Florida Banking October/November 2024

PERSONAL TRANSACTIONS

Amerant Bank Names Flowers as Palm Beach Market President

to meet the lending and deposit needs of healthcare businesses located in the communities supported by the bank’s 12 Tampa Bay area banking centers. “Phil brings vast knowledge of the complex issues facing medical service providers to this role, which will enable us to better serve the specific needs of these businesses,” said BayFirst CEO Thomas Zernick. “His experience will significantly benefit our team as well as this critical sector of our state’s economy, and I look forward to seeing him drive results to help us increase our overall impact and success.” Capital City Bank Announces Leggett as Chief People Officer, Jensen as CTO

Amerant Bank has named Jesse Flowers as EVP, Palm Beach Market President. Flowers, an integral part of the financial services industry in the Palm Beach market, brings over two decades of experience in banking, specializing in servicing clients seeking

Flowers

a true and authentic relationship with their bank. His appointment marks another pointed step in Amerant’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Central and South Florida. “We are excited to welcome Jesse as Amerant’s new market president for Palm Beach County. His focus on relationship banking and his commitment to client success align perfectly with our precepts,” said Jerry Plush, Chairman and CEO of Amerant Bank. “We are confident that under his leadership, our Palm Beach market will thrive, and our clients will receive the exceptional service they deserve and expect from Amerant Bank.” Bartholomew Named President of Citizens First Bank Bartholomew, a long-time resident of Lake County, has over 35 years of banking experience in the Central Florida market. He joined Citizens First Bank in 2016, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. Outgoing President Lindsey Blaise, who will remain on the bank’s board of directors following her departure in April, said “Jay joined us seven years ago to oversee the commercial and retail side of the bank. He is absolutely a wonderful support and has continued to take on more responsibilities. He was the right fit to be my successor as president and CEO.” Bayfirst Hires Director of Healthcare Lending Bartholomew Citizens First Bank announced the appointment of Jay Bartholomew as President and CEO.

Capital City Bank announced Ashley Leggett has been named Chief People Officer and Lynne Jensen has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer. Leggett will oversee a newly formed talent division comprised of the Human Resources, Culture and

Leggett

Learning and Development departments. Jensen will spearhead the development and execution of the bank’s comprehensive technology strategy, ensuring alignment with its organizational mission and strategic goals. “Our search focused on finding a leader who had the skills to be successful and a passion for our values,” said Bill Smith, Capital City Bank Group Chairman, President and CEO. “Ashley’s deep-rooted knowledge of company operations and culture, as well as her commitment to volunteerism, positions her as a strong candidate to carry forward the torch of leadership with integrity and innovation.” "Lynne’s promotion reinforces our continuing commitment to technological advancement and expansion,” Smith added.“We are pleased to see Lynne step into this expanded role, with full confidence that her extensive experience, proven leadership and strategic foresight will propel the bank towards continued success and growth.” Captiva Trust Announces Promotions, New Hire The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company announced the addition of Jodi Schwartzel, Vice President, Portfolio Manager to the investment management team; the promotion of Peter Knize, J.D., LL.M., AEP® to Chief

St. Petersburg-based BayFirst National Bank has welcomed a 25-year industry veteran to spearhead the healthcare business lending efforts of its commercial lending team. Phil Russo assumes the newly created position of SVP, director of healthcare lending

Fiduciary Officer; and the promotion of senior portfolio manager, Kristian R. Jhamb, CFA, to Chief Investment Officer. Schwartzel meets with clients to identify their short and long-term investment goals and manages their

Russo

within the community bank. He is charged with overseeing and further developing the bank’s efforts

Schwartzel

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