Flagship Bank Appoints President James Nelson to Top Leadership Position Following Retirement of CEO Robert McGivney
CLEARWATER, Fla., June 9, 2023 – Flagship Bank, a subsidiary of West Florida Bank Corporation, today announced that James Nelson, the bank’s president, chief operating officer, and chief credit officer, has been appointed by the board of directors to assume the role and responsibilities of Flagship’s top leadership position following the retirement of current CEO Robert McGivney, who will continue to serve as a director for Flagship Bank and West Florida Bank Corporation.
“We’re extremely fortunate to transition from one seasoned executive to another and maintain strong continuity in our bank’s leadership,” said Paul J. Wikle, chairman, West Florida Bank Corporation. “With over 45 years of banking experience, Jim is a tremendous choice for leading our bank into the future. He has been a key leader on our executive team since the beginning, and we are confident that he will continue building on our past success.”
In early 2019, McGivney, after a 50-year-plus banking career, and Wikle led a group of bankers and investors in forming West Florida Bank Corporation. In October of that year, after raising over $37 million and gaining nearly 300 new shareholders, the group purchased Flagship Community Bank and began operating the bank under the name of Flagship Bank. McGivney and Wikle, along with Nelson, have grown the bank from two branch offices, in Clearwater and Oldsmar, to six branch locations, including in St. Petersburg, Largo, West Pasco, and Tarpon Springs. They also have overseen the growth of bank assets from $129,400,000 to $588,200,000.
“The Tampa Bay area is continuing to experience a period of profound growth requiring greater and more diversified banking services,” said Nelson. “We are privileged to serve this demand with not only the latest technologies for easy and secure banking, but also a highly personalized community banking experience, which has always been at the core of our culture.”
“We are forever grateful to Bob for his years of service and the vital role he’s played in founding and growing our bank, and we look forward to a new era of leadership and growth with Jim,’’ Wikle said.
About Flagship Bank
Flagship Bank (member FDIC) is a Bauer 5-star rated community bank, founded by a local board of directors, owned by local shareholders, and operated by seasoned, local bankers. With branches in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Tarpon Springs, Oldsmar, and West Pasco, the bank is focused on serving the entrepreneurs, professionals, and residents in the Tampa Bay area. Flagship Bank provides a full range of financial services including business banking, personal banking, and Treasury Management. Find Flagship Bank on the web at www.flagshipbank.com.
About West Florida Bank Corporation
West Florida Bank Corporation is a Florida Corporation and the parent bank holding company for Flagship Bank, a Florida-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Clearwater, Florida.
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