News

Monday, January 12, 2009

BankFIRST Names John Casebier New Winter Park Area President

Winter Park, Florida – (January 12, 2009) – Donald J. McGowan, President and CEO of BankFIRST, announced today that John Casebier has been named Winter Park Area President. A long-time resident of Winter Park, Casebier brings more than 25 years of community banking experience to his new role. “John’s expertise in relationship and client development and commercial lending is extensive and we are extremely excited to welcome him to our team. In a time when most banks are pulling back, BankFIRST is pleased to make this significant investment that will benefit our bank and our community. This hire is indicative of our bank’s long-term commitment to lending to small and medium-sized businesses in our market,” said Donald J. McGowan, BankFIRST President and CEO.

“We are very pleased to introduce John to our BankFIRST clients in Winter Park. His strong community and banking industry reputation makes him a tremendous asset to our organization,” said Anne Kelley Fray, BankFIRST Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.

Casebier entered the field of community banking in 1981, where he was employed with Barnett Bank, N.A., Winter Park. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in the areas of commercial lending, community involvement, and new business development. Most recently, he served as Market President / Winter Park at First Commercial Bank of Florida, where he was responsible for building a successful portfolio, while maintaining long-lasting client relationships. In addition, Casebier previously spent 14 years with Wachovia Bank, N.A., formerly known as National Bank of Commerce, serving as Senior Vice President / Affluent Market Manager.

A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Casebier earned his B.S. in Business Administration in 1985, and was an Honors Graduate of the Graduate School of Banking of the South, LSU, 1992. His community involvement is evidenced through his leadership roles as President of the Winter Park Kiwanis Club, Immediate Past President of the Episcopal Counseling Center, Past President of the Leadership Winter Park Alumni Association, Robert Morse Associates of the Florida Bankers Association, Vestry and Youth Leader of All Saints Episcopal Church, Past President and Treasurer of the Winter Park Public Library, and Immediate Past President of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.