Corpus Christi-based American Bank announced that it has promoted Monique Espinosa to community development manager. In this newly created position, she will lead the bank’s community development team and be responsible for engaging with current and prospective clients throughout the bank’s South and Central Texas markets. She’ll also have responsibility for strategic initiatives related to the bank’s Fair Lending and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) practices, including reaching out to underserved areas within the communities the bank serves. Making the announcement was Eric Vigil, chief compliance officer.

Espinosa originally joined American Bank in 2005 as a mortgage officer with a focus on community development. Since 2021, she has served as the bank’s mortgage underwriter officer. Prior to that, Espinosa spent eight years working in the mortgage department at another regional bank.

A native of Corpus Christi, Espinosa has served on a variety of boards, including Habitat for Humanity, Corpus Christi Community Development Corp., Junior Achievement of the Coastal Bend and the West Side Business Association. She’s also been recognized for her outreach by the Independent Bankers Association of Texas and was previously honored by the Corpus Christi Association of Realtors as “Affiliate of the Year.”

“Monique’s extensive knowledge and experience in CRA, Fair Lending and mortgage banking allows us to extend our efforts to create better communities,” Vigil says. “Monique is a strong leader and I know she’ll help American Bank stay at the forefront of community banking.”

Established in 1970, American Bank has 19 locations in Houston, Austin, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Port Aransas, Rockport, Goliad and Victoria.