Wellington, Texas -- Wellington State Bank is pleased to announce that Joel Enriquez, Vice President and Loan Officer, has been awarded the Emerging Leader Award from the Texas Bankers Foundation.
The Emerging Leader Award was created to honor bankers who have had a positive impact in the banking industry and are expected to become leaders within their institutions. Enriquez is one of eight bankers across Texas who were selected for this significant award. All award winners will be recognized at a special luncheon during the Texas Banker’s Association 138th Annual Convention held at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort in May.
Enriquez began his banking career with First National Bank of Paducah in 2015 as a credit analyst, which later merged with Wellington State Bank in 2019. He assisted with the transition and helped make the Canyon office into a full-functioning bank branch and has served as an officer of that branch since the merger. Enriquez also helped the branch begin a financial literacy program with Reeve-Hinger Elementary in 2022 and will continue to implement the program annually.
Enriquez is very involved in the community. He currently serves as a Planning and Zoning Commissioner for the City of Canyon since 2020. He is a proud member of the Canyon Lions Club and has served a committee chairman for various projects - most notable was Chairman for the Kylie Hiner Memorial Playground. Enriquez spearheaded fundraising efforts and was granted a $100,000 matching grant for a total contribution of over $205,000 towards the adaptive playground. He currently serves as a Canyon Chamber of Commerce Board of Director and volunteers his time throughout the year for various large community events. In 2021, Enriquez was awarded the 2021 Canyon Man of the Year by the Canyon Chamber of Commerce.
“We are thrilled that Joel was selected for this award,” Richard M. Sims, President and CEO of Wellington State Bank stated. “He demonstrates high character, and his serving nature is very evident in the Canyon community as well as our bank, so it’s no surprise he’s being recognized for this impressive achievement.”
Enriquez is married to wife, Lauren and together, they have three boys. He currently offices out of the Canyon branch located at 1310 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas, 79015.
Congratulations, Joel!