FREDERICKSBURG, Texas - Texas Regional Bank has announced a new vice president of economic development within its economic development division.
Emily Kirchner will lead the division’s business development within the municipal and public finance sector in TRB’s Hill Country market. She will also help manage TRB’s public policy strategy at the federal, state, and local legislative levels.
Texas Regional Bank is a privately owned institution that was founded in South Texas with a goal to bring a locally-owned, relationship style banking back to the communities it serves. TRB says it is committed to building a relationship with our customers by providing exceptional customer service, financial products, and mobile and online banking.
Michael Scaief, CEO and chairman of the board for Texas Regional Bank, said Kirchner’s career has led her to hold various positions both in the public and private sector. He said she has garnered an array of skills ranging from starting a bank to navigating various levels of government from city halls to the state’s capital.
“Emily’s experience compliments the economic development division well and I know that she will be an asset to all the communities that TRB serves,” Scaief said.
TRB’s economic development team is responsible for the success of business development within the public sector. The team serves as a resource and relationship manager for local, state, and federal leadership and continually invests in developing relationships to grow the public funds segment of the bank.
As the bank grows, so do its responsibilities to communities, Scaief explained. He said the team collaborates closely with each community TRB serves to understand their needs at the state and/or federal level. The economic development team advocates for these communities and also issues that affect community banking throughout the state of Texas, the TRB chairman added.
Prior to joining TRB, Kirchner served as business development coordinator for Guadalupe Bank. There she led special projects to increase operational efficiency and provide a better customer experience.
Prior to that, Kirchner oversaw special projects for the then-Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dennis Bonnen. Kirchner managed communications between members, coordinated logistics for major events, and assisted with press related matters for the speaker.
Kirchner also worked several legislative sessions in the Texas House of Representatives in various capacities, from legislative aide up to chief of staff for influential members like Representative Lyle Larson of San Antonio and Representative Ed Thompson of Brazoria County.
Kirchner also managed all logistical items at Heritage Bancorp, Inc., a startup bank, including interfacing with vendors and regulators. She created a database of potential investors for Heritage Bancorp and facilitated targeted mailings to acquire a bank charter.
Aside from her professional career, Kirchner is civically engaged. She is currently in her first term as council member on the Fredericksburg City Council.
