United Community Expands Central Florida Commercial Banking Team with Five Strategic Additions
"We are committed to expanding our reach in Central Florida and excited to welcome this talented group to our team," said Evan Wyant, regional president for Central Florida. "Their combined expertise in commercial lending and business banking will be a valuable asset as we continue to grow. We're confident their passion for client success will translate into immediate contributions to our company's success."
- Amy Benison, commercial relationship manager, has nearly 30 years of experience in retail and commercial banking with an emphasis in medical and dental lending. Most recently Benison led the healthcare vertical at Cogent Bank and before that she spent 15 years at PNC Bank. She is an active volunteer in the Central Florida community, leading various American Cancer Society events. She also served on the board of Athena PowerLink and continues to be involved with organizations like the Special Olympics, Ronald McDonald House, Just Our Soldiers Helpers and the Coalition for the Homeless.
- Allen Escarcha, regional treasury solutions officer, uses his 25 years of experience to assist clients streamline their treasury profile to give them a complete and accurate view of cash flow. Previously Escarcha served as vice president, treasury consultant for Truist and he has worked with Florida Capital Bank, Valley National Bank and SunTrust. He graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
- Lou Garcia, commercial relationship manager, has been in banking for 30 years in the Central Florida market, with a primary focus on commercial lending. Garcia held multiple senior level positions at Truist, First Horizon, Axiom and Valley Bank. Additionally, he serves as president of the board of directors for Inspire of Central Florida. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance and real estate from Florida State University.
- Daniel Hearn, commercial relationship manager, brings nearly 30 years of experience, most recently serving as senior vice president and business banking leader for Truist. Hearn likes giving back to the community by working with local organizations like the Salvation Army, local schools and Second Harvest Food Bank. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida.
- Crane Holland, commercial lending division manager, has served commercial clients across Central Florida for the past 15 years at Regions Bank. Holland is the treasurer and board member at Lighthouse Central Florida and a graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 102. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and an MBA from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business.
About United Community Banks, Inc.
United Community Banks, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCBI) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. As of March 31, 2024, United Community had $27.3 billion in assets, 205 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment lending subsidiary. In 2024, United Community became a 10-time winner of the J.D. Power’s award for the best customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast region and was recognized as the most trusted bank in the Southeast. In 2023, United was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” for the seventh consecutive year and was recognized in the Greenwich Excellence and Best Brands Awards, receiving 15 awards that included national honors for overall satisfaction in small business banking and middle market banking. Forbes has also consistently listed United Community as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. Additional information about United can be found at ucbi.com.
