Employee News Archives - Page 3 of 10 - SouthStar Bank, S.S.B.

by SouthStar BankJanuary 8, 2024

Congratulations Greg Vesely & Miguel De La Riva New Area Managers

Greg Vesely and Miguel De La Riva have been promoted to Area Managers in the Urban South and Rural North regions. Miguel and Greg have found incredible success in their previous roles as Loan Officers and, eventually, Branch Executives. Both men have shown exceptional dedication throughout their time with SouthStar, leaning on their knowledge and experience to offer premier service to their customers. In their new roles, Miguel and Greg will work closely with their teams of loan officers to develop and achieve goals that will help deliver the optimal lending experience to all customers. Greg Vesely (Urban South) started his banking career in 1993 and became a lender in 1995. He has been with SouthStar Bank since 2016 and has been the Branch Executive of the Steiner Ranch branch since 2017. Greg holds multiple licenses, including Series 6, 63, and Group 1. As a loan officer, Greg enjoys being his clients’ trusted advisor. By understanding their needs, he is able to help them achieve growth and success. One of Greg’s career highlights was being named a Top Mortgage Producer in the Austin Metro Area by Austin Business Journal and being awarded the Trail Boss award, one of SouthStar Bank’s highest internal honors for leadership. Big in his community, Greg is a former Marine and enjoys giving back through multiple organizations, including March of Dimes, Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots, and United Way. In his free time, Greg enjoys traveling across the U.S. with his family. Miguel De La Riva (Rural North) has been in lending for more than two decades and has been with SouthStar Bank for two years. In his long career in the financial industry, Miguel has funded everything from small business loans, home loans for first-time buyers, and multi-million-dollar commercial real estate transactions. He specializes in using his strong analytical and problem-solving skills to find solutions for complex loans. In his short time with the bank, Miguel has excelled as the Branch Executive of the Harker Heights branch, led the charge with the development of the ITIN loan program, and has been assisting as an extra loan officer in the Robertson County branches. Miguel is a United States Marine Corps veteran and bilingual in Spanish. Outside of work, Miguel enjoys spending his time in the great outdoors, enjoying various bodies of water with his wife and loyal dogs.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankDecember 26, 2023

Welcome Michael Lott

Michael Lott, AVP & Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch Michael Lott joins the SouthStar Bank Steiner Ranch team as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. Michael brings a wealth of experience to his new position, with over two decades of experience dealing with the banking industry’s ever-changing landscape. Along with his knowledge, Michael is excited to bring his top-notch customer service skills to his customers and lead SouthStar Bank to be the standard for service in Texas. As a leader of the Steiner Ranch team, Michael is excited to work and share all of the knowledge that will help his team in their professional pursuits. Outside of the office, Michael enjoys songwriting, singing, reading, and spending time with his three children. Michael’s hidden talent is his singing voice. He even once performed as Elvis at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas! Michael’s favorite destination that he has traveled to is Munich, Germany.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankDecember 21, 2023

Employee Awards & Anniversaries 2023

RIDE FOR THE BRAND The Ride for the Brand award recognizes those individuals who have gone above and beyond to uphold the SouthStar Bank brand. 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. 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 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. TRAIL BOSS We also wanted to recognize a few individuals who have stepped up in their leadership roles. 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 the executive team appreciates those who helped set the path for success. 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. RISING STAR AWARD 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. INVESTAR SUPERSTAR This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Hilltop Securities. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship and the benefits it provides for our clients. MERCHANT SERVICES SUPERSTAR This award recognizes one individual who has embraced our partnership with Merchant Services. We look forward to the continued growth of this relationship. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SouthStar Bank takes great pride in supporting our communities. The Community Involvement Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for exemplifying the community bank spirit through active involvement in worthy causes and initiatives throughout the area. STAR SERVICE AWARD The Star Service Award recognizes one recipient in each of our four regions for service above and beyond the expected norm. Recipients consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge of our products and […]

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankDecember 4, 2023

Employee Spotlight – Brittany Edwards

Brittany Edwards, Loan Operations Processor | SouthStar Bank Calvert Brittany Edwards is a Loan Operations Processor at the SouthStar Bank Calvert branch. Brittany began her career in banking with SouthStar Bank two and a half years ago and has quickly adapted to the industry’s unique challenges. Brittany received the 2022 Shining Star Award after just a year with the bank and is excited to continue to grow her knowledge and impact. She finds joy in helping customers build their dream homes and appreciates being a part of an industry that strives to exceed customer expectations and put a smile on every face. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys attending her child’s sporting events, spending time with family, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankNovember 16, 2023

Employee Spotlight – Samalia Huggins

Samalia Huggins, Commercial Loan Closing Coordinator | SouthStar Bank Harker Heights Samalia Huggins is a Commercial Loan Closing Coordinator at the SouthStar Bank Harker Heights branch. Samalia attended Miller-Motte Technical College and has worked in the banking industry for five years. She is proud to be a part of an organization that puts its customers and employees first. Samalia enjoys assisting customers in making their dreams come true, whether that be assisting them with purchasing their first home, buying an investment property, or taking out a loan to help someone get back on their feet. Samalia believes helping people is her gift from God, and she works tirelessly to help as many people as she can. Outside of the office, Samalia attends as many Harker Heights Chamber of Commerce events as possible to network and connect with community members. She also enjoys cooking, braiding hair, working out, and spending time with her family, especially her two grandkids! Samalia’s favorite travel destination is Guatemala, a long-awaited vacation she was able to take for her birthday after her kids surprised her with tickets. If she could meet anyone in history, living or dead, she would meet Nelson Mandela, whom she looks up to for standing on his views regarding peace no matter the obstacle or circumstance.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankNovember 15, 2023

Welcome Jorden Caudle

Jorden Caudle, Credit Analyst | SouthStar Bank Leander Annex Jorden Caudle has joined the SouthStar Bank family as a Credit Analyst. Jorden received her degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio and has one year of experience in the banking industry. Jorden is looking forward to learning and growing in her position with SouthStar Bank and hopes to contribute to the growth of the credit department. Outside of the office, Jorden enjoys spending time with her friends and family, playing volleyball, and visiting the lake in the summer months.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankNovember 8, 2023

Welcome Brittany Mantey

Brittany Mantey, AVP & Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Round Rock Brittany Mantey has joined the SouthStar Bank Round Rock branch as an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. Brittany brings with her 12 years of experience in the banking industry, including a decade at her previous financial institution, where she worked her way up from her original teller role to her final position of Branch Manager. Her previous experience at a small-town community bank taught her the value of building lifelong relationships with her customers. Brittany is excited to join the SouthStar Bank family and looks forward to building relationships within the community and bank-wide. Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, competing in BBQ cookoffs, and traveling, with their favorite destination being Destin, Florida. She spends much of her time with her children, accompanying them to sporting events and even coaching their softball team.

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankNovember 6, 2023

Employee Spotlight – Patty Barron

Patty Barron, Vice President & Mortgage Processing Manager | SouthStar Bank Leander Patty Barron is a Vice President and Mortgage Processing Manager at SouthStar Bank. Patty has spent over two decades in the mortgage industry with 23 years of experience, including four years at SouthStar. Her long tenure in the mortgage industry has allowed her to learn all aspects of the loan process, from application to closing. Patty has worn many hats throughout her professional journey and takes pride in finding success in the various positions she has held. She has also met many amazing people along the way and still enjoys learning and growing. The ever-changing landscape of the mortgage industry keeps things interesting and exciting for Patty. What Patty finds most rewarding in her role is helping borrowers achieve their dream of homeownership. Patty has ridden horses her entire life and still enjoys riding equestrian any chance she gets. She also enjoys boating and bowling with her family, along with all the fantastic moments that come with being a mother and wife. Most people don’t know that Patty served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in England during that time. Her favorite travel destination is Europe, where she was enamored by the various cultures and food. One item on Patty’s bucket list is to learn another language.

Employee News

by SouthStar BankNovember 1, 2023

Welcome Hayley Harris

Hayley Harris, Personal Banker | SouthStar Bank Franklin Hayley Harris has joined the SouthStar Bank Franklin team as a Personal Banker. Hayley is new to the banking industry and, being a hometown Franklin girl, is excited to bring excellent customer service to the community she has grown up in and help all the familiar and new faces around town! Outside the office, Hayley enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite travel destination is Florida. A fun fact about Hayley is that gift-giving is one of her many hidden talents. She loves putting lots of time and thought into finding the perfect gift to make people feel special and appreciated.

Employee Spotlight

by SouthStar BankOctober 16, 2023

Employee Spotlight – Lucia Fernandez

Lucia Fernandez, Assistant Electronic Funds Manager | SouthStar Bank Gonzales Annex Lucia Fernandez is an Assistant Electronic Funds Manager at the SouthStar Bank Gonzales Annex. Lucia has been with the bank for 10 years and holds 15 years of total banking experience. She received her Associate of Science Degree from Victoria College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Houston at Victoria. As a member of the Wire, ACH, and Business Online Departments, Lucia’s position is vital to the bank’s function and customer safety. The preventative measures the bank has in place enable Lucia and her peers to protect customers and their best interests. She finds the most rewarding part of her job is being able to prevent customers from falling victim to fraud. Lucia’s role also allows her to work with the branches and develop relationships with her coworkers across all locations, which she values greatly. When Lucia finds time outside of school and work, she enjoys several activities. She has spent the last five years serving as the Treasurer for the Smiley Bantam Activity Group, which works to provide safe, fun-filled events for the children of their community to enjoy. She also enjoys going out dancing with her husband, trying new restaurants, or enjoying a good movie with her family. Her favorite travel destination is Colorado Springs, where she and her family climbed the 224 steps to see the beautiful views of Seven Falls.