Employee News

Sujedi Ornelas has joined the SouthStar Bank Bee Cave team as a Personal Banker. Sujedi holds more than five years of experience in the banking industry, serving as a Senior Personal Banker at her previous institution. She also received her degree in Criminal Justice from South Plains College. Sujedi looks forward to bringing her strong work ethic, customer-first mindset, and willingness to learn and grow to the Bee Cave team. Sujedi finds joy in building relationships with her customers and helping them find solutions that meet their needs. She is also eager to contribute as a dependable team member, learn from her experienced colleagues, and create a positive experience for customers and the community. Outside of work, Sujedi spends her time traveling, working out, and exploring. Her biggest personal achievement has been staying committed to her goals and overcoming challenges to achieve them. This dedication has allowed her to develop astute discipline as well as a fine-tuned understanding of how best to balance her responsibilities, both personally and professionally. Through this, she has learned persistence, accountability, and the importance of following through, qualities she looks forward to bringing to her new role. Sujedi also trained in MMA in her youth. All of your investments are now a little extra safe at the Bee Cave branch with Sujedi around! Welcome to the team, Sujedi!

Michael Litton has joined SouthStar Bank as the Director of SBA Lending. Michael has worked in lending for more than three decades, developing an extensive knowledge base in mortgage and construction lending, conventional commercial loans, and an astute specialization in SBA Lending, which has been his focus for 29 years. Alongside his wealth of experience, Michael also received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. One of Michael’s crowning career achievements is having started three SBA Lending programs at three different financial institutions, overseeing the approval and funding of more than $500 million in SBA Loans. Michael is passionate about SBA Lending because he has seen firsthand how impactful it can be in helping someone start or acquire a business and in building wealth and creating jobs within the community. In his position with SouthStar Bank, Michael looks forward to continuing to be a preeminent source of expertise in SBA Lending for his colleagues and clients and creating relationships in the communities we serve. Outside of work, Michael is involved with the Central Texas Government Guaranteed Lenders Association (CTAGGL), an organization dedicated to educating lenders and small business owners about SBA funding. When he finds time to himself, Michael enjoys hunting, fishing, shooting, and spending time with his grandson. Michael is a sixth-generation Texan with deep Texas roots, contributing to the passion he brings to his communities. Welcome to the team, Michael! NMLS# 1849881

Rachel Forrister has joined the SouthStar Bank Round Rock branch as a Senior Vice President of Lending. Rachel has more than two decades of experience in the banking industry and holds a degree in Social Sciences from Washington State University. Specializing in commercial lending, Rachel is well-versed in commercial and industrial (C&I) lending and commercial real estate (CRE). Rachel is passionate about community banking, focusing on building and maintaining strong client relationships, supporting local businesses, and building trust within her community. Rachel is dedicated to creating value for her clients, ensuring their financial strategies align with their goals. Outside of work, Rachel often attends events hosted by the Cedar Park and Leander Chambers of Commerce, allowing her to deepen her connection to her community. When she finds time to herself, Rachel can be found cheering her children on at soccer games or gymnastics meets! Rachel and her family are also avid animal lovers and often volunteer with the Texas Humane Heroes animal shelter. Welcome to the team, Rachel! NMLS #2840203

Luis Alvarado has joined SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch as the Branch Executive and Senior Vice President of Lending. Luis has a wealth of experience in the banking industry, having spent more than three decades honing his craft in Central Texas. Throughout his career, Luis has developed expertise in a broad range of loan types, including Commercial Real Estate (CRE), Commercial and Industrial (C&I), SBA, and Owner-Occupied Real Estate (OORE). Developing strong, lasting relationships with his clients and helping their dreams become a reality is one of the great joys Luis takes from his role. Luis looks forward to getting to know the SouthStar Bank team, leveraging his experience and expertise to make a positive impact and help achieve the Bank’s goals. Outside of work, Luis is involved with several community organizations, including the Round Rock Chamber, Hutto CARES, the Hutto Chamber, the YMCA, and Big Boy Hester’s Foundation. Luis enjoys an active lifestyle and works out with his wife six days a week. He also enjoys playing sports with his children and traveling to tropical destinations to enjoy the beach and great food. Welcome to the team, Luis! NMLS# 1840702

Jeremy Kimbrell has joined the SouthStar Bank Bee Cave branch as a Senior Vice President of Lending and the Branch Executive. Jeremy received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Holding nearly two decades of experience in the banking industry, Jeremy is well-versed in several lending specialties, including single-family construction, land development, and commercial lending. Throughout his career, Jeremy has established himself as a trusted source for multiple builders and investors across the Austin area. He enjoys community banking because it lets him work with his clients on multiple fronts, helping them succeed both personally and professionally. As the Branch Executive of Bee Cave, Jeremy looks forward to helping clients accomplish their goals, whether that is helping them purchase a new home or a new office building for their expanding business. He strives to be the community banker that his clients can come to for all their needs. Outside of work, Jeremy works with Adults Independent and Motivated (AIM), a local group that supports young adults with special needs, helping them achieve independence. When he finds time to himself, Jeremy loves to spend time with his wife and children, accompanying his kids to  dance competitions and attending UT football and baseball games whenever they get the chance! Welcome to the team, Jeremy! NMLS# 1035315

Keely McCarthy has been promoted from Marketing Manager to Vice President of Marketing. Keely graduated from Sam Houston State University with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in General Business in 2020, receiving Magna Cum Laude honors. Beginning as an intern at SouthStar Bank six years ago, Keely has thrived at every step of her professional journey. She excelled in her initial full-time role as Marketing Coordinator, receiving the Rising Star Award in 2021. Her performance led to her promotion to the Marketing Manager role in 2023. Her exceptional leadership and expertise in the Marketing Manager role have been recognized on multiple occasions, receiving the Rising Star Award in 2023, the Trail Boss Award in 2024, and the President’s Award in 2025. Keely looks forward to continuing to provide creative marketing solutions for both the loan and operations teams, as well as creating unique initiatives and campaigns to support the Bank’s overarching goals. In her role, Keely will head several tasks, including ad management, event execution, social media management, email marketing, and just about everything in between! Keely’s diverse skill set and expertise have prepared her for any challenge thrown her way. Outside of work, Keely is a big sports fan and follows several teams, her favorite being the San Diego Padres. She also enjoys reading, sewing, doing puzzles, and discovering new TV shows and movies with her fiancé. Congratulations, Keely!

Antonio Torres has joined the SouthStar Bank Leander branch as a Credit Analyst I. Antonio received his degree in Finance from Texas State University and holds two years of prior experience in the banking industry. In his new role, he is excited to bring a fresh perspective to the Credit Department alongside his experience in banking and financial analysis. Antonio is eager to contribute to the team and help the Bank achieve its goals. Outside of work, Antonio is an active runner and loves to travel. His secret talent is that he is ambidextrous, and his biggest personal achievement is graduating from college. Welcome to the team, Antonio!

Matthew Danielson has been promoted from Portfolio Manager to Vice President of Lending at the Georgetown location. Matthew has seven years of banking experience, with the last five spent sharpening his craft at SouthStar Bank. In his previous role, Matthew developed a keen understanding of all facets of the deal lifecycle, from underwriting and credit preparation to closing and funding. As he moves into his lending role, he looks forward to leveraging this understanding into skills that will allow him to serve his clients best and manage customer relationships. Matthew’s financial foundation has given him a strong understanding of Commercial Real Estate and experience across several asset classes, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to help clients get the funding they need. In his new role, Matthew looks forward to expanding his existing customer relationships and building new ones. He is also excited to get more involved in the community through programs such as Leadership Georgetown, Leadership Temple, CCIM, and Temple Area Builders Association. Outside of work, Matthew has a passion for the outdoors, spending much of his time away from work fishing, golfing, and hunting. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and newborn son. Congratulations, Matthew! NMLS# 2182960

Charlie Waters has joined the SouthStar Bank Georgetown branch as the Branch Executive and Senior Vice President of Lending. Charlie holds more than a decade of experience in the banking industry with a strong focus on commercial real estate. Throughout his career, Charlie has had a great track record of success, with one of his most significant achievements being when he led his previous branch to be one of six branches out of 200 to increase both loans and deposits. As a lender, Charlie enjoys seeing his customers grow and developing projects that expand his team. He loves the feeling of knowing he is helping both his local economy and community. In his role with SouthStar Bank, Charlie looks forward to helping the Bank grow in a way that benefits customers and shareholders. Outside of work, Charlie is very involved in his community. He has served on several boards and committees throughout his career and is currently a board member of the Round Rock Chamber and a member of Rotary. He also enjoys spending time with his children and loves to hunt, fish, and golf when he can. Charlie is also a fifth-generation Williamson County resident, with past family members who have served as mayor, and a local school named after his great-grandfather. Welcome to the team, Charlie! NMLS# 1783984

Sam Bell has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending and Urban North Area Manager. Sam has 17 years of experience in the banking industry, becoming well-versed in commercial real estate and residential lending, as well as in management roles that have cultivated his leadership style and results-driven mindset. He has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to exceed expectations while maintaining a strong focus on relationship banking and deal execution. In his previous role, Sam consistently demonstrated strong production, disciplined execution, and a deep understanding of what it takes to get the job done. In his new role, Sam looks forward to leading the Loan Officers in the Urban North Area and working closely with bank executives to help achieve the Bank’s strategic goals. Outside of work, Sam enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Sam has also been a member of CCIM for four years and serves on the organizational team for their Annual Clay Shoot event. Congratulations Sam!