About Us

Meet
Freedom Bank

Freedom Bank brings 67 years of South Texas banking heritage with a modern promise: fast, local decisions made right here in the Rio Grande Valley. We serve small businesses, families, and seasonal residents with personal service that knows you by name and banking that works around your life.

From same-day loan decisions to guided account
switching and Saturday hours, our team makes banking
simple, accessible, and human. For the communities we
call home, The Answer is Freedom.

We Remove Barriers So You Can Move Forward

Freedom Bank is on a mission to empower our customers, employees, and communities to thrive by
removing the barriers, delays, and indifference that make banking an obstacle to opportunity.

Exceptional Customer Service

We deliver personal, high-quality service that knows you by name and respects your time. Our team is here when life happens, providing clear guidance, real support, and answers you can count on.

Hometown Values

Our decisions are made right here in the Rio Grande Valley. With same-day loan decisions and Saturday hours, we build banking around your schedule, not the other way around.

Utmost Integrity

We operate with integrity and sound credit principles in every decision. Protecting your business, your family, and your future is our first priority, and trust is earned in every interaction.

We believe every decision matters, every relationship counts, and every day lost waiting is a chance missed
to build something meaningful. That’s why we focus on fast answers, honest guidance, and service rooted
in the Valley’s values. For more than 67 years, our commitment has been the same: to serve our
communities with character, care, and the confidence that The Answer is Freedom.

Honoring Our Past.
Investing in the
Valley’s Future.

Freedom Bank’s story began on October 12, 1957, when residents of Duval County and Freer came together to create a bank that would strengthen their community. That commitment carried forward as First State Bank became Brush Country Bank in 1974, later merging with Freer State Bank in 1980. Through every chapter, one thing stayed the same: a belief that banking should serve people, not slow them down.

On January 31, 2019, we became Freedom Bank, a name chosen to honor our heritage while stepping boldly into the future. For 67 years, we’ve remained rooted in South Texas values: personal service, integrity, sound credit principles, and deep community involvement.

Today, Freedom Bank serves families, small businesses, ranchers, and seasonal residents across Duval and Hidalgo Counties with a modern promise: fast, local decisions and personal service from people who know your name. Our history reflects where we started, but our mission reflects where we’re going, growing the Valley together, one relationship at a time.

Sincerely,

Arturo “Art” Ortega
Freedom Bank CEO

Board Members

Freedom Bank is guided by leaders who share a deep commitment to integrity, personal service, and
the long-term success of the Rio Grande Valley. Their experience and values reflect the communities
we serve and the mission we carry forward.

Arturo “Art” Ortega

Chairman and CEO

An RGV native, Mr. Ortega attended elementary school in La Villa, TX and obtained a High School Degree from Edcouch-Elsa High School. He would go
on to obtain a degree in Finance from Pan American University, now UTRGV. With
over 35 years of experience in the financial industry, Mr. Ortega has served as a financial advisor for three Fortune 500 companies.
As an active member of the community, he currently serves as a Advisory Board Member of Make-A-Wish RGV Chapter, and Member
of the Minority Depository Institutions (MDI) Subcommittee of the FDIC’s Advisory Committee on Community Banking (CBAC).

Anthony Ortega

Board Member

Born in McAllen, Texas, and raised in Weslaco, Texas, Mr. Ortega is a graduate of Weslaco High School. He then obtained his Bachelors from Texas Christian University and continued his career in Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law. Following his graduation from law school in May of 2016, Mr. Ortega became a licensed attorney in November of 2016. Mr. Ortega has been an Assistant District Attorney with the Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office since May of 2017. In 2018, Mr. Ortega became a shareholder and board member to Freedom Bank. Mr. Ortega is also a board member of the Hidalgo County Young Lawyer’s Association.

Dr. Jose A. Vela

Board Member

Dr. Jose Vela was born and raised in Mission, Texas. A registered pharmacist, Dr. Vela obtained his Doctorate of Pharmacy from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. Mr. Vela has established multiple businesses throughout the Rio Grande Valley with the objective of providing health services to underserved areas. Mr. Vela proudly forms part of several
association, including the RGV Pharmacy Association, Texas Pharmacy Association, and Texas Pharmacy Business Council. Dr. Vela was appointed to Mission’s City Council in 2019.

Mario A. Reyna

Board Member

Mr. Mario Alberto Reyna, is Vice President of Melden & Hunt, Inc., one of the oldest and largest Civil Engineering firms located in the Rio Grande Valley. Mr. Reyna graduated from Mission High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2009. Mr. Reyna’s experience comes with over twelve years working in the engineering field and includes leading engineering projects for state government agencies, local municipalities, utility districts and a great number of private sector developers.

Ramon Montalvo

Board Member

Mr. Montalvo graduated Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Austin with a Major in Insurance. As a Certified Insurance Counselor (C.I.C.) with over 35 years of experience, Mr. Montalvo is Owner and President of Montalvo Insurance Agency, Inc. Mr. Montalvo is a member of the Independent Agents of the Rio Grande Valley, and the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. Active in his community,
Mr. Montalvo currently serves as School Board Member for South Texas ISD, Commissioner for Hidalgo County Emergency Services District #1, and serves on the Advisory Board for Weslaco Airport.

Kenneth Hausenfluck

Board Member

We are pleased to announce that Kenneth “Kenny” Hausenfluck, has joined Freedom Bank as its newest Board Member.
Mr. Hausenfluck graduated from Edinburg High School and studies Business at the University of Pan American, now UTRGV.
He is part owner, Officer, and President of D&F Industries, INC., a family-owned electrical and HVAC company that has been operating in South Texas since 1953. For over 25 years, he has been a Member and Officer of the Independent Electrical Contractors’ Association Apprentice/Training School, and a Member and Board Member of American Subcontractor Association of Texas.

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