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.

Savage led a group of investors to recapitalize the bank in 2012, according to a statement.

The board also elected current board member William McQueen to serve as vice chairman with current vice chairman Andrew Williams.

Freedom Bank was founded in 2005. It has two branches in St. Petersburg.