Author: SouthStar Bank

Chelsey Carothers, Marketing Director| SouthStar Bank Voss Office Chelsey Carothers is the Marketing Director at SouthStar Bank. A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin she has been with SouthStar Bank for the last five years. Chelsey loves that with her role she is able to work with people across all levels, departments, and regions of the bank. One of her biggest career achievements is that she received the SouthStar Bank Ride for the Brand Award in 2019. Outside of work, Chelsey enjoys giving back to her community. She is a Board Member for the Port Aransas Rod & Reel Fishing Club which works to support game fish conservation. She also volunteers with the Star Warriors Project and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Chelsey likes to spend her free time in the outdoors fishing, boating, hunting, and walking her Great Dane Gunner. Always in a state of wanderlust, she has multiple destinations she hopes to visit one day including Argentina.

Candace Barrett, Mortgage Closer| SouthStar Bank Mortgage Operations Center Candace Barrett is a Mortgage Closer at SouthStar Bank. She has been with the bank for three years and works primarily with residential loans. The best part of Candace’s job is helping loans “get to the finish line.” She says, “it’s the best feeling getting to assist others make their home ownership dreams a reality.” Candace enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons. Candace and her family love to play football, basketball, go shopping, cook, and travel. One thing people don’t know about Candace is that she loves to sing. She one day hopes to take her travels internationally and retire  somewhere with a gorgeous beach.

Bryan Buck, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Security Officer| SouthStar Bank Harker Heights Branch Bryan Buck is SouthStar Bank’s Chief Technology Officer, Senior Vice President, and Security Officer. Bryan has been with SouthStar Bank for 12 years and works from the Harker Heights Branch. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, at SMU. Bryan enjoys getting to help people achieve their financial goals. Maintaining an active role in the community, Bryan is a member of the Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce, Harker Heights Recreational Soccer League, Salado Community Chorus, and the Westside Church of Christ. He also serves as President of the Nolanville Economic Development Corporation which works to increase community development. Bryan enjoys hiking, gardening, singing, and spending time with his kids. Due to his musical background, he can sing and play at least eight different instruments. His dream vacation would be to travel to various natural environments such as the Redwood forests of California or the mountains on the Grand Tetons. NMLS# 469503

Blake McNicoll, Credit Analyst | SouthStar Bank Leander Branch Blake McNicoll has worked in the banking and finance industry for over nine years. Previously working at a local CPA firm, Blake joined the SouthStar Bank team three years ago. He completed his undergrad at The University of Texas at San Antonio and received his MBA from Sam Houston State University. Blake’s favorite part about his job is his critical role in helping customers. In his community, Blake is a member of the Costal Conservation Association and Ducks Unlimited. He has also helped build houses for Habitat for Humanity and volunteered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. When he is not at work, Blake enjoys grilling, working out, and spending time with family. Blake is a big sports fan and enjoys watching his favorite teams the Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, and the Houston Rockets. One thing people don’t know about Blake is that he is an Eagle Scout. Blake enjoys traveling and hopes to one day take an Alaskan Cruise.

Blake Feste, Vice President of Credit Administration | SouthStar Bank Leander Branch Blake Feste is a VP of Credit Administration at our SouthStar Bank Loan Administration Building in Leander. A TCU graduate, Blake has been a part of the SouthStar Bank family for over four years. Blake personally enjoys using his problem-solving skills to identify potential solutions for challenging issues and creating efficiencies for the institution. Outside of work, Blake is on the board of the Young Men’s Business League of Austin (YMBL), where he serves as Co-Chair of Programs. Through this role he coordinates member volunteering with the non-profit’s affiliated entity, the Austin Sunshine Camps (ASC), and leads fundraising efforts each year to send low-income youth to summer camp at no cost to their families. In 2019, he assisted in sending over 1,000 kids to ASC. Blake is a big sports fan and likes to spend his time watching football on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall. He also enjoys traveling and hopes to one day take a ski trip in Japan. Blake and his wife welcomed their first child in 2019.