First Southern Bank expanding to Treasure Coast, Watters named VP

First Southern Bank, a full-service community bank serving Florida and Georgia, announced Monday that it plans to expand to the Treasure Coast and has named longtime Treasure Coast bankerSteve Watters  as a senior vice
president.

Watters has joined First Southern Bank with more than 30 years of banking experience. He has been a regional bank executive leading teams in the Treasure Coast Region for the past 20 years. He has previously been with SunTrust, Harbor Community Bank and most recently with SouthState,  where he served as Treasure Coast regional retail executive.

 Kelly Ellis, west Florida market president for First Southern, said First Southern will open a loan production office in St. Lucie County in early 2022 with the intention of converting it to a full-service branch.

“We are pleased to welcome Steve to First Southern Bank,” said Daniel S. Hager, chairman and CEO. “As a seasoned market leader with valuable experience, we look forward to the insight, energy and value he will bring to the Bank in the coming years.”

Watters began his banking career with a small community bank in North Carolina and now is returning to his community banking roots with First Southern Bank.

Watters has served on numerous non-profit boards on the Treasure Coast as well as developing mentorship programs. Watters is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Wilmington where he majored in business administration.