Bank News

Faith Shrader has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin branch. Faith was in her previous personal banker role for 2 years. During this time, she was responsible for opening new accounts, running transactions, and verifying correct information on deposit slips and checks. In her new position, Faith will be responsible for developing new and existing relationships between the bank and its customers. Faith is very focused on customer service and values her ability to know everyone who enters the branch by name. She is most excited about developing and adapting her leadership skills for the banking industry. As well as having the ability to share the knowledge she has gained over the years with new employees. In her free time, Faith enjoys reading, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Amanda Aaron has been promoted to the role of SBA Credit Officer at SouthStar Bank. She has 19 years of experience in the banking and finance industry as well as over 10 years of experience handling all facets of SBA Lending. Amanda specializes in small business lending and commercial real estate lending but has worked in a variety of other banking roles. She has experience in loan production, financing owner-occupied and investment real estate, servicing, and underwriting commercial credits. In her new position, Amanda will be responsible for originating and underwriting SBA loans, partnering with Loan Officers to assist with their SBA loans, and providing ongoing educational opportunities for both the staff and our community. She is most excited about growing and expanding the knowledge of what SBA lending can do for customers to all branches and markets SouthStar Bank serves, as well as being able to ensure the SBA program is strong and continues to be effective. Amanda is not only impressive in her work life, but she is also involved with several professional organizations, including a local SBA organization where she serves as the Vice President, CTAGGL, and is a member of CREW Austin. In her free time, Amanda enjoys watching all types of sporting events, coaching her daughter’s softball team, and spending time with family and friends.

Congratulations to Andrew Denny, who was recently awarded the EMBA scholarship at the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame Gala. Starting in the Fall, Andrew will be enrolled in the Executive MBA Program in Banking and Financial Institutions at Sam Houston State University. The program is a unique two-year program designed to develop and enhance a candidate’s skills necessary for a position of leadership in a financial institution or regulatory agency. The program emphasizes the integration and synthesis of various disciplines to develop a student’s ability to function and make sound administrative decisions in a dynamic financial institution environment. Apart from being a valued SouthStar Bank team member, Andrew is also a husband, father, and avid paddleboarder. Every year he volunteers to raise funds and awareness for the Flatwater Foundation, paddling 21 miles in the annual TYLER’S Dam That Cancer event. Congratulations and Good Luck, Andrew!

Kacy Kirk and Kristy Hollis have been promoted to the role of Vice President/Retail Area Manager for the Rural and Urban regions, respectively. Both Kacy and Kristy have thrived in their Branch Manager positions, using their knowledge and experience to support their teams and provide an outstanding banking experience for their customers. Their hard work was recognized in 2022 when both ladies were awarded the Ride for the Brand Award for Operations, which is one of the bank’s highest internal honors. In their new roles, both ladies will assist with the advancement of new employees, develop strategic plans with the retail team, and continue to grow customer relationships. Kristy is coming up on her fourth year with SouthStar Bank and has over two decades of banking experience overall. As the Retail Area Manager of the urban market, she is excited to share SouthStar Bank’s overarching vision and motivate her team to be the best they can possibly be. Kristy is a natural leader who thrives on sharing knowledge and seeing team members excel in their respective roles. When Kristy is away from work, she can be found spending time with her daughter. She points to being a mother as her biggest personal achievement and cherishes every moment she can spend with her family. Kristy also enjoys traveling, with cruises being her preferred method. She has a great appreciation for anywhere with beautiful blue water. Kacy has been in the banking industry for over a decade boasting 11 years of experience, including eight years at SouthStar Bank. In her new role as Retail Area Manager of the rural market, she is excited to be able to work on new projects aimed at elevating the customer and team member experience across all the branches in her area. Kacy is also involved in the Hearne community and finds great enjoyment in contributing her skills beyond the bank. Most recently, she has served three years on the Hearne Community Development Board as secretary and treasurer. When Kacy is out of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family. They enjoy traveling, camping, visiting family, and reading books. SouthStar Bank is excited to watch Kacy and Kristy continue to grow in their new positions and make our star shine! Congratulations, Kacy and Kristy!

Congratulations, Gillian Bowman! SouthStar Bank would like to recognize Gillian Bowman for completing the process to become a Certified Fraud Examiner! The process included four separate exams, which covered the topics of Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation, and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. Gillian joined the Audit department for SouthStar Bank in April 2022. During her short time with the bank, she has already made a huge impact and was awarded the 2022 Rising Star award for Support Operations. As a valued member of the team, SouthStar Bank is looking forward to Gillians’ continued success with the company.

Congratulations to Blake Feste, recently promoted to Senior Credit Officer! Blake has been a part of the SouthStar Bank team since 2017 and was previously an employee of former Lone Star Bank from 2013 to 2015. Blake has excelled in his role at the bank to uphold the overall quality of the Bank’s credit extension. He will continue to provide support and direction in loan policies and procedures, working with Credit Analysts and Regional Credit Managers to promote loan growth while balancing risk controls for the bank. Outside of work, Blake held a position as Co-Chair of Programs on the board for the Young Men’s Business League of Austin for 5 years. Blake and YMBL worked to raise money each year to send low-income youth to summer camp, assisting approximately 1,000 kids each year. As of 2022, he is an Alumni Member but continues to be heavily involved in the efforts of the non-profit organization. Blake and his wife, Ellen, live in Northwest Austin with their 3-year-old son, Liam. They enjoy traveling and cheering on his alma mater, the TCU Horned Frogs, during football season. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 683300

Congratulations to Jesica Garza on her promotion to Branch Executive! Jesica Garza has been promoted to Branch Executive of the SouthStar Bank Georgetown Branch. Jesica has been with SouthStar Bank for three years as a portfolio lender, specializing in land and construction financing. She has multiple years of prior experience in mortgage lending and has also taught mortgage and real estate investing courses to continuing education students as a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist. A local to Georgetown, Jesica proudly graduated as a Georgetown Eagle in 2004 and continued on to Texas State University to pursue her degree in International Relations. As Branch Executive, Jesica is looking forward to broadening and sustaining the branch’s relationships with the community. Active in the community, Garza previously served on the Austin Board of the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women. In addition, she stays involved with her husband’s non-profit, Flatwater Foundation, and its mission to provide access to therapy for families coping with a cancer diagnosis. Jesica and her husband, Mark, have two kids: one son and one daughter. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 1508061

Riley Martine has been promoted to the role of Assistant Vice President at the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin branch. She will continue in her role as Portfolio Manager and will also be taking on the official role of Executive Assistant to the Chief Lending Officer. Her initiative, positive attitude, and ability to multitask have given Riley a great reputation amongst her coworkers and clients. Riley is looking forward to continuing to assist in the management and growth of the bank’s portfolio. “I love learning and SouthStar never ceases to give me the opportunity to do so,” she says. In her free time, Riley enjoys running, reading, and going to concerts. Her biggest personal achievement was when she completed the Austin Half Marathon in April 2021. Congratulations Riley!