AUSTIN BANK ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS
March, 2007


Austin Bank Vice Chairman Jeff Austin, III announced the promotion of Longview employees Gay Higdon, Sharon Denton and Gilbert Moss following the March meeting of the bank’s Board of Directors. 

“We are proud to recognize these employees and all they do for the bank, our customers and the community,” said Austin.  “Their skills and knowledge are a vital link to providing exceptional customer service.  Each one of them is a valuable part of the Austin Bank team.”

Sharon Denton, promoted to Vice President of Lending, has been with Austin Bank since 1997 and has 18 years banking experience.  Denton has worked as an Assistant Vice President of Lending, Customer Service Representative, Loan Processor and an administrative assistant in lending, special assets and collections.  She offices at the Austin Bank in Longview at 3400 W. Marshall Avenue.

Denton is a graduate of Sabine High School, Kilgore Junior College with a degree in finance/bank management, Leadership Longview Class of 2005 and has completed classes with the American Institute of Banking.  

A resident of White Oak, Sharon and her husband, Charles, have two sons, Charles Jr. and Ryan.   Denton is active in Gregg County where she currently serves as Vice President of Because I Care, an organization that recruits donors for the national registry of bone marrow tissue and is a Blood Service Coordinator for Stewart Blood Centers organizing blood drives several times a year.  She is a former secretary for Local Cub Scout Pack 207 in White Oak and has also taught Junior Achievement classes in Longview.

Gay Higdon was named Vice President / Retail Office Manager of the Austin Bank Longview office located at 3400 W. Marshall.  Higdon is also the Retail Market Manager for the bank’s East Market, responsible for the Retail Market operations in Longview, Gilmer and Marshall.  She joined Austin Bank in February 2003 and has over 20 years banking experience. 

Higdon attended Northeast Louisiana University, completed various courses with the American Institute of Banking and is a graduate of Leadership Longview. She is a member of the American Red Cross, the March of Dimes, and teaches Junior Achievement classes.

A resident of Longview, Gay and her husband, Phillip, have a son, Bryan, and daughter, Leslie.

Gilbert Moss, the bank’s Special Assets Collector, was promoted to Banking Officer.  Moss has been with Austin Bank seven years.  Prior to joining the bank, he was the Collections Supervisor for Beall’s Department Stores for 13 years.

Moss is a graduate of Jacksonville High School and resides in Longview with his wife, Cindy.  He is a member of the American Collectors Association, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, Masons and the Longview Metro Church.

Austin Bank is a community bank with $796 million in assets. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Texas, Austin Bank serves the needs of East Texas families and businesses through 22 locations in nine counties. 


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