Florida Banking February/March 2025

PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS

Amerant Bank Hires Harrell, Promotes Smith and Calderon Amerant Bank announced Sterling Harrell has joined the bank as EVP, Broward Market President. Harrell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in commercial banking and financial management, making him a valuable addition to Harrell’s appointment signifies another deliberate move in Amerant’s continued dedication to Broward County and growth throughout South Florida. Additionally, Amerant has named Braden R. Smith as SEVP, Chief Amerant Bank in Broward County. He will be based in Amerant’s recently opened Plantation regional headquarters. Business Development Officer. In this key role, Smith will be responsible for identifying, evaluating and pursuing business opportunities that align with Amerant’s strategic growth objectives for and across all lines of business. The bank also has promoted Sharymar Calderon , Amerant’s EVP and Chief Financial Officer since May 2023, to Senior Executive Vice President. Mainstreet Community Bank Announces New SVP Commercial Lender Calderon Harrell Smith

Corporate and Middle Market Banking. Fernando Mesia was promoted to Miami-Dade County Market President, Head of Corporate and Middle Market Banking, further solidifying the bank’s leadership position for corporate and middle market segments in the South Florida area. With 28 years of experience in Corporate and Middle Market and banking, Heimovics is known for her strategic approach and deep community involvement. Prior to joining Valley, she held senior level positions in Corporate and Middle Market Banking at Fifth Third Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. Fernando Mesia leads a team of Corporate and Middle Market bankers specializing in working capital, trade finance, structured finance and treasury solutions, collaborating with business owners, private equity firms and family offices. Over the past 25 years, Mesia has focused on deepening relationships with corporate clients across Miami. Simler’s role is expanding to include oversight of the new Professionals & Executives Group, launching this year, which will focus on serving law firms, accounting firms and small physician practices. He will continue to lead the Broward Commercial Banking group, which specializes in Corporate and Middle Market clients. As another C&I growth driver to support local businesses, Alyshia Bennett will continue to lead and expand Valley’s Business Banking line of business in the East Florida Region. Additionally, Yamil Aguad oversees the bank’s Commercial Real Estate portfolio and team of seasoned relationship managers. Regions Bank Names Ray Hand as Regional Wealth Executive for Florida Regions Bank announced Ray Hand has joined the bank to serve as Private Wealth Management regional executive for Florida. He will lead teams of Regions’ Private Wealth Management associates across Florida, providing wealth planning and insights, financial guidance and custom-tailored investment services. Hand joins Regions from Truist Bank, where he most recently served as the executive vice president and Florida division director for Truist Wealth. He began his career as a personal trust officer and held various sales and leadership roles at Truist and its predecessor banks for more than 30 years. Crews Bank & Trust Names Garner Trust Officer, Promotes Elliott to Commercial Banker The Trust and Wealth Management division at Crews Bank & Trust announced Jackson Garner has been named their newest Trust Officer. Garner joined the

Mainstreet Community Bank announced the addition of Ryan Gaston as Commercial Lender at its Longwood branch. With 13 years of experience as a commercial lender and four years as an investment advisor, Gaston brings valuable expertise to the team.

Gaston

A graduate of Florida State University, Gaston is also actively involved in the community, contributing to organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Orlando Union Rescue Mission and Under the Lights Winter Park. Valley National Elevates Leadership to Expand South Florida Market Presence Valley National Bank is expanding its leadership team to strengthen its presence in the East Florida region. Aly Heimovics joined as Palm Beach County Market President and Head of Corporate and Middle Market Banking, while Jordan Simler continues as Broward County Market President and Head of

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