NEWPORT –– Each year the Vermont Bankers Association (VBA) holds a Women in Leadership Conference. Historically around 200 professionals working in the financial industry from around the state attend. During the conference, the prestigious Woman Of The Year Award is presented. This year the recipient of the award was Community National Bank’s CEO Kathryn (Kathy) Austin.
The VBA’s Woman Of The Year Award is presented to an individual who has a long history of going above and beyond to support and lift employees up to their full potential. This support may come from mentoring, peer-to-peer exchange, and volunteerism.
In her nomination, Austin is described as an exceptional leader who leads by example. For more than 40 years, she has taken many women under her wing and encouraged growth and development.
Austin has also been a positive influence on many women who have engaged with her on the numerous community boards in which she has served. Several of the bank’s employees attended the conference and were thrilled to congratulate Kathy on receiving her award.
