Meet Our San Antonio Bankers
Byron Bexley
Vice Chairman - San Antonio
As Vice Chairman and San Antonio Market Leader, I oversee all commercial banking activities for San Antonio. I have more than 40 years of banking experience and am a second-generation banker. I previously served as Chairman and CEO of TexStar National Bank for 18 years. I received my BBA in Finance and Management from Baylor University, and my MBA from Sam Houston State University.
I currently serve on the Community Depository Institution Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. I also serve on the Sam Houston State University Advisory Board to the Chair of Banking. I am an active member of the Board of Directors for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. I love working at a community bank because we get to work with clients to help them achieve their goals and help them take their ideas from paper to possible.
Manny Ruiz
Market President - San Antonio
I have been in banking for 35 years, and prior to that I was employed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Before American Bank, I served in various roles at TexStar National Bank including President and Senior Lending Officer.
As a native of San Antonio, I serve as a Deacon for First Baptist Church of San Antonio, where my wife and I are Sunday School directors. I also serve as a Regent for Baylor University, on the Advisory Board for Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business, on the Board of Advocates for the Truett Seminary extension campus in San Antonio, and as a Trustee for the Baptist Health System and Baptist Health Foundation.
I earned my BBA from Baylor University, and I am a graduate of the American Institute of Banking as well as the Masters Leadership Program of San Antonio.
Marc Checchin
Director of Community Initiatives and Commercial Lending Officer
As a seasoned South Texas banking professional with more than 25 years’ experience in the financial industry, I have developed a good understanding of the landscape and the various products and services that would be most beneficial to each client. I have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with clients while providing exceptional customer service.
Throughout my career, I have held various roles in both retail and commercial banking, including management, lending and business development. In each of these positions, I have been committed to providing solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.
I am excited to be part of the American Bank family and share its commitment to further grow the San Antonio market while serving the needs of our community.
New Braunfels
Sean O'Connor
Commercial Lending Officer I
My banking career spans more than 15 years and includes experience in commercial and retail banking. I enjoy helping small business owners, real estate investors, and nonprofit organizations with their credit needs. I also enjoy helping individuals and families build their dream home. As a Lending Officer, I’m grateful to work for a bank with a straightforward business model, a client-focused philosophy, and an emphasis on doing the right thing.
I was born and raised in Austin, TX, but have called New Braunfels home for 14 years. I’ve enjoyed being a part of our flourishing community during that time. Outside of work, I like getting outdoors with my family, playing guitar, and traveling. I’ve served as a Treasurer for Scouts BSA for six years and am active in my local church.