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Employee News

Welcome Randi Shapiro

Randi Shapiro, Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Leander Welcome Randi Shapiro! Randi recently joined the SouthStar Bank family as the new Branch Manager of the Leander location. She has spent the last 15 years in the banking industry and brings over 10 years of managerial experience to her new position. Randi is looking forward to sharing her unwavering customer service skills with the Leander and Cedar Park communities. Randi’s most significant personal achievement is successfully moving from Canada to Texas. In her free time, Randi loves to travel and spend time with her family and dogs. A secret skill of Randi’s is that she is really good at Mario Cart.

Congratulations Jeff Harris! New Branch Executive

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

Employee Awards & Anniversaries 2021

RIDE FOR THE BRAND The ride for the brand award recognizes those individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold the SouthStar Bank. In the cowboy days, when you worked for a big ranch or participated in a trail drive the cowboy was loyal to the Brand he “rode for.”  Guys that rode for the brand had deep connections representing the ranch that transcended their daily work.  To strengthen our culture, we continue to need employees that are a good example of this type of steadfast loyalty and who support our mission, vision, and values. Loan Officer- Jesica Garza Operations- Julie Gamez Support Operations- Derek Kapavik Support Lending- Blake Feste Mortgage Support- Dawn Embry Executive- Cole Schindler STAR LEADER The Star Leader award is a special award given to applaud and promote the work and contributions of our most senior team. These individuals articulate a compelling vision for the institution and to have inspired others to that vision. They actively support all aspects of our Bank’s advancement and show the highest commitment to professional growth. Recipients deserve exceptional notice and praise. Brent Gibbs Kevin Knesek TRAIL BOSS This year, we also wanted to recognize a few individuals who have stepped up in their leadership role. On a cattle drive, Trail Boss is the one in charge of the entire operation – keeping track of all the different elements of the drive, selecting routes, and making key decisions. Our Trail Boss awards go to those who have helped guide our teams, selected routes for new and expanded operations, and supported key initiatives to exceed expectations. We can all agree that this year brought many new challenges, and I appreciate those who helped set the path for success. Bryan Buck Jo Ann Biezenski Ryan Noyce Trip Ray PRESIDENT’S AWARD This prestigious recognition is awarded by the bank president, David Kapavik, to the individual he and the executive team feel has made the strongest contribution to the organization over the past year in each region. They review many aspects including performance, leadership, service, and related organizational benefits. Urban North – Curtis Wren Urban South – Elise Giles Rural North – Roni Nickelson Rural South – Tamara Siegel RISING STAR AWARD We have a new award category this year recognizing our Rising Stars. These individuals have been with the bank for less than two years, but have already made our star shine brighter. These emerging leaders were selected by the executive committee in each department because of their exceptional growth and contributions to the organization as well as increased levels of leadership, responsibility, and sphere of impact. Operations- Melissa Chavez Support Operations- Keely McCarthy Support Lending- Shelby Mossman Mortgage Support- Christine McGinnis INVESTAR SUPER STAR New award! This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership Hilltop Securities. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship and the benefits it provides for our clients. Tina Zander COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SouthStar Bank takes great pride in supporting our communities. The Community Involvement […]

Congratulations Amber Gallagher! New CRE Draw Manager

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

Congratulations Larry Weisinger! New Branch Executive

Congratulations to Larry Weisinger on his promotion to Branch Executive! Larry D. Weisinger was promoted to Branch Executive of the SouthStar Bank Bee Cave Branch. With nearly two decades in the commercial and residential banking sector, Weisinger provides vast expertise to the local community. A graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas, he quickly excelled with a passion for consulting clients in reaching their financial goals. Weisinger has developed a proven strategy for success, built on traditional customer service and a unique understanding of the mortgage loan process and local market. He has shown strong leadership and performance in his role as Senior Vice President of Lending and will be an asset in guiding the team at the Bee Cave location. Weisinger will continue to specialize in mortgage loans, including traditional home loans, bank-held portfolio loans, and construction financing. A native Texan, Larry enjoys spending time in the great outdoors hunting and fishing. A 20-year resident of Lake Travis, Larry has been married to his wife Tracie for 29 years. They raised two children in the LT school district, both excelled academically and athletically. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender | NMLS# 299096

Welcome Kristi Connell

Kristi Connell, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Harker Heights The SouthStar Bank Harker Heights branch recently added, Personal Banker, Kristi Connell to their team. Fairly new to the banking industry, Kristi is excited to bring her positivity and drive to the job. She strives every day to be better in all things she does. An interesting fact about Kristi is that she put out her own album in 2018 titled “Through it All.” Welcome to the SouthStar Bank Family Kristi!

Welcome Kerrville Team

The SouthStar Bank family recently grew with the addition of the new Kerrville location. The acquisition brings ten new members to the team. Kyla Gesell will lead the Kerrville Operations team as Assistant Vice President & Branch Manager. In her new role, she is excited to create a relaxed and fun work environment that people enjoy coming to every day while keeping strong customer service skills as a top priority. In her personal life, Kyla considers her most significant achievement to be the life she is building with her husband and soon-to-be son. Meghan Jackson is a Personal Banker on the Kerrville team. Meghan started her career in banking in 2009 and was promoted from teller to Personal Banker. She considers her friendliness, attention to detail, creativity, and quirkiness to be some of her greatest assets. Outside of work, Meghan loves to spend time with her two teenage sons. Personal Banker, Sche Kehner, began as a teller and has now been in the banking industry for 10 years. Sche enjoys using her fantastic communication skills to build relationships with customers. Away from the bank, some of Sche’s favorite hobbies include wade fishing and hanging out with her husband and fur babies. Claudia Gonzales has been with the bank for the last four years and is transitioning to the role of Personal Banker. She enjoys learning about the banking industry and assisting her customers. Claudia strives to continue learning more about the banking industry as a whole. In her free time, Claudia enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and animals. She also enjoys makeup applications and loves to try out new techniques. Rounding out the operations team is Personal Banker Brittany Selement. She began her career in the banking industry two years ago when she joined the Kerrville team. Brittany loves applying the knowledge she has gained from her time with the bank and is always eager to learn more about the industry. A mountain girl at heart, Brittany loves to travel to Colorado. Exploring the mountains and hiking are some of her favorite activities. Sherri Steadham is a part of the Kerrville lending team as a Loan Assistant. Sherri joined the team and the banking industry under two years ago. Her strong customer service skills have made her a valuable asset to the team. Sherri has lived in Kerrville for nearly 40 years and enjoys spending her free time with family and crafting. Shelby Mossman began her banking career as a teller quickly worked her way up to Personal Banker and later to her current position of Loan Assistant. In her role, Shelby strives to always apply her outstanding work ethic in each customer interaction. Shelby likes to spend her leisure time in the great outdoors, camping and hiking with her pup Buddy.  The Kerrville Lending team is growing with the addition of Donny Lehmann. He joins the team as a Vice President of Lending. Donny has been in the industry for almost 20 years and specializes in Secondary […]

Welcome Trent Sconiers

Trent Sconiers, Portfolio Manager | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Trent Sconiers joins the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin branch as a Portfolio Manager. He holds three years of banking operations experience and is currently beginning his new role in the lending department. He started his career as a teller and worked his way up the ranks as a personal banker, operations manager, and Compliance Officer. Trent is excited to connect with prospective customers and learn the lending process from top to bottom. As a graduate of Texas A&M, Trent is a college football enthusiast and enjoys cheering on the Aggies on Saturdays in the fall. He also enjoys hunting, golfing, Texas barbecue, and the occasional craft beer. Welcome to the team Trent! NMLS# 1508585

Welcome Kandice Bethke

Kandice Bethke, Vice President of Lending | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Kandice Bethke is a Vice President of Lending in the Fredericksburg area. Working in the industry for the last 15 years, Kandice started her career in a teller position and was quickly promoted up the ranks to customer service representative, Lending Assistant, trainer, loan officer, Market Manager, and now Vice President of Lending. Kandice has worked with multiple types of loans in her past roles, including portfolio, mortgage, and commercial.   In her community, Kandice has been on the board of her local Habitat of Humanity chapter for the last two years and recently became the President in 2020. “It is amazing to see so many people come together to help a family in need,” says Kandice. When not at work, Kandice enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their three children. Some of their favorite activities include fishing and kayaking. Welcome Kandice!

Welcome Liz Radvansky

Liz Radvansky, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Bee Cave The SouthStar Bank Bee Cave location has added Liz Radvansky to the team. Liz is joining the team as a Personal Banker and brings over nine years of industry experience. She is eager to bring her expertise and positive attitude to her role. Away from the bank, Liz loves to spend her time outside. Some of her favorite outdoor activities include golfing, hiking, swimming, and bird watching. Welcome Liz!

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