At Stellar Bank, we believe strong businesses build strong communities, and we're committed to making that happen across Texas.
Joel Foxworth has spent his career proving that banking is about more than transactions. As Regional President of Commercial Banking for Southeast Texas, he leads Stellar's efforts to connect businesses with the support they need to grow. We sat down with him to talk about purpose, community, and what it really means to bank locally.
You've recently stepped into the role of Regional President, Commercial Banking. Tell us about this new role at Stellar Bank. What does this new chapter represent for you?
Stepping into this role is both an honor and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. This new chapter represents an opportunity to deepen our commitment to Southeast Texas — to bring even more expertise, responsiveness, and partnership to the businesses that fuel our local economy. I now have the honor of managing Stellar team members from Anahuac to Orange and from Beaumont to Woodville. It’s a vast region, and it gives me the opportunity to make an impact across multiple communities, cities, and counties.
What drew you to a career in banking, and what continues to motivate you in this field?
Banking brings together two things I care deeply about: relationships and helping people achieve their dreams. It gives you a front-row seat to the hopes, challenges, and successes of the people who make a community what it is. Over the years, I’ve learned that when you help a business grow, you’re not just supporting one company — you’re strengthening families, creating jobs, and fueling the long-term health of an entire region.
“I get to support an incredible team of bankers, elevate our regional strategy, and ensure that Stellar Bank continues to deliver the kind of local decision-making and relationship-driven service that sets us apart.”
Joel Foxworth, Regional President, Commercial Banking
You've built your career in the Beaumont–Port Arthur area. How has this community shaped you, both professionally and personally?
This community made me who I am. Southeast Texas has a spirit that’s hard to describe unless you’ve lived it — resilient, hardworking, generous, and incredibly proud. People here look out for one another. They value relationships and honor their commitments. Personally, Beaumont is home. It’s where I’ve built lifelong friendships, raised a family, and learned what it truly means to put down roots.
Joel at the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Beaumont.
What does it mean to you to help local businesses and your neighbors in Beaumont thrive?
It means everything. When you’ve built your life in a community, there’s a special pride in watching it flourish — and in knowing you had even a small part in that progress. We hold more than 40% market share for Southeast Texas according to FDIC annual reports, and that’s something we’ve earned through hard work, care, and relentless commitment.
What are commercial clients in Southeast Texas navigating right now — and where are you seeing opportunity?
Our clients are navigating a dynamic environment — rising costs, tariffs, evolving labor needs, and ongoing shifts across the energy, industrial services, and real estate sectors. But Southeast Texas has always been resilient. Adaptability is built into the DNA of this region. Right now, I see opportunity in infrastructure investment, industrial expansion, port-related growth, and business modernization. We’ve seen significant investment in the chemical and petrochemical refining industry. From a banking standpoint, that creates opportunities to finance the companies that support these major projects and the service work thereafter. The future of Southeast Texas is bright.
What's the advantage of working with a bank where the decision-makers are right here in Southeast Texas?
Simply put — speed, understanding, and accountability. When decision-makers live and work in the community, they understand the local economy, the industry landscape, and the opportunities and challenges businesses face. We don’t need a briefing on Southeast Texas — we’re part of it. Clients get faster decisions, more flexibility, and a banking partner who sees their business through a local lens. And when you need us, we’re right here.
What do you want business owners to know about working with Stellar Bank that they might not expect?
When a business owner considers working with Stellar, I want them to know we will be true, trusted advisors who pour ourselves into helping them accomplish their financial goals. I want business owners to know that we want their dreams to come true just as much as they do. We walk alongside our clients through milestones, challenges, and transitions. We take the time to understand our customers as people, their business, and tailor solutions that align with their goals.
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Your next chapter starts with a conversation. Reach out to a Stellar banker today.
