Board Members (2010-2011)
Lewis Benner Chair
1st Manatee Bank
Mr. Benner has been active as a commercial lender since 1978 in the Pennsylvania, Tampa and Sarasota markets. Prior to taking on his current position, he was instrumental in assisting to establish and oversee the lending functions of Sabal Palm Bank, a successful start-up bank in Sarasota. He is active with local chamber and economic development organizations. In addition to his position as a current Board member with GulfCoast, Lewis serves on the Loan Review Committee.
Kent Anderson Vice Chair
PNC Bank
Mr. Anderson is currently the Southern Team leader for PNC Bank’s SBA Division. Kent began his banking career as a national bank examiner with the U.S. Department of Treasury. He has since served in several senior management positions including Transamerica Small Business as Senior Vice President and National SBA Sales Manager, Vine Street Financial as Senior Vice President, and Temecula Valley Bank as its Western Sales Manager. Kent relocated to St. Petersburg eight years ago, and remains active in various community organizations, including The American Red Cross and several wildlife conservation organizations. Kent serves on the Strategic Planning Committee.
Veatrice Farrell Secretary
Corporate Funding Services, Inc.
Ms. Farrell has been involved in small business development for 25 years. Veatrice’s experience includes serving as a commercial lender for JPMorgan Chase. She is familiar with all types of nonconforming lending instruments, having worked with several non-profit organizations that focus on education, training and non traditional lending. Veatrice serves on the Strategic Planning and Loan Review Committees for GulfCoast. She has received the organization’s “Outstanding Member Award” in recognition of her support to GulfCoast as a community organization member.
Hank Kaan Treasurer
Sun Trust Bank
Mr. Kaan has been in the banking and financial services industry since 1991, having worked as a Vice President, Business Banker for Barnett Bank, and has been with Sun Trust Bank since 1999. He is currently a Senior Vice President and Business Banking Team Leader. Hank joined GulfCoast’s membership a year ago, and brings with him his nearly 20-year experience in management and business banking relationships.
Brian Caswell Assistant Secretary
Casley, Inc.
Mr. Caswell is the founder and CEO of Cazley, Inc., assisting local businesses with financial needs since the company’s inception in October 2008. In 2009, Brian also founded the Economic Development Investment Fund, creating a public/private partnership as an economic development organization serving the business community. Brian has more than ten years of commercial lending experience with Bank of America and South Carolina Bank & Trust. In 2007, Brian relocated to Sarasota and was employed by M&I Bank to develop their strategic entry into the Sarasota market area. Brian serves on GulfCoast’s Loan Review Committee, and has been a member since 2008.
Ron Reuss President
GulfCoast Business Finance, Inc..
Mr. Reuss has been active in SBA lending and economic development, assisting small business for his entire career. He has worked with five different SBA Certified Development Companies (CDCs) situated in three regions of the United States and he has been active with that industry’s trade association, the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), as well. In addition to his current position as President and Director of GulfCoast, Ron is involved with many of the region’s economic development organizations and chambers of commerce.
Bill McLaughlin
Pinnacle Financial Strategies
Mr. McLaughlin is Product Development Manager and assists with the implementation and development of new financial products for smaller community banks. He also founded “Once in a Lifetime Safari,” an international travel business. Previously, Bill worked in the banking industry for 24 years and was active in managing and growing the portfolios for the Small Business Banking and Merchant Services divisions of several regional lenders. Bill has always been active in the Tampa Bay area supporting many community organizations. In addition to his position as a current Board member with GulfCoast, Bill serves on the Corporate Governance Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, and the Audit and Budget Committee. He has received the organization’s “Outstanding Member Award” in recognition of his support to GulfCoast as a lending organization member.
Vincent "Vinny" Muratore
Zions Bank
Mr. Muratore has over 40 years of banking experience in the New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida markets. Presently, he is the Regional Director for the State of Florida for Zions Bancorp. His responsibilities include SBA 504 and commercial originations, submissions, work outs, foreclosures, OREO sales, loan modifications, and the purchase and sale of commercial notes. Additionally, he is a founding Board Member of Flagler Bank and serves on the audit committee. Mr. Muratore also serves on the NAGGL Region IV Liaison Committee.
Shan O'Keefe
Murphy Business and Financial Services
Mr. O’Keefe, as Senior Vice President of Murphy Business, provides business brokerage, business consulting and valuation services to client companies. Shan provides technical consulting in the fields of general/financial management, operations, marketing and sales. He began his career in the 1970s as a manager for General Electric, and has an extensive background in sales, service, as well as engineering, manufacturing and facilities management/construction. Shan joined GulfCoast’s membership a year ago.
Raymond Reher
Innovative CFO Solutions
Mr. Reher is President of Innovative CFO Solutions, providing financial management for emerging growth and middle-market businesses. With over 20 years experience, Ray is responsible for managing all accounting department responsibilities, personnel selection and training, maintaining investor and bank relations and various other duties. His experience includes financial management for a medical products company and publishing companies. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Florida Institute of CPAs. Ray joined GulfCoast’s membership a year ago.
Jason Russek
Branch Banking and Trust Company
Mr. Russek has worked as Vice President and Senior Commercial Banker for BB&T since 2007. Prior to joining BB&T, he was employed by Wachovia Bank in St. Petersburg for two years. Jason’s responsibilities include managing and developing a portfolio of new and existing commercial accounts. He began his career in 1991, working as a bank center manager, worked for Bank of America, and also held positions as marketing and sales director at USA Today and other companies. Jason grew up in the Tampa Bay area, and joined GulfCoast’s membership a year ago.
