Sam Tortorici Named CEO of Superior Bank

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Superior Bank ("Superior") today announced that Sam Tortorici, a well-known banking leader in the Southeast, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Bank.  Tortorici is a senior banking executive with more than 24 years of experience at Regions Bank.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110725/NY40469 )

"Sam is a proven leader, well known in banking circles both in the Birmingham, Alabama region and throughout the Southeastern U.S.," said Paul Murphy, Chairman of Superior Bank and the Chief Executive Officer of Community Bancorp, Superior's parent company.  "He brings extensive banking experience from the local market, and we share a common vision of exceeding customer expectations and for being an employer of choice.  Sam will help us make this vision a reality for both the customers and the communities we serve today and will serve in the future.  We are delighted to have him join our organization."

Tortorici noted: "It is clear Superior has a very strong franchise in its markets through a focus on localized customer service and a commitment to engaging with its customers to enhance their business and personal financial results.  This vision of growth coupled with their obvious commitment to employees are an ideal fit for my personal values."

Doug Hutt, President of Superior Bank added: "We could not have found a better addition to our team to execute our localized strategy of providing products and services for the businesses and individuals in the Alabama and Florida markets.  With his business acumen, knowledge of the local area, and strong ties to the community, Sam's appointment is a clear signal of Superior's desire to further build its banking franchise in the region."

Today's appointment is the latest leadership addition to Superior Bank.  Several other key executives have joined the organization in the past three months, including:

• Jerry Powell, General Counsel
• J. Cameron Terry, Chief Credit Officer
• Fred Martin, Director of Human Resources
• Doug Staley, Special Assets Group Manager
• Dann Lee, Director of Retail Delivery
• Tricia Bellamy, Director of Compliance

Fox deFuniak, Birmingham Market President for Superior Bank, added: "I have known Sam for his entire banking career.  He brings a unique blend of knowledge and personal skills that are rare in business today.  This combination of both expertise and personality will help to ensure his success with customers and employee relationships alike.  The entire team could not be more pleased with this announcement and we look forward to working closely with him."

Background of Mr. Tortorici

Most recently, Mr. Tortorici was Regions Bank's Executive for Commercial and Industrial Banking.  Prior to that, he was the President of Regions Bank's Central Region, which included Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.  He has held responsibility for sales and service across a variety of banking business lines.  

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Tortorici continues to be intensely engaged in his alma mater, serving as a member of the President's Cabinet.  He also has served as the United Way General Campaign Chairman, and served as a Board Member for St. Vincent's Hospital Foundation, the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, Operation New Birmingham, and the Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund.

About Community Bancorp, LLC

Community Bancorp, LLC is a bank holding company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. CBC has raised equity capital commitments of $1 billion for the purpose of making investments in the U.S. banking sector, with a particular focus on community banks that are well positioned to benefit from the equity capital and industry expertise CBC can provide. CBC was created to transform acquired financial institutions into robust banks that can stand on their own. Through exceptional customer service, a disciplined credit and risk management framework, cost controls and the implementation of enhanced technology, CBC will drive success and invest in the growth of communities in the Southern U.S. where it intends to build a competitive franchise.

Community Bancorp is committed to meeting the banking needs of the local communities in which it operates by providing quality products and financial solutions tailored to suit local needs, delivered through experienced and knowledgeable bankers, and supported by a highly experienced and accomplished management team and Boards of Directors committed to the growth of their communities. To date, CBC has 111 branches, $4.2 billion in assets and a legal loan limit of $75 million.

About Superior Bank

Superior Bank, N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Community Bancorp, LLC, is a $3 billion Southeastern community bank headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Committed to local decision making, Superior Bank operates 45 branches in Alabama and 28 branches in Florida, six mortgage offices in Alabama and Florida, and 23 consumer finance offices in North Alabama which operate as 1st Community Credit and Superior Financial Services.

Superior Bank offers competitive and industry-leading banking products and financial solutions that include retail banking, commercial and wholesale banking, treasury management, Small Business Administration loans, consumer loans, mortgages, home equity lines and loans, and investments. Superior Bank is dedicated to unparalleled customer service delivered by people who care, where each customer receives the kind of responsive, personalized attention they deserve. For additional information, visit SuperiorBank.com.

Media Contact: 

Julie White, White Sky Agency 
(205) 458-9566 direct, (205) 222-2375 mobile or [email protected]

SOURCE Superior Bank