Jeff Sowell has been named senior vice president and chief technology officer at Jacksonville-based Austin Bank. He joined the team in 2000 as a computer support specialist and has spent the past 21 years ensuring network systems are available and employees have the tools needed to conduct business. He was promoted to network support manager in 2005 and vice president in 2010. Prior to joining the bank, Sowell worked for Tyler ISD as a network technician for two years and served with the 18th Airborne Corps of the U.S. Army for four years.
Sowell is a graduate of Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas–Tyler, and has completed the Austin Bank Leadership class. He volunteers with Grace Embedded, a ministry that builds beds for children in the foster care system.
In addition, Austin Bank has promoted Karla Hollins to vice president. She joined the bank in January as assistant vice president and relationship manager in the Lufkin office. With more than 26 years of banking experience in management, operations and lending, Hollins came 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. A lifelong resident of Apple Springs, she is very active in the community. She currently serves on the board for Junior Achievement of East Texas and as a diplomat for the Angelina County Chamber of Commerce. She is a certified basketball, baseball and volleyball official and volunteers with the Apple Springs Little Dribblers program. Hollins previously served as a member of the Apple Springs school board for more than 20 years, 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.
Established in 1900, Austin Bank has 35 East Texas locations within 25 cities and 13 counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family, celebrating 112 years of service in the Texas banking industry.
