Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

To learn more about our mobile app, online banking, and more, watch our video tutorials.

Employee News

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 Claudia Gonzales! 2021 Best Teller

Congratulations Claudia Gonzales! Claudia was named the winner of the Best Teller category in the 2021 Kerr County Readers Choice awards. She is located at the SouthStar Bank Kerrville branch and has been with the bank for the last four years. Since starting her career in banking, Claudia has strived to always provide her customers with top notch service. Hoping to move up in the banking industry, Claudia enjoys learning about all aspects of banking including lending and new accounts. In her new role as a Personal Banker, she is excited to be able to assist her customers further with their banking needs.    

Congratulations Jeff Harris! 2021 Best Mortgage Lender Runner-Up

Congratulations Jeff Harris! Jeff was named runner-up in the Best Mortgage Lender category for the 2021 Kerr County Readers Choice Awards. He is a Vice President of Lending at the SouthStar Bank Kerrville location. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Jeff prides himself on his commitment to his customers, community, and country. All of his clients are treated with professionalism and compassion as they achieve their dreams of homeownership, whether they are first-time home buyers, someone moving to the community, or a second homeowner. NMLS# 1678994

Welcome Adriana Alvara

Adriana Alvara joins SouthStar Bank as Business Development Officer, bringing over 11 years of experience in the financial and strategic business industries. She is dedicated to the Business Manager Program which serves to stabilize business cash flow through accounts receivable financing. Adriana will develop relationships among the many growing businesses in Central Texas, helping them seize valuable opportunities for expansion.

Congratulations Bryan Buck!

SouthStar Bank would like to recognize Bryan Buck for graduating third in his class from SMU’s Southwestern Graduate School of Banking! Bryan has been with SouthStar Bank since 2007. Apart from being a shining star, Bryan is a husband, a father of three and a Deacon for the Westside Church of Christ in Killeen, TX. Congratulations, Bryan! You have distinguished yourself while attending SWGB as being a leader and a scholar. You have made the SouthStar Bank star shine brightly.

Welcome Tyler Lee

Tyler Lee will join the SouthStar Bank Georgetown Branch as Vice President of Lending. With over 20 years in the financial industry, Tyler’s experience allows him to help clients in many different aspects of their life, from consumer home loans to SBA and commercial real estate lending. Tyler Lee NMLS#614284

Load More
  • 1
  • 9
  • 10

Start typing and press Enter to search