When I moved to Kingsland from Austin a little over five years ago, the third person I met was Melody Yanniell, vice president at Prosperity Bank and the Kingsland Chamber president.
Sitting outside on a gorgeous afternoon at Perissos Vineyard and Winery with two other friends, I immediately fell in love with Melody.
Enthusiastic about Kingsland, she was smart, funny and made me feel welcome in my new town.
I quickly saw what others had told me about her – Melody genuinely cared about Kingsland and got things done.
Melody was born in San Antonio, and her parents bought property on the Colorado end of Lake LBJ in the early 60s.
She spent weekends and her entire summer in the Highland Lakes area.
By 1974, her family moved to the area and opened a convenience store in Buchanan Dam next to the old Tamale King building.
Melody Simpson went to Llano High School and when she graduated in 1978, her counselor suggested an entry position at Highland Lakes National Bank owned by Woody McCasland.
McCasland and Connie Spier immediately hired her in bookkeeping, alphabetizing checks to be posted.
Her move up didn’t take long, and after switchboard and teller line, by late summer she was settled into the Loan Servicing Department.
“We serviced 3,000 loans with reporting, payoffs, assumptions, paid hazard insurance and taxes, PMI/FHA premiums, collections and foreclosures. I was afforded every learning opportunity,” she recalled.
She excelled at the Texas Tech Banking School, SMU Graduate School of Banking, Lending School in Austin, correspondence courses and seminars.
In 2005, McCasland sold the bank to Franklin Bank, and the new owner promoted Melody to president/manager of this location.
In November 2008, Franklin Bank was closed by the FDIC and Melody shared a memorable moment.
“The Texas Rangers showed up to guard the vaults. They spent the night, and on the same day Franklin Bank closed, Prosperity Bank bought us! We had to stay late and count all the money. I called my husband, Jay, and told him it must be a prerequisite to be good-looking to be a Texas Ranger. He told me that he did not need to hear that!” said Melody with a laugh.
Her ascension in banking continued with Prosperity Bank to her current position as vice president/banking center manager.
Her more than eight years as chamber director and then president, resulted in increasing membership to almost 300 businesses; managing the five-year party on the island to honor those impacted by the 2018 flood; and generating a $25,000 grant from LCRA for Kingsland Community Park improvements.
She is an honorary member of the Kingsland Garden Club for her endless support for their beautification efforts.
She ensured Prosperity’s sponsorship of His Joshua House, Sharing the Harvest, Kingsland Public Charter School and numerous nonprofits.
Melody will never take credit for her years of donated talent, time and treasures.
She pointed to those in her community who make the successes.
“I have worked with wonderful people, many loyal customers. My chamber years allowed me to meet folks from all walks of life and businesses. Now, I’m on to being a participating nanny to my grandkids and traveling with Jay.” she said. “I am thankful to all who have collaborated with me, encouraged me, and invested in me. Most importantly, I thank God for blessing me and protecting me throughout my life.”
Melody’s retirement party is Friday, Jan. 30, 1 to 3 p.m. at Prosperity Bank in Kingsland and
...see Page 5 all are welcome.
February to do's
“Gardening for Wildlife & Native Plants with Gail Eltgroth” on Friday, Feb. 6. Learn how to choose native plants to support birds, butterflies and other local wildlife.Hosted by the Kingsland Garden Club at Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The free program begins at 1 p.m., followed by club meeting. There will be refreshments and all are welcome.
Kingsland Chamber “Lunch & Learn” is Wednesday, Feb. 18, 11:30 – 1 p.m. Ticket holders will hear from Llano County judge Republican candidates Rob Hardy and Richard Kepp. Tickets are available online at business. kingslandchamber. org/ap/Events for the event at Camp Buckner’s Manna Hall, 3835 RM 2342, Burnet.
Delta Phi Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International-(Kingsland Chapter) offers Burnet and Llano counties’ high school seniors the opportunity to apply for a $1,500 Educational Scholarship. Go to deltaphiesa. org/scholarships for more information on the application due Feb. 28, 2026.
Terri Shexnayder is an author, educator and Kingsland resident who reports on happenings throughout the community. Send her a note at [email protected].
