Bank's new senior lender has global experience

NAPLES — Encore Bank named Janis Vargas senior vice president of commercial and SBA lending, based out the bank's Fort Myers office.

Vargas has more than 20 years experience in the financial services industry, particularly in lending in the U.S. and South America, according to a statement. When Vargas arrived in the U.S. 12 years ago, she spoke no English, the release adds. She landed her first job in America as a bank branch manager, and was promoted to business banking a year later. Prior to Encore Bank Vargas worked for Achieva Credit Union in Fort Myers and Regions Bank and Fifth Third Bank in Naples, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Naples-based Encore Bank has six locations, including two in Naples, one in Bonita Springs and one in Fort Myers. The bank had $381.9 million in assets through Sept. 30.