Fredericksburg, Texas – Emily Kirchner has joined Texas Regional Bank (TRB) as its Vice President of Economic Development within the Economic Development division. 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. Kirchner’s career has led her to hold various positions both in the public and private sector where she has garnered an array of skills ranging from starting a bank to navigating various levels of government from city halls to our state’s capital. “Her experience compliments the economic development division well and I know that she will be an asset to all the communities that TRB serves,” said Michael Scaief, CEO and Chairman of the Board for Texas Regional Bank.
Emily previously served as Business Development Coordinator for Guadalupe Bank where she led special projects to increase operational efficiency and provide a better customer experience. Prior to that, she oversaw special projects for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, Dennis Bonnen where she managed communications between members, coordinated logistics for major events, and assisted with press related matters. Emily 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. She also managed all logistical items at Heritage Bancorp, Inc., a startup bank, including interfacing with vendors and regulators, created a database of potential investors, and facilitated targeted mailings to acquire a bank charter. Aside from her professional career, Emily is also civically engaged and currently serving her first term as Council Member on the Fredericksburg City Council.
The Economic Development team is responsible for the success of business development within the public sector. The Economic Development 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. The team collaborates closely with each community TRB serves to understand their needs at the state and/or federal level. The Economic Development team helps advocate for not only these communities but issues that affect community banking throughout the state of Texas.