William L. “Billy” Mullins, senior executive vice president, chief risk officer and director at Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, announced his retirement after a banking career spanning 51 years, effective July 17.
Mullins started his banking career in 1974 as an assistant national bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). In 1979, he joined Allied Bankshares in Crockett, where he worked as an internal auditor and lending officer. In 1984, he took on the role of senior lending officer at East Texas Bank and Trust in Longview. Austin Bank purchased East Texas Bank and Trust in 1984, which launched Mullins’ 41-year career with the Jacksonville-based financial institution.
From 1990 until 2004, Mullins led the review and compliance team for TexasEast Bank Services Inc., a subsidiary of Austin Bancorp Inc. He had supervisory responsibilities for audit, compliance, training and loan review. In 1999, he was elected executive vice president; in 2000, he became an advisory director; in 2003, he was promoted to senior executive vice president; in 2006, he was appointed as a director on the board; and in 2015, he took on the role of chief risk officer. During his tenure with Austin Bank, Mullins made many significant and lasting contributions to the bank’s strong and secure financial position.
“As an Austin Bank team member, Billy is respected for his tireless efforts, unfailing loyalty and devotion,” says Jeff Austin Jr., senior chairman. “His years as an OCC examiner prepared him for his future banking challenges. He is respected for his professionalism as he performed varied duties for the bank. His leadership created the risk management department, which is successful due to his knowledge and patience.”
An active member of the community, Mullins has been involved with Newgate Mission since 2010, serving as a volunteer, director and past president. He has also been involved with the United Way Longview Leadership Society and served on the Pine Tree ISD bond support committee as treasurer. Mullins has been recognized with the Newgate’s Jerry Turner “Outstanding Servant Award” and the American Business Women’s Association “Boss of the Year” for its Ross Garde chapter in Tyler.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated team members, customers and community volunteers,” Mullins says. “Over the past 51 years, we’ve seen tremendous changes in the financial service industry, yet community banking continues to have a strong foundation. Joining the Austin Bank family has truly been a dream come true.”
A native of Carthage, Mullins attended the University of North Texas and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.
“Billy Mullins has selflessly balanced his time between work, church, his beloved wife, Lisa, their three children and two delightful grandsons, while also making time for his community,” notes Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board. “We will deeply miss his outstanding leadership and service, and we wish him the best in this new chapter of retirement.”
Established in 1900, Austin Bank has offices in 40 Texas locations within 28 cities and 14 counties. Austin Bank is locally owned and operated by the Austin Family, which is celebrating 116 years of service in the Texas banking industry.
