SARASOTA, Fla., May 16, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- First State Bank, a $429-million bank with locations in Pinellas and Sarasota counties, has announced the promotion of David Ruppel to Division President - Pinellas County. Ruppel brings decades of banking experience to the position, as well as extensive community involvement and a proven track record with First State Bank.
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"David Ruppel is one of the most experienced and well respected bankers in Pinellas," said Jed Wilkinson, President and CEO of First State Bank. "Since he joined our organization, he has made a major contribution to the bank's outstanding growth and to the ongoing success of his customers."
Ruppel served as executive vice president of First State Bank for two years and has more than 30 years of banking experience in the Tampa Bay area. He chairs the following committees' for the bank: Enterprise Risk Management, New Products and Services, and Focused Sales Training. Before joining First State Bank, Ruppel served as the President and CEO of Florida Bank of Pinellas and has held senior management positions at SouthTrust Bank, Southeast/First Union and Community Bank of Pinellas.
"I am looking forward to bringing continued success to our Pinellas operation," said Ruppel. "In this new role, I'll be able to elevate the Bank's presence in the community and continue to build the kind of relationships that are the essence of community banking."
Ruppel's appointment follows an organizational restructuring that included the promotion of Wilkinson to President and CEO of the bank and the addition of newly-created president-level positions in Sarasota and Pinellas. Michael K. Worthington was named president of the Sarasota County operation.
"The board felt it was important to place fully-empowered bank presidents north and south of Tampa Bay in order to provide expanded access and localized decision-making for our customers," Wilkinson said.
In addition to banking, Ruppel is also an active member of the community, serving on multiple boards for diverse charitable and civic organizations. He has served as Board Member, Chairman or President of All Children's Hospital Foundation, Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, Drug-Free Work Place, Inc., Gold Shield Foundation, Madeira/Redington Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of the Gulf Beaches, St. Patrick Catholic School and The Willa Carson Health Resource Center.
First State Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:FSTF) is the holding company for Sarasota, Florida-based First State Bank (www.firststatefl.com). First State operates six full-service banking centers, three in Pinellas County and three in Sarasota County. With more than $429 million in assets, it is the fifth largest bank headquartered in the Tampa Bay market.
Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains comments or information that constitutes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.
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