Officers and Staff

Executive Officers

Jim Engel, President & CEO - Jim is an attorney and former partner with the public accounting firm KPMG with more than 21 years experience working with financial institutions. Jim currently serves on Board of Directors for the Lake Norman Chamber, and the Lake Norman Economic Development Committee. He also serves on the Finance Committee for The Peninsula Club and is a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Mark Parish.

Jim serves on both the Executive Committee and the Asset Liability/Investment Committee at Aquesta.

Buddy Caldwell, Chief Credit Officer - Buddy has been involved in the banking industry for more than 30 years. For 19 years, he served as senior lender with First Charter Bank in Cornelius. There he established an enviable record of providing superior customer service, originating and servicing a very significant portfolio of commercial loans, and supervising junior lenders in expanding business in the Lake Norman Community. At Aquesta, Buddy is responsible for hiring and appointing lenders, supervise credit review processes, and share responsibility for the performance of the bank.

Kristin Parsons, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer - Prior to working with Aquesta, Kristin spent nine years as controller with a $600 million community bank. Her responsibilities included management of accounting, preparing and reviewing reports for the Board and Audit Committee, regulatory agencies, proxy statements, and the SEC. Kristin served as Chairperson of the Disclosure and Budget Committees, and is a member of the Asset Liability, and the Strategic Planning Committees.

Stephanie Cox, SVP- Chief Operating Officer & Compliance Officer Stephanie brings 25 years of banking experience to Aquesta. Stephanie has worked in almost all aspects of community banking with previous experience in branch management, banking analysis, operations and compliance. She is a “Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer” as designated through the Independent Community Bankers of America. Stephanie’s responsibilities included management of both deposit and loan operations, branch operations, technology and overall bank compliance.