Florida Banking April/May 2025

PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS

role of President and CEO on Jan. 1. Couse, a veteran banking professional, brings nearly 20 years of experience at First Bank. Since joining the institution in 2005, he has contributed extensively across various roles, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the

economic development, brings expertise, strategic vision and a deep commitment to community banking. He holds an MBA and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania ABA Stonier School of Banking and The Wharton School. Flagship Bank Announces New Community Association Banking Division Flagship Bank, a subsidiary of West Florida Bank Corporation, announced it has released a comprehensive suite of purpose-built lending, deposit and cash management services for community associations and the companies that manage them. The specialized services, offered by the bank’s newly formed Community Association Banking division, offer a local banking solution to address Tampa Bay area community associations’ need for a wider variety of financial tools. Craton Promoted to VP and Trust Officer at Caldwell Trust Company Manatee Counties. Since joining Caldwell in 2021, she has played a key role in managing relationships with trust and investment clients. In her new role, she will continue delivering personalized, client-focused services. Capital City Bank Establishes Chief Banking Officer, Names New Chief Lending Officer Capital City Bank announced promoting Ramsay Sims to its newly created executive role of chief banking officer. Sims, a tenured member of the company’s senior leadership team, brings broad expertise in financial services and effective leadership. strategic direction of the bank’s lending and deposit functions. Smith will focus on driving the bank’s lending strategies as chief lending officer under Sims’ direction. Sims holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University Peronal Transactions, Continued on page 29 William Smith has been promoted to chief lending officer, filling the vacancy left by Sims’ promotion. As chief banking officer, Sims will streamline the Sims Smith Craton Caldwell Trust Company announced promoting Alisa Ivey Craton, CTFA®, to Vice President and Trust Officer. Craton has earned a stellar reputation for her financial expertise and community involvement, making her a trusted figure in Sarasota and

Couse

company’s core values. His promotion to President and COO in March 2022 solidified his reputation as a visionary leader with a proven ability to drive operational excellence. Couse succeeds Carey Soud, who retired Dec. 31, 2024, after a distinguished tenure as CEO. Cogent Bank Announces Expansion of Association Banking Division Cogent Bank announced the strategic expansion of its Association Banking Division, adding several team members and locations throughout the state. The division will expand its support in Tampa and Northeast and Northwest Florida, including Florida's Panhandle, Georgia and Alabama, and will supplement existing markets in Naples, Fort Myers and Orlando. Cogent Bank’s Association Banking division is led by Traci Smith and includes the following team, who service areas across the state: Julie Celozzi, VP, banking center manager, servicing southwest Florida Sean Friend, SVP, commercial relationship manager, servicing southwest Florida Anna Rogers, SVP, community association relationship manager, servicing Clearwater and Greater Tampa Bay Georgia Miller, SVP, community association relationship manager, servicing north Florida, Georgia and Alabama Michele Ranalli, SVP, community association relationship manager, servicing central Florida and Tampa Charissa Smith, SVP, commercial relationship manager, servicing central Florida Sam Wingo, Deposit and Treasury Sales Associate supporting central Florida, Clearwater, Greater Tampa Bay, North Florida and Northwest Florida/Panhandle Clara Cisnero, client services across Florida Heather Wood, client services across Florida First National Bank of Pasco Welcomes Zazzera as CEO The Board of Directors of Florida Bancshares Inc. and First National Bank of Pasco (FNB Pasco) welcomed John Zazzera as President and CEO. Zazzera, a passionate advocate for community engagement and

26 — FLORIDA BANKING THE VOICE OF FLORIDA BANKING