Round Rock-based R Bank has tapped two Austin natives to join its team. Michael Ramirez has been hired as chief lending officer and executive vice president. In addition, the bank recently welcomed Cole McDonald to the team as senior vice president and commercial lender.
Prior to joining R Bank in July, Ramirez was Austin market president for Henderson-based VeraBank. He launched his banking career in 2009 as a credit analyst at PlainsCapital Bank in Austin. He was with PlainsCapital Bank for more than 11 years, capping his tenure as senior vice president.
Ramirez earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame. Active in his community, he serves as a member of the board of trustees for Breakthrough Central Texas. He was also involved in the “Man and Woman of the Year” campaign conducted by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, as well as Austin Sunshine Camps.
“Mike’s hiring will help R Bank lead relationship-focused banking,” says Todd Engemoen, president and CEO. “His success in recruiting, developing and leading banking teams in Central Texas will be invaluable to R Bank.”
Prior to joining R Bank, McDonald served on the commercial lending team at VeraBank for almost four years. Like Ramirez, he began his banking career as a credit analyst at PlainsCapital Bank in Austin, eventually serving as a commercial loan officer for the bank.
McDonald received his BBA degree in finance from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. Active in his community, he is a member of the Trail Foundation. He is also a member of the Real Estate Council of Austin.
“As a native Austinite, Cole has quickly progressed in his career to be a preeminent banker in the Austin market,” Engemoen says. “He has a remarkable ability to build relationships with coworkers and customers that will greatly benefit our team at R Bank.”
Established in 2009, R Bank operates 10 branches in Central Texas, South Texas and Fort Worth.
