Employee News

Larry Weisinger, Senior Vice President/Branch Executive | SouthStar Bank Bee Cave Larry Weisinger is the Branch Executive and Senior Vice President of the SouthStar Bank Bee Cave location. He is an alumnus of The University of Texas at Arlington and has worked in the financial industry for almost 25 years. Through his long tenure in the industry, Larry’s favorite aspect of banking has remained the same, the people he serves. “I enjoy the structure of the deal and helping people make sound decisions regarding their personal lending needs or making that crucial business decision regarding the structure and long-term hold of commercial lending,” he says. During his career, Larry was also responsible for creating a private mortgage lending brokerage firm that was eventually sold to a publicly held company. He has also advised other financial institutions on how to streamline and maximize their residential and commercial lending capabilities. A long-time resident of Lake Travis, Larry and his wife raised their two children in the LT school district, which they still actively support as members of the Lake Travis Education Foundation. A Texan inside and out, Larry enjoys spending time in the great outdoors hunting and fishing. He enjoys traveling to adventure destinations that have challenging angling opportunities. A fun fact about Larry is that the first concert he ever attended was the King of Country, George Strait. NMLS# 299096

Kyla Gesell, Assistant Vice President/Branch Manager | SouthStar Bank Kerrville Kyla Gesell is the leader of the SouthStar Bank Kerrville operations team. She joined the banking industry in February of 2019 with no prior banking experience and unsure about her new job. Three years later, Kyla has a strong passion for what she does and enjoys the fact that every day brings something new. After the acquisition of the Kerrville location was completed in 2021, Kyla was named to her current position of Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager. In her community, Kyla recently became a member of the Hill Country Charity Ball Association. The group works together to host an annual gala that raises proceeds for non-profit organizations that seek to improve the lives of others. When she is not at work, Kyla enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their son. Together the family loves being outdoors and making the most of their time together.

Kristen Hendry, TMLP Clerk | SouthStar Bank Calvert Kristen Hendry has been a member of the SouthStar Bank team for about a year as a TMLP clerk in Calvert. In her role, Kristen is responsible for communicating with the other mortgage companies. She enjoys getting to know the people on the other end of the line and learning about the differences in economies. Her friendliness and professionalism have allowed Kristen to build lasting professional relationships that she is proud of. Although Kristen is new to the industry, she is proud of the professional growth and confidence that she has gained over the year. She constantly strives to learn something new and continue to grow in the TMLP department. Outside of work, Kristen spends her time with her husband and their daughter. They enjoy fishing, playing outside, reading, painting, cooking, and taking care of the family chickens. A personal goal of Kristen’s is to one day plant and successfully grow her own garden to enjoy.

Kimberly Watson, Senior Vice President/Branch Executive | SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Kimberly Watson currently serves as Senior Vice President of Lending and Branch Executive at the SouthStar Bank Southwest Austin Branch, specializing in portfolio mortgage loans, lot loans, and construction lending. She’s worked for the bank for 9 years in various roles.  Her ability to build long-term relationships with her customers has led her to over 20 years of success in the banking industry. Helping clients put together a financial plan to build, buy or refinance their home is Kim’s favorite part of her lending job. She loves being the guide in her customer’s journey to the home of their dreams. Kim enjoys being involved in the Dripping Springs community as an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. In May of 2022, Kim completed the Leadership Dripping Springs program which gives participants a deeper knowledge and understanding of community challenges and opportunities. Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending her free time at home with her husband, daughter, and extended family. They also enjoy fishing, boating, and hot rodding with friends. One item on Kim’s bucket list is to enjoy a chartered trip on a yacht like her favorite tv show, Below Deck. Kimberly Watson, NMLS# 794827