Bank stalwart takes new role

Prominent Gulf Coast banker Bill Klich, onetime president of the Florida division of BB&T, has been named to the American Association of Bank Directors' board of advisers.

The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit association focuses on education and advocacy for bank directors. “Bill brings to AABD a wealth of practical experience and expertise in commercial banking and risk management at both large and community banks,” AABD Chairman Charles Thayer says in a release. “As one of the finest bank CEOs in the U.S., he will provide AABD members with invaluable support for the challenges they face.”

Klich retired from an active career in banking in 2010. He was chairman of the Florida Bankers Association, in addition to his leadership posts at BB&T. Klich was also president and CEO of Republic Bancshares and Republic Bank, which grew to a $2.8 billion institution under his leadership. BB&T bought Republic Bank in 2004.