Bank chooses attorney as next chairman

ST. PETERSBURG — Dennis Ruppel was elected chairman of the board of St. Petersburg-based Freedom Bank.

Ruppel succeeds Neil Savage. Savage will continue to serve on the board and remain chairman of the board for Fourth Street Banking Co., a financial holding company and Freedom Bank parent.

Ruppel joined the board in 2010. He most recently served as vice chairman. He previously served on two other bank boards. Ruppel is a partner with local law firm Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP. He was also involved in the formation and acquisition of locally owned insurance companies.