First GREEN Bank Announces FDIC Approval for Expansion to South Florida Market

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwired - Jul 26, 2016) - Keith Costello, newly appointed CEO of First GREEN Bank, a local bank with a global mission, today announces that the bank has received FDIC approval to establish a new office in Fort Lauderdale. Set to open its doors to the public on Monday, August 22, 2016, First GREEN Bank Fort Lauderdale will be the bank's first location in South Florida. With five branches across Central Florida, First GREEN Bank is forging into this new market in order to spread its commitment to environmental and social sustainability among business leaders and community members across the region.

First GREEN Bank Fort Lauderdale will employ a staff of 12, which the bank plans to hire over the next year. Additionally, the bank welcomes new members to its leadership team with the appointment of Chief Financial Officer, Debbie L. Kohl, CPA, and Chief Information Officer, Sameer Prasad as well as seasoned commercial lenders Jeff Cannon, Linda Parsons and Drew Saito. The team brings with them years of experience, local connections and community service. The bank's previous EVP/CFO, Melissa Atkins, has also transitioned into the role of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the company's daily operation and working with Costello to ensure the new office runs smoothly.

"Having grown to more than $414 million in assets, we're adding staff and expanding our leadership team to ensure that First GREEN Bank continues to be successful as we push farther across Florida," said Keith Costello, CEO of First GREEN Bank. "As the first bank to promote positive environmental and social responsibility while operating as a traditional community bank, we're guided by the desire to do the right thing for the planet, people, community and bank shareholders. The team looks forward to introducing the South Florida community to our unique, values-based approach to banking."

Serving as the home base for CEO, Keith Costello, First GREEN Bank Fort Lauderdale will operate as a full-service branch, offering personal and commercial banking services such as loans, mortgages, checking and savings, CDs, IRAs and money markets. First GREEN Bank will utilize the new location to introduce the South Florida community to its values-based approach, and is evaluating expanding into other markets as well.

"As a South Florida resident and entrepreneurial banker for more than 30 years, I'm tuned into the distinctive needs of this community," adds Costello. "I am thrilled to be leading First GREEN Bank in its expansion, and believe the bank has enormous potential to be truly influential and profitable within the region. By expanding southward, we can position the bank's values-based business model as a beacon for other businesses to emulate."

First GREEN Bank will host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the new office on Friday, August 26^th at 4 PM. Community members are invited to attend and celebrate the office opening with the First GREEN Bank staff. The office is located at 12 SE 12th, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316.

To find out more about First GREEN Bank, visit www.firstgreenbank.com.