Author: SouthStar Bank

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.

Pamela Barbeau, Assistant Vice President of Lending/Commercial Loan Closer, SBA Specialist | SouthStar Bank Georgetown Pamela Barbeau works at the Georgetown Branch as Assistant Vice President of Lending, Commercial Loan Closer, and SBA Specialist. She recently moved to the Georgetown location after starting at the Leander branch three years prior. For Pam, the highlight of her career has been mentoring, inspiring, and supporting others within their financial careers. As an SBA specialist, Pam works directly with small business owners in assisting with a variety of financial needs. She loves watching businesses succeed and achieve their goals. Pam served as President of the Austin chapter of Financial Women in Texas in 2017-2018. During her time as President, the Austin chapter achieved its highest membership and raised the most money at the Austin conference, all while empowering each women within the financial industry. In her free time, Pam also volunteers with the Georgetown Police Department. Some of Pam’s favorite past times include spending time with her granddaughter, reading, and vacationing with her family. An interesting fact about Pam is that the first concert she ever attended was to see Elvis Presley.