Sunday, March 7, 2010

First State Bank promotes Gibson, Barroso

First State Bank of the Florida Keys recently announced the promotion of several employees.

Vice President Diane Gibson has been promoted to corporate services and business development manager.

In her new role, Gibson will lead the corporate services department, enhancing and streamlining business products including merchant credit card services, remote deposit capture and escrow services.

Gibson joined the bank as the Big Pine Winn-Dixie branch manager in 1997, and was transferred to the North Roosevelt Boulevard office as manager a year later.

She is president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Rotary Club of Key West, Key West Business Guild, Lower Keys Heart Council, Lodging Association of the Florida Keys & Key West and Key West Association of Realtors.

Brian Barroso was promoted to assistant vice president and branch manager for the bank's offices on North Roosevelt Boulevard and in Old Town and Stock Island.

Barroso joined the bank in 2005 as Old Town branch manager and in 2006 was promoted to customer service officer. In 2009 his branch management responsibilities expanded to include the Stock Island and boulevard offices.

A native of Key West, Barroso is a graduate of Key West High School and holds a bachelor's degree and Master of Business.

Barroso is actively involved in numerous local organizations, including Montessori Elementary Charter School and Take Stock in Children. He is a graduate of Leadership Monroe County, treasurer of the Rotary Club of Key West and a Paul Harris Fellow Award recipient.

Coldwell Banker Schmitt bestows awards

Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Co. hosted its annual awards banquet for agents, staff and business partners. Award recipients include: Curtis Skomp, Overall Company Top Producer for 2009 and Top Key West Office Agent; Sally Stribling, Top Key Largo Office Agent; Kim Bagnell-Thaler, Top Islamorada Office Agent; Lela Ashkarian, Top Marathon Office Agent; Fred Mullins, Top Lower Keys Office Agent; Jan Keller and Charlotte Porter of the Islamorada office; Overall Company Top Sales Team; Barbara McKee of the Middle Keys office, Top Long-Term Rental Manager; and Kathy Rose, Lower Keys office, Top Short-Term Rental Manager.

Key West grad hired at financial firm

Elyse M. Bonar has been named a representative with Ibis Financial Group, a Palm Beach Gardens financial services firm affiliated with the Securian Financial Network.

Bonar graduated from Key West High School in 2005 and was the class valedictorian. She also is a graduate of the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business and is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi.

Hamilton recognized by Utility Board

The Utility Board recently recognized Henry Hamilton for his six years of service as the District 2 representative of the Keys Energy Services Advisory Committee, serving Key Haven to Big Coppitt Key.

"During his two consecutive terms, Henry has been instrumental in shaping the Advisory Committee," said Lynne Tejeda, the utility's CEO and general manager. "Staff always appreciated his interest in (the utility and its) issues and his willingness to serve, as demonstrated by his tenure as chairman."