El Paso-based WestStar, a leading financial institution in the Borderplex region, recently announced numerous promotions, appointments and new hires.
WestStar has appointed Bill Brady chief investment officer in its wealth management division. He has more than 25 years of experience in the finance industry, including 12 years at WestStar. Brady earned a BBA degree in finance and an MBA degree from New Mexico State University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and previously served as president of the El Paso Estate Planning Council from 2022 to 2023. Additionally, he is a member of the CFA Society of New Mexico.
Veronica Watts has been promoted to senior vice president/human resources manager. She will continue to support the human resources team and chief human resources officer in implementing initiatives that drive team member performance, promote an inclusive culture and boost engagement. With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Watts has been a key member of WestStar’s formal training department. Watts holds a BSBA degree from the University of Phoenix. She is a part of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society.
WestStar has promoted Shanon L. Woodruff to senior vice president/marketing director. With 23 years of experience in the industry and four years at WestStar, she has been instrumental in shaping the marketing strategy and brand initiatives at WestStar. Woodruff holds an MA degree in rhetoric and professional communications from New Mexico State University and is a graduate of the WestStar LEAD Program, an internal leadership development initiative.
Andy Reed has been promoted to senior vice president/commercial banker. With more than 37 years of experience in commercial banking, he has a proven track record of working with diverse businesses across the Borderplex region. Reed is actively involved in his community, serving as a Rio Grande Rotary Club member and on the board of Mesilla Valley Hospice. He holds a BBA degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Anita Dominguez has been promoted to senior vice president within its title division. With 12 years of experience, including 10 years at WestStar, Dominguez has a proven track record of building strong client relationships and delivering outstanding service. She expressed gratitude for her support throughout her career, saying, “I appreciate the amazing people who have helped me along my journey.”
WestStar has appointed Priscilla Monarez vice president/small-business manager. She joined WestStar in 2016 following its merger with First National Bank. She began her community banking career in 2006 as a lending assistant, quickly advancing to consumer lender. Over the past 16 years, she has excelled in commercial banking. Beyond her professional achievements, Monarez is the founder of Project C.H.A.N.C.E. (Creating Hope for Abused and Neglected Children Everywhere), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through education, advocacy and community awareness. She also serves on the boards of the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence as treasurer and the Reynolds Home as vice president.
Jande Rodriguez has joined WestStar as a wealth management officer within its wealth management division. She has more than 16 years of experience in the banking industry. Rodriguez holds a BBA degree in finance degree from the University of Texas–El Paso.
Thomas “Tommy” Gabriel has been promoted to vice president/wealth management officer within its wealth management division. He has more than a decade of experience in the financial industry, including five years with WestStar. Gabriel received his BA degree in political science from the University of Texas–El Paso and his MBA degree from Capella University. In addition to his work at WestStar, Gabriel is dedicated to community service and actively participates on several boards, including the advisory board of the United Way Young Leaders Society, the board of directors of United Way of El Paso County, treasurer for the El Paso Community College Foundation’s board and as vice chair of the board of Junior Achievement of the Desert Southwest.
WestStar has promoted Crystal Martin to vice president/trust officer within its wealth management division. She has a decade of experience, including seven years at WestStar. Martin has been actively involved in the community. She is a past president of the El Paso Estate Planning Council and board member of the Hope Border Institute. She is currently a member of the YWCA’s “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” committee. Her achievements include completing Leadership El Paso and the WestStar LEAD Program. Martin received her BA degree from St. Edward’s University and an MBA degree from the University of Texas–El Paso.
Established in 1990, WestStar operates 14 branches in the Borderplex region, which includes El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Juárez, Mexico.
