LAKE CHARLES — The Most Reverend Glen J. Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, has accepted the recommendation from the Diocesan Search Committee and the Finance Council to appoint Mrs. Robin L. Austin, CPA, CGMA, as the new Chief Finance Officer for the Diocese of Lake Charles effective Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Mrs. Austin accepted the position Monday, September 9, on the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, the patron saint for the Diocese.
Reverend Monsignor Daniel A. Torres, Vicar General and Chair of the Search Committee, stated, “I am grateful to the Roman Catholic Lay members of the Search Committee, who are experienced business leaders, financial investors, insurance consultants, and CPA s who assisted me in vetting 18 applicants for the person to lead the fiscal office. After several meetings, research on the needs of the fiscal department of the diocese, church parishes, and helping the diocesemove forward from the aftermath of many natural disasters, the committee narrowed the field of candidates before making a unanimous choice of Mrs. Austin.”
Monsignor Torres also expressed his gratitude for the intercession of Saint Peter Claver for assisting the Search Committee in its work and finding the right person to recommend to Bishop Provost.
A parishioner of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Lake Charles, Mrs. Austin is married and has three children. Her experience includes 17 years as a CFO/Controller of Polaris EPC, Inc., a locally owned international corporation; and serving as accounting manager of Community Coffee. She has also filled the roles of senior auditor and controller with companies based in Houston and Alabama. She has received certificates as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
Mrs. Austin has worked within Polaris devising a complete “hands on” approach with her in-house personnel dealing with FEMA claims and accounting for each transaction.
“Mrs. Austin’s expertise in creativity, communication skills, problem-solving, as well as the desire to mentor and teach will benefit all fiscal personnel throughout the diocese for the enjoyment of being good stewards of the finances the faithful have entrusted to the care of the Church,” said Monsignor Torres. “This is a testimony of her love for God and His Church.”
Saint Peter Claver, pray for us!
