Dade City bank promotes executive vice president to COO

First National Bank of Pasco, headquartered in Dade City, has promoted Jim Esry, who previously served as executive vice president and chief enterprise risk officer, to COO and director of enterprise risk management.

According to a news release, Esry, who joined FNB in July, will oversee the bank’s loan operations team in addition to his existing portfolio of credit risk management duties.

“Jim’s promotion reflects his sound leadership toward our goal of better products and services for our customers through the power of innovative technology,” FNB President and CEO Steven Hickman states in the release. “His integrity and experience in risk management are essential as we grow our commercial banking franchise and reposition to benefit from the tremendous fee income opportunities made possible by partnering with fintech businesses.”

Prior to joining FNB, Esry was president and CEO of Lafayette State Bank in Mayo and led that bank to restored health. He has also served as market executive at Pro Bank in Tallahassee, where he grew the loan portfolio and reduced problem loans. 

“I appreciate the confidence of our CEO and board of directors as we continue pursuing technology-enhanced products and services that our customers want and expect,” Esry states in the release. “We are assessing the rapidly developing capabilities of fintech companies and designing scenarios that benefit our customers without increasing risk.”

FNB was founded in 1986 and has approximately $276 million in total assets. In addition to Dade City, it has branches in Lutz, Tampa and Zephyrhills.