Karla Hollins has joined Jacksonville-based Austin Bank as assistant vice president and relationship manager in the company’s Lufkin office. With more than 26 years of banking experience in management, operations and lending, Hollins comes to Austin Bank from Regions Bank where she served as vice president/consumer banking manager with responsibility for the oversight of 14 branches throughout the East Texas market.

Hollins is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and Leadership Lufkin. Active in the community, she previously served as a member of the Apple Springs School Board for more than 20 years, as a board member for Conroe Chamber of Commerce and mentor with Goodwill of Lufkin, as well as a volunteer with its VITA program during tax season. Hollins currently participates with Junior Achievement. She is a certified basketball, baseball and volleyball official and volunteers with the Apple Springs Little Dribblers program.

“We are proud to have Karla associated with Austin Bank,” says Jeff Austin III, vice chairman. “She is a skilled banker with a strong commitment to the East Texas area. Her experience and leadership will help to serve our Lufkin customers and the Austin Bank team.”

“With her experience and strong desire to be involved in our community, we feel Karla will be an outstanding leader for us as we focus on increasing market share in Lufkin and Angelina County,” says Francis Spruiell, regional president.

Established in 1900, Austin Bank was recently voted one of the “Best Companies to Work for in Texas” for the 12th consecutive year. With assets in excess of $1.9 billion, bank offices are located in 34 East Texas locations within 24 cities and 12 counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family, who is celebrating 111 years of service in the Texas banking industry.