OREANDA-NEWS. BB&T today announced it will combine its North Florida and Central Florida Regions into a new North & Central Florida Region. Scott Keith, who currently serves as president of the North Florida Region, has been named president of the new region, which will have headquarters in Jacksonville and Orlando. Tony Coley, who currently serves as president of the Central Florida Region, has been named president of BB&T's South Florida Region. The combination and management changes will be effective July 1, 2016.

BB&T Regional President Scott Keith

"Scott has demonstrated excellent leadership in North Florida that has led to the strong performance of the region," said Ricky Brown, president of Branch Banking &Trust. "His corporate banking expertise, proven results and significant commitment to the community make him the ideal choice for an expanded role as president of our new North & Central Florida Region." According to Brown, the strategic decision to combine the two regions will result in increased flexibility, additional client resources and greater growth potential.

Keith, 51, has 29 years of banking experience in North Florida and has served as a relationship manager, corporate banking manager, and commercial line of business manager with several financial institutions. He joined BB&T in 2005 as market president in Jacksonville and was promoted to regional president of the North Florida Region in 2010.

"I am thrilled to have this expanded role and opportunity to connect with our great team in Central Florida," Keith said. "Our combined strengths will position BB&T with elevated client service and significant growth opportunities. Market presidents Chris Rolle in Orlando and Debbie Buckland in Jacksonville have already provided significant leadership and will continue to strengthen our presence in these strategic markets."

Keith currently serves as a director of the Florida Bankers Association executive committee and serves as Tier III chairman. He is a member of The Players Council of The Players Championship, a trustee and past chairman of Gator Bowl Sports, and a member of the South Jacksonville Rotary Club. He served as a board member of Wolfson Children's Hospital where he chaired its Development Council, is a past chairman of the Board of Governors for the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, and past chair of JAXUSA, the economic development arm of JAXChamber. Keith earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Florida State University.

Coley, 42, has nearly 20 years of banking experience with several institutions in Florida. He joined BB&T in 2009 through its acquisition of Colonial Bank, where he was president and CEO of Colonial Bank's Southeast Florida Commercial Banking Division. He served as BB&T's market president of Broward County and was promoted to regional president of the Central Florida Region in 2012.

BB&T operates 326 financial centers in Florida and divides its footprint into autonomous community bank regions – each with its own president – to keep decisions local and close to the customer.