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SouthStar Bank has opened two relief funds to support the flood recovery efforts in Kerr & Williamson counties. Contact your local branch to donate!

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Welcome Madison Jalufka

Madison Jalufka, Loan Intern | SouthStar Bank Shiner Madison Jalufka joins the Shiner Branch as a Summer Loan Intern. Madison is a Senior at Texas A&M University, where she is studying Ag Economics. During her internship, Madison is most excited to bring her positive attitude to the team and learn an abundant amount of new information. Madison enjoys staying active in her spare time, spending time with family and friends, and watching football. A secret skill of hers is that she can make great chicken parmesan. Welcome Madison!

Welcome Joey Patek

Joey Patek, Vice President of Lending | SouthStar Bank Shiner Joseph “Joey” Patek is the Vice President of Lending at the SouthStar Bank Shiner branch. He comes to SouthStar Bank with 20 years of experience as a Superintendent of Schools. During his career in education, Joey created and implemented budgets and secured funding for multiple construction projects. In his new role, he is excited to help his customers achieve their goals and dreams. Outside of the bank, Joey likes to spend time with his family, fishing in Rockport, and listening to music. He is also planning on getting involved with the local Rotary Club. NMLS# 2157148

Welcome Lane Jackson

Lane Jackson, Personal Banking Intern | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Lane Jackson joins SouthStar Bank as a Personal Banking Intern at our Southwest Austin location. Lane is currently a student at Abilene Christian University and is pursuing a degree in Business Administration. He is excited to gain industry experience and bring his customer service and problem-solving skills to the operations team. In his free time, Lane enjoys long-distance running, reading, and traveling. He has traveled to multiple states and countries and has a goal of visiting every national park in the United States.

Welcome Riley Martine

Riley Martine, Commercial Loan Closing Coordinator | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Welcome Riley Martine! Riley joins the SouthStar Bank lending department as a Commercial Loan Closing Coordinator. She offices out of the Southwest Austin location. An alum of The University of Texas at Austin, Riley has spent the last three years in banking, starting as a Personal Banker. She is eager to bring her organizational skills and excitement for learning to the SouthStar Bank team. In her free time, Riley enjoys running. She completed the Austin Half Marathon in April 2021.

Employee Spotlight- Sonia Keller

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.

Employee Spotlight- Sarah Ortega

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.

Welcome Mary Hall

Mary Hall, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Bremond Mary Hall joins SouthStar Bank as a Personal Banker at the Bremond Branch. She has nine years of experience in the banking industry, with six of those years being spent at the SouthStar Bank Franklin location, formerly known as First Star Bank. Mary is excited to return to SouthStar Bank and is looking forward to meeting and assisting her new customers. Welcome back to the SouthStar Bank family, Mary!

Welcome Janis Cowman Arteaga

Janis Cowman Arteaga, Commercial Loan Closing Coordinator | SouthStar Bank Georgetown Janis Cowman Arteaga brings over 20 years of finance experience with her new role as Commercial Loan Closing Coordinator at SouthStar Bank’s Georgetown Branch. Janis is eager to apply her experiences in her position with SouthStar Bank. Outside of work, Janis loves spending time with her family and traveling the U.S. Her favorite place she has traveled to is Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Welcome to the team Janis!

Welcome Alexis Stilley

Alexis Stilley, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Harker Heights Alexis Stilley joins SouthStar Bank as a Personal Banker at the Harker Heights Branch. A Student at Central Texas Community College, Alexis is currently working to earn her Business Management degree. In her role, Alexis looks forward to meeting and building lasting relationships with her customers. In her free time, Alexis enjoys traveling, coaching little league soccer, and watching makeup and beauty tutorials on YouTube. Welcome Alexis!

Welcome Emily Lee

Emily Lee, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Georgetown Emily Lee joins the SouthStar Bank Georgetown branch as a Personal Banker. New to the banking industry, Emily is excited to work hard, learn and provide the best customer service to the people of Georgetown. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and being active in the outdoors. Welcome Emily!

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