Bank News

Congratulations to Curtis Wren on his promotion to Executive Vice President! Curtis has spent the last four decades in banking and finance. He has been with SouthStar Bank for the last eight years, where he has made a significant impact on the Bank’s loan approval process as a Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. In his role, Curtis is responsible for the Credit Administration Group and the administration and maintenance of the Bank’s Lending, Appraisal & Evaluation, and Environmental policies, and the adherence to them in analyzing, underwriting, and approving loans. Prior to his promotion, Curtis was awarded the 2021 President’s Award, which is given to the individual who has made the organization’s strongest contribution over the past year. As Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Curtis will continue to share his extensive knowledge and experience with the loan officers and credit analysts. “I don’t look at lending just from the viewpoint of the collateral and cash flow,” he says, “I look at lending in the context of the request and as making a smart investment in the people behind the request, and I will continue to share that philosophy.”  A proud member of the Georgetown community, Curtis is involved with several local organizations including Main Street Baptist Church, Ducks Unlimited, and the Coastal Conservation Association. He has also held leadership positions with the Georgetown Rotary Club where he was the Director and the Sargent-at-Arms. In his free time, Curtis enjoys barbecuing, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends, particularly his four grandchildren. Two of  his most significant personal accomplishments are his marriage to wife, Charis, for 38 ½ years and the wonderful family they have raised. A surprising pastime is that he enjoys making renovations to his 1890s home and yard. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 680305

Amanda Aaron has been named a 2022 Emerging SBA Lender of the Year by Coleman Publishing, which is a Nationally recognized publication of SBA information to small business bankers. Amanda joined SouthStar Bank in July 2019, bringing in over 15 years of financial experience to the team. Beginning her career in credit and quickly working her way up to a seasoned loan officer, Amanda expertly guides her clients through the entire lending process and makes them feel comfortable in what can seem a daunting endeavor. Amanda is levelheaded, compassionate, and practical when it comes to SBA lending. She takes the time to learn the client’s business and identify the best loan option for their financial needs. Keeping the borrower’s utmost success in mind, she quickly becomes a trusted advisor and partner. With small-town roots, Amanda is passionate about small business and its crucial effect on main street America. This passion drives her ongoing pursuit to be the subject matter expert for all things SBA, even in an ever-changing environment. This was especially crucial during the frenzy of PPP lending where Amanda remained up to date on the latest guidelines. As a valued member of the SouthStar Bank SBA Team, Amanda actively shares her knowledge with new and seasoned loan officers.  Amanda is a member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and the Central Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (CTAGGL). Coleman Publishing is the leading provider of information to small business bankers. They produce and distribute training courses, webinars, and newsletters to help assist small business bankers in their lending decisions. Every year Coleman Publishing hosts the SBA Lender Professional Awards to honor SBA lenders and their exceptional contributions to the SBA lending community. Congratulations Amanda! Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 1819235

Congratulations to Jeff Harris on his promotion to Branch Executive! Jeff Harris has been promoted to Branch Executive at our Kerrville Branch. In banking since 2017, Jeff specializes in mortgage and consumer lending. A proud US Marine Corps. Veteran, Jeff has a passion for helping his fellow Veterans and families obtain the ultimate goal of homeownership. The values instilled in the USMC have influenced Jeff’s passions, which include active involvement in his community and building strong, trust-based relationships. “I am committed to helping clients achieve their dreams of owning a home; whether they are a first-time homebuyer or a high-net-worth investor, they will experience the same level of professionalism and compassion.,” he says. While Jeff will be taking on a new role, he plans to remain active in his community. Currently, Jeff serves as President for The Rotary Club of Kerrville and sits on the board of The City of Kerrville Planning & Zoning Commission.  He is also the Vice President of the Hill Country Crisis Council, a Director for Together with Hill Country Veterans, and is currently enrolled in Leadership Kerr County Class 36. When he is not working, Jeff loves spending time with his wife Kristy, who is also a Veteran, attending Church, going salt-water fishing, attending symphony concerts, sporting events, and playing golf. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 1678994

Congratulations to Amber Gallagher on her promotion to CRE Draw Manager! Amber Gallagher was promoted to CRE Draw Manager of the SouthStar Bank Commercial Real Estate Department. In the industry for over 15 years, Amber started as a Personal Banker. Since her transition to lending, she has been instrumental in the closing and servicing of some of the most complex and high-dollar transactions in SouthStar Banks’s portfolio. Amber enjoys working closely with clients on their loan needs and assisting loan officers in carrying out smooth transactions. Her expertise and attention to detail are just two of the many reasons she has been chosen to take over as CRE Draw Manager. She will continue in her role as Vice President and Commercial Loan Closing Coordinator handling a broad range of business, from agriculture and commercial loans to mortgage financing. Amber and her husband enjoy spending time with their kids and watching them grow in their college education pursuit and new adventures. During her time away from the office, Amber and her family enjoy spending time outside on different lakes boating and surfing. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 1691626