Florida Banking August/September 2024

TRUST AND WEALTH MANAGEMENT MINI FEATURE

UNITED SOUTHERN BANK’S TRUST DEPARTMENT: DEEP COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND SERVICE

U nited Southern Bank (USB) was established in 1937 as Umatilla State Bank. Originally catering to the financial needs of Downtown Umatilla residents, especially those in the citrus industry, the bank expanded its services and geographical reach, rebranding as United Southern Bank in 1986. Since its founding, USB has been on a mission to be the community bank that cares about its customers, employees, shareholders and communities. Throughout its nearly 86-year history, USB has partnered with and supported hundreds of community-minded organizations with thousands of volunteer hours and countless charitable contributions. To further USB’s mission to serve the local community with a deeper level of financial management, the bank’s Trust Department was established in 1989. Earlier this year, United Southern Bank’s Board of Directors took another major step in pursuit of the bank’s mission with the establishment of the Sunshine Community Trust. Through the stewardship of generously donated funds designated to support beneficial community causes, this new community trust will provide financial support to local community and charitable organizations. The Sunshine Community Trust is a natural manifestation of USB’s long history of deep community involvement, community service, and philanthropic support. The Sunshine Community Trust’s first grant award went to the Lake Tech Scholarship Fund, a program that provides financial assistance to local students pursuing technical education. This initiative aligns with United Southern Bank’s commitment to support education and local workforce development. “United Southern Bank is extremely honored and humbled to embark on this amazing new endeavor through the Sunshine Community Trust,” said Andre Nacaxe, senior trust officer and senior vice president. “As a community bank, we strive to partner with

and improve our local community. We strongly believe in Lake Tech’s mission and look forward to assisting them in completing it through this grant.” Nacaxe does not shy away from a challenge. He joined the USB Trust team in 2020 amidst the pandemic, bringing with him a commitment to growth, innovation and community

NACAXE

engagement. He quickly noted that, although the Trust Department had a strong foundation, it needed to make some changes to remain relevant and provide the highest level of service to USB’s customers. A graduate of Boston University with a dual degree in Economics and International Relations, Nacaxe brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the Trust Department. In 2011, he graduated from Cannon Trust School and received the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designation. Nacaxe received his Master’s in Business Administration degree from the University of Central Florida in 2019, further enhancing his leadership capabilities. The Trust Department is also led by Ann Tallman. A veteran in trust administration, Tallman has been in the Lake and Sumter Counties’ trust and investment services industry for more than 36 years. She has experience in management, business development, operations, employee benefit plan administration, guardianships, personal trust and fiduciary taxes. Tallman served on the FBA Trust Education Committee

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