Round Rock-based R Bank recently announced five promotions at a number of its banking centers.
The bank has promoted Curt Phelps to retail banking officer. In this newly created role, he will oversee all banking centers, focusing on customer service, sales, training, staffing and coaching for the retail branch team.
“Curt’s positive leadership and deep experience in banking and management make him ideal for guiding the growth and transformation of our banking centers,” says Todd Engemoen, president and CEO.
Phelps attended the University of Texas–Tyler.
R Bank has promoted Michelle Bubela to director of mortgage operations and loan origination. She joined the bank in 2019 as a mortgage loan originator. A key member of the mortgage team for several years, she has “shown exemplary leadership and dedication to both her team and the surrounding communities,” according to the bank. Bubela worked as a lead listing agent and web designer earlier in her career.
“In a challenging season for mortgage production, Michelle’s commitment to improving processes and products has reinforced my confidence in her ability to lead our mortgage team, Engemoen says.
Bubela attended Texas State University.
Patty Zamudio has been promoted to compliance officer and CRA/fair lending officer. With more than seven years of service at R Bank, “Patty has been instrumental in supporting compliance, CRA and fair lending,” according to the bank.
“Her depth of experience in lending compliance and operations has made her an invaluable asset across the R Bank team,” Engemoen says.
Prior to joining R Bank in 2017 as a Home Mortgage Disclosure Act specialist, Zamudio was a business credit analyst at A+ Federal Credit Union in Austin and, prior to that, served in various positions at First Texas Bank for more than nine years. Earlier in her career, she was a loan administration clerk/vault teller at Community State Bank in Austin and she started out as a compliance assistant at WestStar Bank in El Paso.
Zamudio attended El Paso Community College.
Lancelot Latouche Jr. has been promoted to banking center manager for the Round Rock East location. According to the bank, he is “known for his positive and friendly attitude, Lance quickly became a customer favorite, going above and beyond to provide exceptional service and support to both customers and colleagues.”
Latouche joined R Bank in 2001 as a senior personal banker. Prior to that, he was a retail banker for Woodforest National Bank and, before that, a branch manager at First Convenience Bank in Round Rock and Georgetown. While at First Convenience Bank, Latouche was named “Assistant Branch Manager of the Year” in 2018. He launched his banking career in 2004 as a bank teller at Fort Hood National Bank.
Latouche studied kinesiology and exercise science at Texas State University.
“Lance’s dedication to ensuring every visitor has a great experience makes him a perfect fit for this leadership role,” Engemoen notes.
Lori Ringstaff has been promoted to banking center manager for the Bertram location. A lifelong Burnet County resident, she has been a steadfast presence at the Bertram branch since 2003, especially as business has grown.
“Lori’s deep commitment to the Bertram community and her leadership make her invaluable to our team,” Engemoen says.
Established in 2009, R Bank operates 10 branches in Central Texas, South Texas and Fort Worth.