Longtime Kingsland community champion retiring after 48 years
Melody Yanniell is retiring after 48 years of work in the Kingsland community. Courtesy photo
Melody Yanniell, vice president of Prosperity Bank in Kingsland and former Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce president, is retiring after a 48-year career in banking and community service.
A retirement party, open to the public, is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30 at Prosperity Bank, 1801 W. RR 1431 in Kingsland.
Yanniell began her career June 19, 1978, two weeks after graduating from Llano High School. Undecided on her next step, she applied for an entry-level job at Highland Lakes National Bank, now Prosperity Bank, after her school counselor, Phil Wagner, encouraged her to apply.
She interviewed with then owner Woody McCasland, and was hired, beginning a career that would span nearly five decades.
“I was scared to death,” Yanniell told DailyTrib.
Over the years, Yanniell took advantage of numerous opportunities to further her education. She said she is most proud of completing the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University, a three-year graduate program.
“Mr. McCasland, he afforded me every opportunity. All I had to do was ask, and he let me become more educated,” Yanniell said.
Beyond her professional growth, Yanniell became deeply involved in community leadership through the Kingsland/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce. She first served briefly on the chamber’s board in the 1990s but said she was shy and lacked experience at the time.
Years later, former Buddies owner Derek Timmons encouraged Yanniell to return to the board. With the benefit of additional experience, she went on to serve as board president for three years, helping lead efforts to transform Kingsland Community Park.
“It was a valuable asset for our community,” Yanniell said.
Alongside her professional and civic commitments, Yanniell said she takes pride in being able to raise her children in the same neighborhood and attend the same schools she did, remaining rooted in the community that she helped build.
As she looks ahead to retirement, Yanniell said she is eager to slow down and spend more time with her husband and grandchildren, though leaving behind the daily visits with her customers will be difficult.
“It’s more than just a number, you know, my customers and the people in the community, it’s a relationship. That’s what I value most and what I’m going to miss the most.”
After taking some time for herself, Yanniell said she plans to continue finding ways to give back.