage charity donations, and are helping hands amongst the community. As a cancer survivor of 26 years, Carla is also heavily involved in fundraising for cancer research. Some of her favorite organizations to support are the Lavaca County Relay for Life and Team ReJoyce. Carla also enjoys fishing, boating, gardening, traveling, and most of all taking care of her grandchildren. An interesting fact about Carla is that she is an avid fan of country music and the first concert she ever attended was to see George Strait. A fan to this day, if she could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, Carla would choose King George.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankJanuary 13, 2022

Welcome Randi Shapiro

Randi Shapiro, Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Leander Welcome Randi Shapiro! Randi recently joined the SouthStar Bank family as the new Branch Manager of the Leander location. She has spent the last 15 years in the banking industry and brings over 10 years of managerial experience to her new position. Randi is looking forward to sharing her unwavering customer service skills with the Leander and Cedar Park communities. Randi’s most significant personal achievement is successfully moving from Canada to Texas. In her free time, Randi loves to travel and spend time with her family and dogs. A secret skill of Randi’s is that she is really good at Mario Cart.

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankJanuary 10, 2022

Employee Spotlight- Bryce Wyatt

Bryce Wyatt, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch Bryce Wyatt joined SouthStar Bank as a Personal Banker at the end of 2021. A Texas A&M alumni, he is located at the Steiner Ranch branch. Although he is new to the banking industry, Bryce enjoys using his critical thinking skills to support his customers’ banking needs. “Getting to assist and interface with the people of the community is one of the best parts of the job,” he says. When he is not at work, Bryce enjoys fishing, hunting, golfing, watching sports, and hanging out with family. A fun fact about Bryce is that he has a goal to visit all 30 Major League Baseball ballparks before he dies. As of recent, he has visited three stadiums but has plans to visit more in the future. Gig ‘Em!

Bank News, Employee News

by SouthStar BankJanuary 7, 2022

Congratulations Jeff Harris! New Branch Executive

Congratulations to Jeff Harris on his promotion to Branch Executive! Jeff Harris has been promoted to Branch Executive at our Kerrville Branch. In banking since 2017, Jeff specializes in mortgage and consumer lending. A proud US Marine Corps. Veteran, Jeff has a passion for helping his fellow Veterans and families obtain the ultimate goal of homeownership. The values instilled in the USMC have influenced Jeff’s passions, which include active involvement in his community and building strong, trust-based relationships. “I am committed to helping clients achieve their dreams of owning a home; whether they are a first-time homebuyer or a high-net-worth investor, they will experience the same level of professionalism and compassion.,” he says. While Jeff will be taking on a new role, he plans to remain active in his community. Currently, Jeff serves as President for The Rotary Club of Kerrville and sits on the board of The City of Kerrville Planning & Zoning Commission. He is also the Vice President of the Hill Country Crisis Council, a Director for Together with Hill Country Veterans, and is currently enrolled in Leadership Kerr County Class 36. When he is not working, Jeff loves spending time with his wife Kristy, who is also a Veteran, attending Church, going salt-water fishing, attending symphony concerts, sporting events, and playing golf. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 1678994

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankJanuary 3, 2022

Employee Spotlight- Brittany Selement

Brittany Selement, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Kerrville Brittany Selement is a Personal Banker at the SouthStar Bank Kerrville Branch. In the banking industry for almost two years, Brittany continually strives to learn something new and expand her knowledge for the job. Brittany’s favorite part of her job is getting to know her customers individually and assisting them with their banking needs. When she’s not at work, Brittany enjoys hiking the great outdoors with her family. One of their most recent hikes was a 7-mile trail at the Hill Country State Natural Area. Brittany’s ideal travel destination is Colorado. The snow-capped mountains, colors in the sky, and the temperature are just a few of the things that make it unique.

Employee News, Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankDecember 29, 2021

Employee Awards & Anniversaries 2021

RIDE FOR THE BRAND The ride for the brand award recognizes those individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold the SouthStar Bank. 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- Jesica Garza Operations- Julie Gamez Support Operations- Derek Kapavik Support Lending- Blake Feste Mortgage Support- Dawn Embry Executive- Cole Schindler 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 to 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. Brent Gibbs Kevin Knesek TRAIL BOSS This year, we also wanted to recognize a few individuals who have stepped up in their leadership role. 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 I appreciate those who helped set the path for success. Bryan Buck Jo Ann Biezenski Ryan Noyce Trip Ray 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 in each region. They review many aspects including performance, leadership, service, and related organizational benefits. Urban North – Curtis Wren Urban South – Elise Giles Rural North – Roni Nickelson Rural South – Tamara Siegel RISING STAR AWARD We have a new award category this year recognizing our Rising Stars. 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- Melissa Chavez Support Operations- Keely McCarthy Support Lending- Shelby Mossman Mortgage Support- Christine McGinnis INVESTAR SUPER STAR New award! This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership Hilltop Securities. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship and the benefits it provides for our clients. Tina Zander COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SouthStar Bank takes great pride in supporting our communities. The Community Involvement […]