Community Bank of Manatee Names Kathryn Pemble President and COO

BRADENTON, Fla., July 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Bank of Manatee today announced that Kathryn "Katie" Pemble has been named President and Chief Operating Officer.  In addition to being responsible for all bank operations, she will work with CEO and Chairman, William H. Sedgeman Jr., and the bank's board in developing the bank's long-term strategic plans.  Pemble, a 23-year banking veteran in the Tampa Bay area, also will become a member of Community Bank's board of directors.

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"We are excited to welcome Katie to our organization," said Sedgeman.  "She is a proven leader whose extensive knowledge and banking experience in Florida will be instrumental in achieving our goal of being the best bank in the Tampa Bay area.  Katie joins us at an exciting time as the bank just had a profitable second quarter, and with the support of its shareholders, stands with the highest capitalization in the bank's 14 year history."

Prior to joining Community Bank of Manatee, Pemble was with Florida Bank -- previously named Bank of St. Petersburg -- in Tampa.  During her tenure there, she held the positions of chief operating officer, president and chief executive of the bank.  Most recently, she held the position of chief credit officer for the bank and holding company, Florida Bank Group, Inc. Before joining Bank of St. Petersburg in 2004, Pemble was Pinellas County president for Bank of America.  A native Floridian, Pemble graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Finance.

Director Trevor Burgess added, "We are honored to have one of the most highly regarded women in Florida banking join our team.  Katie's experience, drive, dedication and knowledge of the Tampa Bay market make her the perfect President for Community Bank."

"I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with an organization with such strong roots in the community," Pemble said.  "I look forward to helping the bank grow and develop by meeting the financial needs of small businesses, individuals and families."

Among her numerous civic and community activities, Pemble is a member of the Florida Banker's Association, Leadership Florida, the American Heart Association Leadership Circle, and the Moffitt Merit Society.  She also serves as treasurer and finance committee chairman of Bayfront Health System, Inc. in St. Petersburg.

Community Bank is a local, independent bank serving the Tampa Bay region with five branches in Manatee and Hillsborough counties and $250 million in assets as of June 30, 2010.  Community Bank continues to specialize in solutions for individuals by offering the region's best checking account "Clover Gold," residential mortgages with local and expedient decision-making, and business solutions including Small Business Administration loans.  Community Bank is a preferred lender of the SBA and was recently ranked as the number one local community bank for SBA loans.

ABOUT COMMUNITY BANK OF MANATEE:

Community Bank continues to specialize in solutions for individuals by offering the regions best checking account, "Clover Gold," residential mortgages including "jumbo mortgages" with local, quick decision-making and business solutions including Small Business Administration loans. Community Bank was recently ranked as the number one local community bank for SBA loans.

Community Bank, is a local, independent bank serving the communities of Florida's central Gulf Coast with five branches in Manatee and Hillsborough counties:

For more information, visit the bank's website at:  www.CommunityBankNow.com or contact the nearest office.

SOURCE Community Bank of Manatee