Association names area leader state banker of year

SARASOTA — Gulfside Bank President and CEO Dennis Murphy Jr. and Winter Park National Bank President and CEO David Dotherow were recently named 2019 Bankers of the Year by the Florida Bankers Association at its annual meeting.

The Banker of the Year award is given annually. Murphy and Dotherow were selected for recognition because, according to a statement, "they have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the banking industry and service to their communities; each started a de novo bank and both were leaders of the industry by being among the first in a decade in Florida — and the nation — to open new banks."

Murphy has more than 16 years of banking experience. He worked at AmSouth Bank, Regions Bank, Gateway Bank and CenterState Bank before becoming a founder of Gulfside Bank, the release states.  

Dotherow has more than 30 years of banking experience. He's worked at Landmark Bank of Orlando, Security National Bank, Colonial Bank, Century National Bank and Seacoast National Bank. In 2008, he was a founding organizer, director, president and CEO of New Traditions National Bank, which later merged with Old Florida Bancshares and then was acquired by IberiaBank.

“Both Dennis and David are active members of the Florida Bankers Association," says Florida Bankers Association President and CEO Alex Sanchez in the statement. "They are advocates for the banking industry and we are very proud of what they’re doing at their banks. The Banker of the Year award is not given lightly. It is an honor given to bankers who are dedicated and hard-working and these two men are certainly deserving of the recognition.”

The Florida Bankers Association was established in 1888. Its members hold more than 90% of the state’s deposits, a press release says.