Author: SouthStar Bank

Bryce Johnston, Loan Review Analyst | SouthStar Bank Leander Bryce Johnston has rejoined the SouthStar Bank team as a Loan Review Analyst. Bryce originally joined the team in the summer of 2023, working as an intern in the Credit Department and exhibiting an excellent ability to thrive in a team environment. Bryce recently graduated with a degree in Finance from St. Edward’s University. He brings an inquisitive sense of curiosity that allows him to learn and grow in his position continuously. He believes each loan has a different story, which helps keep him engaged with all the loans that come to him for review. Outside of work, Bryce enjoys golfing, watching sports, and following the stock market. He also loves to travel, and his favorite destination thus far has been France, where he was able to visit the World War II sites in Normandy and enjoy the excellent cuisine. One of Bryce’s most significant achievements was winning the Conference Championship as a St. Edward’s Lacrosse Team member during his time at the University.

Michael Lott, AVP & Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch Michael Lott joins the SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch team as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. Michael brings a wealth of experience to his new position, with over two decades of experience dealing with the banking industry’s ever-changing landscape. Along with his knowledge, Michael is excited to bring his top-notch customer service skills to his customers and lead SouthStar Bank to be the standard for service in Texas. As a leader of the Steiner Ranch team, Michael is excited to work and share all of the knowledge that will help his team in their professional pursuits. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys songwriting, singing, reading, and spending time with his three children. Michael’s hidden talent is his singing voice. He even once performed as Elvis at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas! Michael’s favorite destination that he has traveled to is Munich, Germany.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. MERCHANT SERVICES SUPERSTAR This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Merchant Services. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship. 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. 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 […]

Jorden Caudle, Credit Analyst | SouthStar Bank Leander Annex Jorden Caudle has joined the SouthStar Bank family as a Credit Analyst. Jorden received her degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio and has one year of experience in the banking industry. Jorden is looking forward to learning and growing in her position with SouthStar Bank and hopes to contribute to the growth of the credit department. Outside of the office, Jorden enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing volleyball, and visiting the lake in the summer months.

Brittany Mantey, AVP & Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Round Rock Brittany Mantey has joined the SouthStar Bank Round Rock branch as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. Brittany brings with her 12 years of experience in the banking industry, including a decade at her previous financial institution, where she worked her way up from her original teller role to her final position of Branch Manager. Her previous experience at a small-town community bank taught her the value of building lifelong relationships with her customers. Brittany is excited to join the SouthStar Bank family and looks forward to building relationships within the community and bank-wide. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, competing in BBQ cookoffs, and traveling, with their favorite destination being Destin, Florida. She spends much of her time with her children, accompanying them to sporting events and even coaching their softball team.