Jeff Austin, III, Vice Chairman of the Board, recently announced the promotion of two Kilgore employees, Treasury Management Officer Michael Simpson and Loan Officer Julie Taylor.
The promotions were approved at the March 9, 2010 Board of Directors meeting in Jacksonville.
“Each of these employees is a true professional who is dedicated to giving our customers exceptional service,” said Austin. “We are proud to have them as members of the Austin Bank team.”
Michael Simpson, Assistant Vice President, became a part of the Austin Bank team in February 2008 when City National Bank merged with Austin Bank. At that time, he had been working as a Personal Banker and then Credit Analyst with City National since December 2004. He now works from the Austin Bank Kilgore office supporting the bank’s Treasury Management products, services, and customers.
Simpson was recently awarded the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) designation. To be accredited, Mike had to acquire a thorough knowledge of the ACH Rule Book and of the various Federal laws that govern its operation, and then achieve a passing score on the AAP exam.
Simpson is a graduate of the Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador, South America and LeTourneau University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration, and was a recipient of the 2009 Austin Bank Community Involvement Award for his volunteer work with Junior Achievement and Friends of Scouts. He also volunteers his time as an Ambassador for the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce, and as a Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church Liberty City.
Simpson and his wife, Kristi, have five children: Wesley, Halé, Emma, Nathan, and Evie.
Julie Taylor, Assistant Vice President, also joined Austin Bank during the merge with City National Bank in 2008. With 10 years banking experience, Taylor has played several roles including teller supervisor, Customer Service Representative, loan assistant and loan officer.
Taylor is a graduate of Kilgore High School, and attended Kilgore College, as well as Sam Houston State University. She is active in the community serving on the board at East Texas Treatment Center, involved in Beta Gamma Psi, and is a member of Forest Home Baptist Church.
Taylor’s family includes husband, Rusty, and two children, Kade and Gracie.
Austin Bank is a community bank with more than $1 billion in assets. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Austin Bank serves the needs of East Texas families and businesses in 27 locations and nine counties. More information about Austin Bank can be found on the bank’s website at www.austinbank.com.
We are community bankers providing exceptional service throughout East Texas. We are a trusted financial source for the families and businesses we serve. We will always act with honor and integrity. Our vision is to be the "Bank of Choice" in the markets we serve.
