March 25, 2015

ServisFirst Bank Hires Veteran Group of Heavy-Hitter Commercial Bankers

Looks to expand service to and relationships within Birmingham community

Birmingham, AL -

 ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NASDAQ: SFBS), today announces the addition of Birmingham based commercial banking group with more than 125 years of combined banking experience. The four-person team joins the bank under the leadership of Vince DiChiara, Senior Vice President, Commercial Group Leader, and includes Mike Thomas, Senior Vice President; Nick Petelos, First Vice President; and Will Hawkins, First Vice President.

“My team and I are excited to join a banking institution that prioritizes the basics and simplifies the art of banking for its customers,” said Vince DiChiara, Senior Vice President, Commercial Group Leader of ServisFirst Bank. “ServisFirst’s excellent reputation, combined with its eagerness and assertiveness in doing business, makes banking enjoyable for us and our customers. My team looks forward to fulfilling the bank’s mission, ServisFirst.”

The team will lead the growth of ServisFirst Bank’s commercial banking group through its extensive business acumen, building quality relationships with Birmingham businesses, providing quality service across all lines of banking, offering credit analysis and lending services and mentoring other commercial bankers.

Vince DiChiara, Senior Vice President, Commercial Group Leader

Vince DiChiara joins ServisFirst Bank as Senior Vice President with more than 42 years of banking experience. Previously, DiChiara served as Business Banking Sales Manager for Regions Bank, where he managed one of the largest portfolios in Regions’ sixteen-state footprint. An esteemed banking professional, DiChiara has been deemed SouthTrust’s Business Banking Regional Manager of the Year (2000), appointed to the Chairman’s Club at Regions Bank (2010) and chosen for AmSouth’s Stone Mountain Team Project (2005).

DiChiara received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Administrative Services from the University of Alabama, as well as accreditations from the American Institute of Banking College, RMA and specialized certifications within the banking industry. DiChiara previously served as a member of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Tarrant Rotary Club, Travelers Protection Agency, Commercial Development Authority Board of Directors for the City of Birmingham, Overall Economic Program for the City of Birmingham, Leadership Development Class for the City of Bessemer, Board of Directors for the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce, Bessemer Kiwanis Club and Board of Directors for the Birmingham Entrepreneurial Center and the Arthritis Foundation. DiChiara has served the Birmingham community through his work with the American Cancer Society, American Heart Fund Association, United Way Fund, Diabetes Association and What a Difference a Day Makes.

Mike Thomas, Senior Vice President

Mike Thomas joins ServisFirst Bank as Senior Vice President with more than 38 years of banking experience. Previously, Thomas served in various leadership roles in Retail Banking and Human Resources during his 38-year tenure with Regions Bank, including his sales positions in Private Banking and as a Business Banker, Senior Vice President, where he managed the largest portfolio in Birmingham Business Banking. An accomplished Birmingham businessman, Thomas has been awarded the Chairman’s Performance Award (1986, 1989, 2004), appointed to the Chairman’s Club (1998, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011) and won numerous area level awards for sales and performance.

Thomas received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and is a graduate of Louisiana State University’s Graduate School of Banking. He has received accreditation from the RMA. He previously served as Co-Chairman for Shelby County United Way and as a Board Member for C.H.A.M.P. Thomas has served as a member of the Alabama Non Profit Council, United Cerebral Palsy and Inverness Rotary. He has been a fundraiser for Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, United Cerebral Palsy, Junior Achievement, American Heart Association, Alabama Non Profit Council and United Way.

Nick Petelos, First Vice President

Nick Petelos joins ServisFirst Bank as First Vice President with more than 24 years of banking experience. Previously, Petelos served in various leadership positions with Birmingham banks, including his most recent position as Vice President/Business Banking III Relationship Manager at Regions Financial Corporation, where he managed a $40 million loan portfolio and a $30 million deposit portfolio. Petelos has been awarded the Chairman’s Club Award (2001, 2005, 2006, 2013), President’s Club Award (1998, 1999, 2000) and numerous area level awards for sales and performance.

Petelos graduated Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Corporate Finance and Management from the University of Alabama. He has received accreditation from the RMA. He previously served as assistant treasurer and Parrish council member for Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral, as well as on Kid One’s Mardi Gras Committee, Ball King and treasurer for the Board of Directors.

Will Hawkins, First Vice President

Will Hawkins joins ServisFirst Bank as First Vice President with more than 21 years of banking experience. Previously, Hawkins served in various leadership roles with Birmingham banks, including his most recent position as Vice President, Business Banking at Regions Bank.

Hawkins currently serves on the Alabama Goodwill Industries Board of Directors, and was formerly the Board Chairman. Hawkins also currently serves as Board Secretary for the Buccaneer Touchdown Club, and has held various other leadership roles on other athletic boards, including Metro Sports Baseball and Shades Mountain Community Park, where he was the former President.

Hawkins received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also has received accreditation from the RMA and the CBAA. Hawkins formerly held a NASD Series 6/63 license, and an Alabama Life & Health insurance license.

For more information on ServisFirst Bank, please contact Krista Conlin, Krista@KCProjects.net.