March 2024 - Star of the Month - Brenda Gonzalez

The Universal Banker position at Austin Bank literally means you must be universal – able to open accounts, handle teller transactions, take loan applications, and any other request that may come in from a customer. Our Lufkin office is fortunate to have an employee who fills this role with an impressive level of skill and compassion. We are proud to honor Brenda Gonzalez, Universal Banker, as our March Star of the Month.

Brenda joined the Austin Bank team in 2019 bringing with her 10 years of previous banking experience as a branch supervisor and quality control specialist at a local credit union. Coupling the knowledge brought with her and nearly five years with the bank, Brenda is able to offer guidance to our customers as she assists them in making sound decisions and meeting their everyday banking requests. Her customers appreciate her caring approach and look forward to coming in to see her. She is a true believer in good “old-fashioned” customer service and models that daily for the teammates around her. Brenda also excels at handling multiple requests at once – she could easily have a customer in the lobby, drive thru, and be opening an account all at the same time, and none would feel like they were receiving anything but her best.

Brenda is a natural leader, willing to jump into any project and take charge. She personifies the values of Austin Bank in all she does. Greeting each customer with a bright smile and warm hello, Brenda lets them know their business is appreciated at the bank. Unity is exhibited in the way she works alongside each team member, and she excels in the service she gives to our customers. She can be trusted with important tasks, demonstrates integrity in the face of difficult customer interactions, and works to nurture long-term relationships with each and every individual who enters the bank. Brenda is often referred to as the “eagle eye” in the Lufkin office as she is able to catch small errors on forms and documents, and helps the office maintain excellence in all they do.

Originally from El Savador, Brenda moved to the Lufkin area when she was 12 and graduated from Lufkin High School. She and her children – Carlitos, Stephen, and Skarlett – now reside in Hudson. She enjoys participating in her children’s activities, playing soccer and running.

“Brenda is always willing to help with any project and is never afraid to jump in with both feet. She loves to be challenged and surpasses every goal she is given.”

Teressa Karns, Senior Vice President/Retail Market Manager, Lufkin

“Brenda is a major asset to our Lufkin team. She consistently comes to work with an eager attitude and learning mind, ready to serve our customers. We are very lucky to work side-by-side with Brenda each and every day.”

Melanie Shirley, Assistant Vice President/Retail Office Manager, Lufkin

“Brenda is the definition of a team player and is always eager to learn something new, even if it isn’t always within her job description. She keeps the customer’s and bank’s best interest at heart every day. Brenda always greets our customers by name and we are blessed to have her on the front line.”

Chase Luce, Vice President/Location President, Lufkin