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CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY BANK WELCOMES STAR ALFARO TO LENDING TEAM

Redding, CA – Helping clients grow their north state businesses is the top priority for Star Alfaro, one of the newest members of the Cornerstone Community Bank team.

The community-minded mother of two brings a quarter-century of banking experience to her position as VP Commercial Loan Officer and she’s excited to continue contributing to the success of her home town.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Team Cornerstone,” she says. “My entire career has been in banking and I look forward to continuing to serve the community that I love and call home.”

As a commercial loan officer, Star says she works to find the right financing packages to meet her customers’ loan objectives, whether it’s an entrepreneur seeking startup funds or the owner of an established business looking to purchase equipment, expand or buy a building.

“It’s really rewarding when you have a borrower who ‘graduates’ from renting to ownership,” she says. A key aspect of banking that makes her work so gratifying? “You’re helping people meet their objectives and goals and you’re able to support the community together by doing that.”

Just as rewarding, Star says, has been facilitating Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to allow north state businesses to keep employees on their payroll as the region struggles with the COVID-19 pandemic. Ranging from $5,000 to multi-million dollars, the Small Business Administration-backed loans are often forgivable.

“I along with several members of our staff had the pleasure of working with Star several years ago and know firsthand her top notch skills and dedication to the customers she serves,” says Jeff Finck, President and CEO. “Star is a welcomed and outstanding addition to our team.”

Star got her start in banking as a Shasta High School student participating in the Regional Occupational Program. After graduating Foothill High School, Star earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Simpson University.

Star is the vice chair of the Shasta College Foundation, treasurer of the Manzanita Parent Booster Club and a member of the Local Child Care Planning Council. She volunteered to facilitate financial literacy training at the Good News Rescue Mission and is a past board member of the Shasta County Child Prevention Council and has been honored by Viva Downtown Redding as a volunteer of the year.

Star and her spouse, Ken Watson, care for sons Emmitt, 8, and 2-year-old Ellis.