Austin Bank honors Whitehouse employees

Austin Bank recently honored three Whitehouse employees at its 2006 Service Award Luncheon. They were among 26 employees recognized for outstanding service and longevity on the job at a luncheon held at the Pinecrest Country Club in Longview on December 6.

“We are proud to recognize these employees. They work as a team providing financial services to the East Texas community we serve, said Austin Bank Chairman Jeff Austin Jr. “These valuable employees are dedicated, loyal workers who provide our bank customers excellent service on a daily basis.”

Austin Bank President and CEO John P. Williams of Whitehouse was the recipient of a 15 year Service Award. Erin E. Walker and Shane Davenport both received five-year 2006 Service Awards. The annual event recognized Austin Bank employees who completed five, 10, 15, 35 or 40 years of service in 2006.

Williams, president and CEO, was recognized for 15 years of service with Austin Bank. Williams who has 33 years banking experience has worked in Customer Service, Check Processing, Bookkeeping, Cash Management, Lending, Trust and Administration.

Williams joined the Austin family banks in 1991 as president/ CEO and director of the First National Bank of Whitehouse. Williams became Austin Bank’s president and CEO in March 2006. Williams, who resides in Whitehouse, is a native of Louisiana who graduated from Natchitoches High School. Williams attended Louisiana State University and Northwestern State University. He is a graduate of the American

Institute of Banking, Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU.

Williams is actively involved in the community serving on the Trinity Mother Frances Health System Foundation, Tyler Catholic School System Foundation, and the Jacksonville Building Committee for Our Lady of Sorrow. Williams also is involved with the Whitehouse Chamber of Commerce, South Tyler Rotary and Junior Achievement.

Walker is a loan processor who has worked at the Bank’s Central Loan Division in Longview and Whitehouse. Walker also has experience with Austin Bank as a proof operator, teller, and file room assistant. She is a graduate of Winona High School.

Davenport is a network administrator in the bank’s Technology Division. He has a bachelor’s in technology from the University of Texas at Tyler and associate degrees in electronics technology and microcomputer services from Tyler Junior College. He is a resident of Whitehouse.