Five Star Bancorp (NASDAQ: FSBC) has appointed Lydia Ramirez as Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer, a newly created role designed to strengthen community ties and guide strategic expansion across California.

Ramirez will lead the bank’s enterprise-wide external affairs strategy, serving as a direct link between Five Star Bank, its clients, and community partners. Her mandate involves identifying evolving local needs and translating those insights into responsive partnerships.

Strategic Context

The appointment follows a period of geographic expansion for Five Star Bank over the past year. The bank recently opened branches in Lodi, Southern California, and Walnut Creek, solidifying its footprint in the Golden State. Five Star currently operates ten branches in California.

James Beckwith, President and CEO of Five Star, stated that the new role puts expertise and accountability behind the bank’s commitment to community. He noted that Ramirez’s banking experience and community relationships will help the bank understand local priorities and focus resources where they can make the greatest impact.

Leadership Profile

Ramirez brings nearly two decades of senior-level banking experience in strategic operations, sales management, client advocacy, and team leadership. She holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and Spanish from the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from California State University, Sacramento. She is also a graduate of the California Bankers Association Executive Banking School.

Her board service includes roles with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Capital Black Chamber of Commerce, United Way California Capital Region, Valley Vision, Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, and the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber Political Action Committee. She also serves on advisory boards for the Sacramento State University College of Business Advisory Council and Creciente, a Latinx leadership program.

Ramirez has received multiple awards for her leadership, including recognition from the Sacramento Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Women Who Mean Business, and Champions for DE&I lists. Other honors include the Sacramento Bee’s inaugural Top 25 Latino Change Makers and the Association of Latino Professionals for America’s 50 Most Powerful Latinas.

Five Star Bancorp (NASDAQ: FSBC) has closed its underwritten public offering of common stock, raising approximately $130.6 million in net proceeds after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions. The final figure reflects the full exercise by underwriters of their option to purchase an additional 408,750 shares, bringing the total shares sold to 3,133,750 at a price of $44.00 per share. This capital injection supports the Rancho Cordova-based holding company’s expansion plans for its wholly owned subsidiary, Five Star Bank, including branch growth and working capital needs.

The initial closing occurred on July 24, 2026, involving 2,725,000 shares. The subsequent closing on July 27, 2026, completed the sale of the optional shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, served as the sole bookrunner, while Stephens Inc., D.A. Davidson & Co., Raymond James & Associates, Inc., and Brean Capital acted as co-managers. The offering was conducted pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-263089), which the Securities and Exchange Commission declared effective on February 9, 2026.

Offering Structure and Proceeds

The full exercise of the over-allotment option increased the total capital raised significantly above the initial estimate. The company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, specifically targeting investments in Five Star Bank to pursue growth opportunities and to bolster working capital. Five Star Bank currently operates ten branches in California, having opened a new location in Lodi in July 2026.

Strategic Implications

The successful completion of the offering provides Five Star Bancorp with substantial liquidity to fund its strategic initiatives without diluting existing shareholders beyond the anticipated range. The decision by underwriters to fully exercise their option signals strong market demand for the company’s equity at the $44.00 price point. This capital will be critical as Five Star Bank continues to expand its physical footprint in California, a competitive banking market where branch presence remains a key driver of customer acquisition and retention. The proceeds will also enhance the bank’s balance sheet, supporting lending activities and operational resilience.