Kathryn Howell, who joined South State Bank in January, will handle the mortgage lending service at the bank’s Richmond Hill office.

With more than 20 years in the industry, Howell has experience in real estate transactions as well as working with financial institutions.

She earned an associate degree in paralegal studies from Vincennes University in 1993 and a Bachelor of Science in finance from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Kelley School of Business in 1999.

Howell has been honored with the Outstanding Member Award from the Northeast Florida Paralegal Association and with the Affiliate Award from the National Association of Legal Assistants.

A native of Oxford, Indiana, Howell and her husband, Freddy, have two children and live in Richmond Hill.