Author: SouthStar Bank

Trey Bertelson, Vice President/ Retail Banking Operations Officer | SouthStar Bank Loan Administration Building Trey Bertelson is the Retail Banking Operations Officer and a Vice President for SouthStar Bank Operations. He offices out of the SouthStar Bank Loan Administration Building in Leander. Trey joined the team in 2018 as the Leander Branch Operations Manager, bringing with him over ten years of industry experience. Being promoted to his current position, where he leads our retail team, is one of Trey’s most significant career highlights. Trey’s favorite thing about working at SouthStar Bank is getting to work with all of the different branch teams. “Every branch is different, and we have so many great personalities on our teams,” he said. “I feel fortunate to be a leader in such a great organization.”  Outside of the bank, Trey serves as the Treasurer for the Cedar Park Library Foundation. The foundation is committed to assisting the library in achieving excellence and developing business/community support. Some of the foundation’s initiatives include Fable Fest and Books for Babies.  Trey enjoys spending his free time with his wife and their French Bulldog, Lafayette. Trey’s hobbies include watching soccer and listening to podcasts. An avid traveler, Trey’s favorite place he has visited is Big Bend National Park. The feeling of being so remote and connected with the Earth were some of his favorite moments. 

Sonia Keller, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Shiner Sonia Keller works in the Shiner location as a Personal Banker. She recently joined the SouthStar Bank team this year after spending the last five years in the banking industry. Sonia’s passion for helping people is what led her into banking. Being able to complete all of her customer’s banking needs is Sonia’s favorite part of the job. “At the end of the day, I know that my customers’ needs have been met and that they are taken care of,” she says. Outside of work, Sonia has an active role with the Zion Lutheran Church in Sublime as Secretary for the Church Council. She holds the same title for the Bluebonnet Conference of the ELCA Congregation as well. Besides her volunteering, Sonia stays busy taking care of her three kids and their dog. Some of Sonia’s hobbies include reading, singing, and making jewelry for various craft shows. She is currently working to expand her current knowledge of Spanish and is working to become more fluent in the language. An interesting fact about Sonia is that her dream is to work at a zoo or animal sanctuary one day.

Sarah Ortega, Assistant Vice President of Lending/Loan Operations Processor | SouthStar Bank Calvert Sarah Ortega is an Assistant Vice President of Lending and Loan Operations Processor for SouthStar Bank located at our Calvert branch. She began her career in the banking industry with SouthStar Bank five years ago. The fast pace continually changing environment of Lending is one of Sarah’s favorite parts of the job. She also enjoys getting the chance to learn about the many jobs that keep the lending department running. A career highlight for Sarah was receiving the Ride for the Brand Award in 2018 and the Star Service Award in 2020. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She especially loves being with her kids and supporting them in all of their activities.