Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Austin Bank, recently announced the appointments of Patty Steelman as community engagement officer and Rachel French as the senior vice president and marketing director.
The changes reflect Austin Bank's efforts to enhance community involvement and marketing programs, according to an Aug. 25 press release.
Steelman started her career at Austin Bank in October 1999 as the bank’s first director of marketing, the release stated. She has been employed at the bank for 24 years.
“With the market expansion of the bank, it has been a strategic goal to strengthen the level of our community outreach,” Austin said. “Building upon the number of relationships Patty has nurtured in our Smith County market, her new role will allow that same level of attention to be extended to all the communities we serve.”
Steelman said she looks forward to working with French.
“I have loved building the marketing department to what it is today and am excited to welcome Rachel,” Steelman said. “She brings an energy and wealth of experience that will continue to elevate the bank’s brand. I now have the opportunity to prioritize developing relationships across all of the bank’s market areas.”
French has 15 years of experience working in marketing, public relations, communications, and advertising, according to the release. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Prior to her selection as Austin Bank’s senior vice president and marketing director, she was the executive director of marketing at the University of Texas in Tyler.
“Rachel has a passion for cultivating relationships,” said Russ Gideon, Austin Bank president and CEO. “Her ability to listen and understand the needs of the customer, as well as her strategic thinking and communication skills, have been instrumental in her success. We are fortunate to have Rachel’s leadership as we continue to implement our new branding and marketing strategies.”