In 2021, Third Coast Bank's Specialty Finance business witnessed a significant shift with the formation of a key partnership led by Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer, Audrey Duncan, and Executive Vice President, Director of Specialty Finance, Melissa Abel. This collaboration broke away from typical bank dynamics, where relationships between Chief Credit Officers and Vertical Executives are often challenging. Instead, their approach was based on mutual respect, direct communication, integrity, dedication, and hard work.

This partnership is characterized by a strong sense of trust and a commitment to overcoming obstacles through joint effort, and the results of this collaboration were immediately evident. In its first full year, the business unit demonstrated exceptional performance, turning profitable in a remarkably short time.

Together, the partnership leverages past lessons to proactively address challenges and collaborate seamlessly with the divisions top tier clients. Their innovative approach involves anticipating future scenarios, analyzing market conditions, and mitigating risks for optimal business unit performance. Recognizing the significance of successful business operations, the partnership prioritizes strategic foresight over reactive measures.

As it nears the end of its second year, the division continues to perform exceptionally, signaling sustained success. This development at Third Coast Bank exemplifies the impact of a focused and cooperative approach in finance, setting a new standard for success in the industry.

Remaining relevant in the industry is crucial to stay ahead of the competition with differentiators such as autonomy, an entrepreneurial approach, and seven days a week service. But staying relevant isn't just about keeping up with the latest gadgets and fads. It's also about understanding our clients' needs and anticipating their future challenges. We take the time to listen so we can offer tailored solutions to our clients.

Melissa Abel, Executive Vice President at Third Coast Bank and a veteran in single-family real estate construction and development finance, currently oversees the entire ecosystem that comprises the Specialty Finance Vertical. This type of business revolves around banking for elite production homebuilders, top-tier master planned community developers, and institutional funds.

Joining Third Coast Bank with a vision to create a nationwide sector leading platform, Melissa has been an architectural catalyst in evolving the business from a grassroots project to a fully integrated, profitable vertical. Her focus was to create the "behind the scenes" infrastructure to enable a solid foundation for a thru cycle business model. In under three years, the platform is firing strong on all cylinders with emphasis on bottom line profitability, efficiency and exceptional credit quality. The division's success also reflects the seasoned team's synergy, boasting an average collaboration span of 15-20 years. Melissa is a true believer in surrounding herself with brilliant people and empowering them to be the CEO of their own desk. This tight knit team, or better known as family, is truly unique in how they work lock step together with perseverance, kindness, and an undying commitment to one another.

Melissa's journey in finance began at Bank United as a loan processor, climbing the ladder to Vice President of Real Estate Lending by 2003. Her move to RBC Bank marked a significant phase, where she expanded single family real estate finance across Texas, managing a division that not only reached over $1 billion in size but also stood resilient during economic downturns.

Before joining Third Coast, Melissa was instrumental in establishing the Builder Finance division for a large publicly traded regional bank. Over nine years, she grew this portfolio to over $3.5 billion in extended credit and maintained its health through over 50 regulatory exams.

Her leadership extends beyond boardrooms and into the trenches, fostering a team dynamic built on integrity. Melissa's passion for the industry, coupled with her hands-on approach, ensures that client satisfaction and the success of her team remain at the forefront of her endeavors.

Beyond her banking prowess, Melissa is a proactive participant in industry-related legislative initiatives and solution-focused round tables. A Texas A&M graduate, she is actively involved in civic and community activities, holding positions in various organizations, including GHBA and NACM. She is a dedicated lifelong equestrian and currently competes on the circuit with her horse Winston (pictured). She resides in Houston, Texas with her family and works hard to balance professional excellence while being a wife and mother of two wonderful children.