With more than 20 years in Dallas commercial banking, Melissa Keeling knows what makes this market tick: access, speed, and strong relationships. As Executive Vice President and Corporate Banking Market Manager at Stellar Bank, she's built a career on showing up for her clients, her team, and her community.
We spoke with her about her journey in banking, what makes Dallas stand out, and how her work outside the bank shapes the way she leads.
Tell us about your role at Stellar Bank. What drew you to a career in banking, and what continues to motivate you in this field?
I started working for a finance company when I was in high school and really enjoyed learning about different kinds of businesses. It's interesting to see the different ways people figure out how to make money, and that's what kept me in it. Today, I work with middle-market companies and manage a team of bankers as we continue to grow our commercial presence in Dallas. No two companies are exactly the same, so you are always learning something new.
You've spent over two decades in the DFW banking market. What has kept you in commercial banking over the years?
What drew me in was getting exposure to so many different types of businesses. There are things out there you would never think about that are essential, and you get to understand how they operate. Every client is different, every situation is different, and even within a team, no two people are the same. What has kept me here are the people and the variety - it keeps the work interesting.
What makes the Dallas commercial banking landscape unique compared to other major markets?
I've always worked in Texas, but I do think people here are just more welcoming. It's a strong business community, and one of the biggest differences is accessibility. You're not waiting for someone across the country to make a decision. Leadership is here, available, and willing to show up, and that makes a big difference for clients.
You work with middle-market companies across a range of industries. When you're sitting down with a client for the first time, what's your approach?
The best advice I ever got was to go into a first meeting and not talk about the bank at all, just listen to what the client has to say. You can learn a lot about what's important to them, and from there you can tailor your solution around that instead of trying to force something that doesn't fit. It really starts with listening.
What's a lesson about saving or financial habits that's stuck with you?
I went through this with my son when he wanted to buy a train car through a program that supports the Ronald McDonald House. It was a $200 donation, which was a lot for him, so I told him if he could save $100, I would match it. We set a goal and broke it down into saving a few dollars each week, and he stuck with it over several months until he reached it. He ended up getting the train car, and he was so proud of it. It was a good lesson that if you can live without a small amount each week and stay consistent, it adds up. Pay yourself first and start small.
Melissa’s son, Logan, proudly showing off the result of his first savings goal.
How do you approach leading your team?
It comes back to understanding people. My team is also my client in a way, so I need to understand what motivates them and why they come to work every day. If you take the time to listen and meet people where they are, it makes you a better manager and helps the team stay aligned in how we serve our clients.
What do your clients value most about working with you?
Being responsive and honest. I've been told many times that I'm the first to respond or the first to get something turned around. If it's a yes, we move quickly, and if it's a no, it's a quick no, because I don't like to drag people along. And if we can't do something today, I'll explain what it needs to look like for us to get there in the future.
“I think a big part of building trust is being honest and being yourself. I’m not afraid to say when I do not know something, and I ask a lot of questions. At the end of the day, I try to be the same person everywhere and show up consistently. People respect that mindset.”
–Melissa Keeling, EVP, Commercial Banking Market Manager
You’ve been involved with The Family Place and The Warren Center for several years. What has that experience been like for you, and why is that work meaningful?
I chair the governance committees for both organizations. The Family Place is a domestic violence shelter that provides housing, intervention, prevention, and education, and The Warren Center provides early childhood intervention services for children with disabilities. Both address very real needs in our community. It’s been very eye-opening. You realize how many people are impacted; more than you would expect. The most rewarding part is seeing that impact in real time, whether that’s a child benefiting from early intervention or someone getting the support they need.
Your commitment to community involvement is a big part of your story. How does your work outside the bank influence the way you serve your clients and lead your team?
It makes you more aware that you never really know what’s going on in someone’s life outside of the office. You have to give people grace. That applies to both clients and your team, and it helps you become a more well-rounded leader.
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