Area banker hops into new role

SARASOTA — Well-known area banker Rich Hopper was named executive vice president and senior loan officer in the commercial banking division at Insignia Bank.

Hopper, who also worked for Insignia in 2009 and 2010, has more than 30 years experience in commercial banking. He was most recently a senior vice president and business banking team manager for BankUnited in the Southwest Florida, Tampa Bay and Orlando markets. From 2003 to 2009 Hopper was the Sarasota area market president for commercial and retail banking for Naples-based Orion Bank.

Hopper, according to a release, will be based out of Insignia's downtown Sarasota office. Insignia, with three branches in the Sarasota-Manatee market, had $192.7 million in assets through March 31, according to FDIC data.

“Insignia Bank is very pleased to have Rich Hopper join our team,” Insignia Bank Chairman and CEO Charles Brown says in the statement. “His extensive knowledge and leadership experience within the local commercial banking industry will benefit our growing presence in the Sarasota and Manatee region.”