Bank raises profile with new hire

Bank raises profile with new hire

The Sarasota-Manatee unit of Whitney National Bank has hired Chris Pennewill, Jr., a well-known local executive, to run its commercial banking division.

Pennewill, the current chairman of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, was named a senior vice president at the bank. Pennewill previously served as market president for Superior Bank in Bradenton.

“These are trying times for businesses of all types,” Whitney Bank Area President Tramm Hudson says, “and as Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Chris will gain unique insight regarding the credit needs of Manatee County businesses.”

Pennewill began his banking career with NCNB National Bank in 1990. He joined People's Community Bank in 2003 and stayed with the lender when it was bought by Superior Bank in 2008.