Posted On: April 14, 2026 by Austin Bank in: Star of the Month
In an organization the size of our bank, it truly takes efforts from everyone on the team to ensure positive customer interactions, increased productivity, and a supportive workplace culture. As John Nash said in the movie A Beautiful Mind – “. . . the best result would come from everyone in the group doing what is best for himself and the group.” This month’s Star personifies the term ‘team player’ and is praised by those around her for the job she is doing. We are pleased to honor Crystal Bateman, Senior Vice President and Deputy Regional President for the Southwest Region, as our April Star of the Month.
By definition, a team player is a person who puts teamwork first, even before their own personal ambitions. They function well within a group, and welcome things like communication and collaboration with their peers, as well as nurturing a positive productive work environment. Crystal has served, and continues to do so, as an example of one who does not neglect her own personal goals and ambitions, but instead harnesses them so that the entire team succeeds. Starting with the bank in 2004 as a teller, Crystal has grown in her knowledge and leadership while scaling the ranks in the bank’s loan department. During her 22-year tenure, she has worked as a teller, loan assistant, bank officer, portfolio manager, and relationship manager before assuming her current role in March 2025.
Coworker Mollie Trawick shares that Crystal is always willing to help in any way she can and never makes you feel like you are inconveniencing her. She shares of an instance when her immediate supervisor was out of the office and an important loan had a firm deadline by which it needed to close. With the loan being processed in new software, stress levels were high. Crystal stepped in to help, ensuring the loan closed on time, lowering stress levels, and teaching Mollie a few new things along the way. Mollie stated, “I can go to Crystal with any questions I have. Whether I, or another loan assistant, need assistance, she never hesitates to help and do it with a smile.”
Crystal and her husband, Jarrod, have two children – Brilyn and Walker – and live in Jacksonville. She is a graduate of Rusk High School and The University of Texas at Tyler and has also completed several banking and leadership programs. Highly active in her community, Crystal has served on the boards of the Kiwanis Club and Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. She was recognized as the 2017 Businesswoman of the Year and has received an Economic Development Division Chair Award from the Chamber.
“I’ve had the privilege to work alongside Crystal for many years, and she truly defines what it means to be a professional in this industry. Her deep knowledge of banking is matched by her unwavering loyalty to this institution and the exceptional service she provides to her customers. Outside of the bank she is deeply respected within the community and inside the bank, she has been a wonderful mentor to staff.”
Jeff King, Senior Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer, Tyler Cumberland Park
“I have worked with Crystal for 22 years and she has grown into the consummate professional banker. Crystal exemplifies the pinnacle of extraordinary customer service, teamwork and commitment to excellence. Her high energy paired with her critical thinking and problem-solving skills sets the gold standard for the Austin Bank customer experience.”
Nathan Jones, Senior Executive Vice President/Regional President, Jacksonville
“Crystal is an extremely valuable member of the Jacksonville and Southwest Region teams. She is a real problem solver and is always up for the challenge, no matter the task. Our bank and our customers benefit greatly from Crystal’s knowledge and determination.”
Shawn Eyre, Senior Vice President/Location President, Jacksonville
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