Sarasota, Florida, June 5, 2019 – Shaun P. Merriman, Regional President – West Florida, announced recently that, as part of its expanding leadership team, Jim Kuhlman, former Chief Executive Officer and President of Premier Community Bank, has been named Community President for CenterState’s Sarasota/Manatee Market effective immediately. In this capacity, Kuhlman takes leadership of commercial and retail banking for both counties. Merriman will continue in his role as Regional President for the West Florida Region of CenterState.
In making the announcement Merriman commented, “We are delighted to have Jim leading our local team of commercial and retail banking professionals. Having 30+ years of banking experience in our market, Jim has built a wealth of knowledge and is a proven leader, which will significantly contribute to the bank’s strong growth in our community.” Merriman added, “His excellent reputation and commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships will certainly help our organization to continue providing exceptional service during the integration of Premier Community Bank.”
Further, as part of the expanding management team reporting to Kuhlman, Brian Hall, Area Executive/Commercial Team Leader, will continue to oversee commercial banking for Sarasota County while Chris Perkins joins as Area Executive/Commercial Team Leader for the Manatee County commercial banking team. Also reporting to Kuhlman is Cindy Denison, Retail Market Manager, who oversees all nine branches across both counties, including three branches recently added through the merger with Premier, as part of the National Bank of Commerce merger.
In his reaction to the announcement, Kuhlman noted, “I am delighted to take on this role and look forward to the future growth of our bank in the local community!” He added, “I am absolutely committed to CenterState’s core values, especially world class customer service and the importance of Family as it relates to employees, customers, and community.” Prior to Premier Community Bank, Kuhlman was Market President for Stonegate Bank in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte County markets. He was the founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Florida Shores Bank until its merger with Stonegate Bank in January 2014. He was Area President for Colonial Bank after its acquisition of the former Premier Community Bank in 2003, which Kuhlman founded as CEO in 1996. Prior to that, Kuhlman was City Executive for SunTrust Bank in Manatee County. In addition, Kuhlman served for 21 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He earned a B.S. in Finance from The University of Florida and a M.S. B.A. in Business Administration from Boston University. He is a graduate of Leadership Sarasota and Leadership Manatee and is a member of American Mensa, Manasota Chapter. Kuhlman is active in the community having served as Chairman of the Board and Finance Committee Chairman for the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County; Chairman of the Board (2 years) and Finance Committee Chairman (18 years) for South County Family YMCA; Investment Committee and Board Member (14 years) for State College of Florida Foundation; Treasurer and Chairman of the Board-Elect for Mission Valley Country Club; and Finance Committee Chairman and Board Member for the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce.
CenterState Bank is a $17 billion Florida based bank operating in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, which provides online banking, commercial lending, residential mortgages and investment services. CenterState has a history of quality service and community focus. Our core values at CenterState focus on themes of sustainability, a long-term horizon and the career development of our team. We believe that local ownership and local management translate into a better bank. For more information on CenterState Bank, please visit, www.CenterStateBank.com.