Posted On: May 12, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Star of the Month
One of the core values held by Austin Bank is that of nurturing. By definition, nurturing is the process of caring for, supporting, and encouraging the growth, development, or success of someone or something. This month’s Star has been the very picture of this definition since she came to work in our Marshall office. Her employees made sure to note it in their nominations, and we are excited to honor this trait as we recognize Melanie Valdez, Retail Office Manager, as our May Star of the Month.
Melanie came to work for the bank in November 2019 taking over leadership of retail operations in Marshall. Team member Debbie Perkins shares, “When Melanie first started as ROM, she was the one that brought food for us! She was warm and welcoming even though she could have come in with a different attitude.” She goes on to share that Melanie has “continued to show how she cares with little gifts, words of encouragement, and consistent help in all areas as needed.” Melanie makes it a point to be a nurturing boss – showing great empathy and support for employee’s wellbeing; fostering a ‘listening culture’ through an open-door policy while providing honest feedback; and recognizing and celebrating success while building team confidence and moral. She also invests in the professional development of her team, encouraging career growth and training opportunities. Her nurturing character is recognized by bank customers. They see the heart Melanie has for her staff and community and seek a relationship with Austin Bank so that she can be their banker. Another team member, Odulia Ramirez, shares, “Melanie brightens any room she walks into. She is the most positive person you will ever meet, and she’s there whenever you need her.”
Melanie and her husband, Ricky, live in Marshall and have one son. Melanie is very active in the Marshall community where she is a member of the Marshall Elks Lodge, the Marshall Lions Club, the Optimism Club, Harrison County Republican Party, and a board member for Keep Marshall Beautiful. In her spare time, she enjoys playing pickleball, gardening, and mudding.
“Melanie serves Austin Bank in so many ways. She takes care of business, her customers, her employees, and is willing to help where needed. Melanie actively serves on community committees and regularly attends functions and events to represent our company in a professional manner. She is a pleasure to work with, and I am truly glad to have her as part of my team.”
Gay Higdon, Senior Vice President/Retail Market Manager, Longview Oak Forest
“Melanie is a touchstone by which we all ought to measure ourselves in friendships, how she conducts herself professionally, in civic duty, and volunteering. It’s delightful to watch her work!”
Jeff Henderson, Vice President/Relationship Manager, Marshall
“Melanie shows appreciation to employees and customers; promotes unity here in the branch; serves her employees and the Marshall community tirelessly; is trustworthy; has integrity; and is nurturing to us all, wanting us to grow in our career and personal lives.”
Debbie Perkins, Customer Service Representative, Marshall
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