Employee News

Emily Gamez, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Bee Cave Emily Gamez is joining the SouthStar Bank team as a Personal Banker at the Bee Cave location. A proud roadrunner, she graduated with her Bachelors from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 2020 and is currently working towards getting her MBA from UTSA as well. While Emily is new to banking, she is excited to use her top-notch customer service skills and small-town touch to build strong relationships with her customers and co-workers. Away from work and her studies, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and exploring all of the unique things and places Austin has to offer. Welcome to the SouthStar Bank family, Emily!

Amanda Minniear, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Georgetown The Georgetown team is growing with the addition of Amanda Minniear to the Operations team as a Personal Banker. An alumna of Texas Christian University, Amanda has worked in banking for over eight years and most recently held the position of Customer Service Representative. She is eager to bring her upbeat personality and willingness to learn to the Georgetown branch. Some of Amanda’s hobbies include reading, traveling, fishing, and spending time with her family. A secret talent of Amanda’s is that she can bake a very delectable dessert. Welcome Amanda!

Brianna Bracamontez, Junior Credit Analyst | SouthStar Bank Loan Administration Building Welcome back Brianna Bracamontez! After working as a Banking Intern at the Georgetown location in the summer of 2021, Brianna is returning to SouthStar Bank as a Junior Credit Analyst based in the Leander Loan Administration Building. A recent graduate from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, she is looking forward to aiding in the continuous growth of the bank. Away from the bank, Brianna enjoys spending time with her friends, traveling, reading, and running.

Dawson Sulak, Junior Credit Analyst | SouthStar Bank Loan Administration Building Dawson Sulak is joining the SouthStar Bank team as a Junior Credit Analyst. He will be based in the Loan Administration Building in Leander. Dawson is a graduate of Texas State University and is excited to bring his energy and hard work to the team. During his free time, Dawson likes to golf and travel. His favorite travel destination is Whistler Ski Resort in Whistler, British Columbia where he enjoys snowboarding. Welcome Dawson!

Miguel De La Riva, Vice President of Lending | SouthStar Bank Leander Miguel De La Riva is a Vice President of Lending serving both the communities of Leander and Harker Heights. With over 20 years of industry experience, Miguel has funded everything from small business loans, home loans for first-time buyers, and multi-million-dollar commercial real estate transactions. Most recently he led a team of lenders in originating international mortgages for United States citizens. He specializes in using his strong analytical and problem-solving skills to find solutions for complex loans. “ I always look forward to helping more people accomplish their goals and realize their dreams,” he says. “Helping the clients who were told ‘it cannot be done by everyone else is one of the best parts of my job.” Miguel is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and bilingual in Spanish. He enjoys serving his community and looks forward to getting involved with the local charities and organizations. Outside of work, Miguel enjoys spending his time in the great outdoors enjoying various bodies of water with his dogs and family. Welcome Miguel! NMLS# 980470

Martin Aechternacht, Mortgage Loan Officer | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Martin Aechternacht is located at the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Branch as a Mortgage Loan Officer. An alum of Texas Tech and Texas State University, Martin has spent the last six years in the banking industry focusing on mortgage lending. For Martin, the best part of his job is sitting at the closing table with his clients while they realize their dreams of homeownership. He is always ready to serve his community and find new places to leave his size 14 footprint behind. Martin currently specializes in VA, Jumbo, and Conventional home loans. “I treat all of my customers with the same respect and dedication,” he says. “No home is too small or large. I will get the job done.” In his community, Martin is a member of the Texas Tech University alumni group and San Marcos Food Drive. An avid Dallas Cowboys fan, he is also a member of the Dallas Cowboys group in Lakeway. Martin likes to spend his time outside of the office snowboarding, doing cross-fit, playing golf, and hanging out on Lake Travis. Welcome Martin! NMLS# 1429303

Ryan Newton, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Leander Ryan Newton joins SouthStar Bank as a Personal Banker at our Leander location. Ryan graduated from Sam Houston State University in December 2021 with his BBA in Banking and Finance Institutions. He is excited to gain industry experience and bring his love for finance and keen people skills to the Leander operations team. In his free time, Ryan enjoys being outdoors salt-water fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. Welcome Ryan!