First National Bank Coastal Community Expands South Florida Presence with New Treasure Coast Banking Team
First National Bank Coastal Community (FNBCC) has strengthened its expansion strategy across South Florida by establishing a dedicated team of experienced banking professionals to serve businesses throughout the Treasure Coast region. The new team will focus on delivering relationship-based commercial banking services to companies located in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties, reinforcing the community bank’s commitment to supporting local economic growth and providing personalized financial solutions.
The expansion represents another significant milestone in FNBCC’s long-term growth strategy as it continues extending its presence into one of Florida’s fastest-growing business markets. By assembling banking professionals with decades of combined experience and strong local relationships, the bank aims to help entrepreneurs, small businesses, and commercial organizations access customized lending, deposit, and financial management services while preparing for the opening of a future full-service banking center in the Treasure Coast.
Strategic Expansion Targets High-Growth Market
Florida’s Treasure Coast has experienced sustained economic and population growth in recent years, attracting new residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses across a wide range of industries. This continued expansion has increased demand for financial institutions capable of offering personalized banking solutions backed by local market knowledge.
Recognizing these opportunities, First National Bank Coastal Community has chosen to deepen its presence in the region by investing in experienced professionals who understand the unique needs of local businesses.
Rather than relying solely on traditional branch expansion, the bank is initially establishing a highly experienced commercial banking team capable of working directly with businesses across multiple counties while building long-term customer relationships.
The strategy reflects FNBCC’s belief that successful community banking begins with trusted advisors who understand local markets, industries, and community priorities.
Experienced Leadership Guides Treasure Coast Growth
The new Treasure Coast banking team will operate under the leadership of Shaun Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of First National Bank Coastal Community.
Williams brings extensive knowledge of the region, having lived on the Treasure Coast for more than 35 years. Throughout his banking career, he has worked closely with businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders across South Florida, helping companies secure financing, manage growth, and navigate changing economic conditions.
His long-standing relationships throughout the Treasure Coast position him to lead the bank’s expansion while ensuring the institution remains focused on community-centered banking.
Williams emphasized that combining local expertise with personalized customer service remains central to FNBCC’s business philosophy.
Dedicated Banking Team Brings Decades of Experience
To support its regional expansion, FNBCC has assembled a team of accomplished banking professionals with extensive experience serving Treasure Coast communities.
The newly established team includes:
- Vanessa Bartoszewicz, Vice President, Commercial Lending
- Rufus Byrd, Vice President, Business Development Officer
- Evelyn Mendoza-Bello, Customer Service Representative
- Thomas Schinske, Senior Vice President and Director of Lending
Collectively, the group brings decades of banking experience spanning commercial lending, business development, customer relationship management, retail banking operations, and financial advisory services.
Their established relationships throughout the region are expected to play an important role in supporting businesses seeking personalized banking solutions.
Vanessa Bartoszewicz Strengthens Commercial Lending Capabilities
Vice President of Commercial Lending Vanessa Bartoszewicz joins the Treasure Coast team with nearly two decades of experience serving businesses in the Vero Beach market.
Throughout most of her professional career, Bartoszewicz has specialized in commercial lending, helping business owners secure financing for expansion, equipment purchases, commercial real estate, and operational growth.
Her experience enables her to understand the unique financing needs facing companies across various industries while providing customized lending solutions designed to support long-term success.
Beyond her banking career, Bartoszewicz has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service.
She is an active member of the Fort Pierce Rotary Club, where she participates in local service initiatives that strengthen communities across the Treasure Coast.
She also dedicates significant time to supporting military veterans and their families.
Among her community leadership roles:
- Treasurer of Next Generation Veterans of Indian River County
- Committee member for the American Gold Star Mothers of Indian River County Military Suicide Awareness Annual Walk-a-Thon
Her volunteer work reflects a deep commitment to honoring military families while promoting veteran support programs throughout the region.
Rufus Byrd Brings Extensive Banking and Community Leadership Experience
Serving as Vice President and Business Development Officer, Rufus Byrd contributes more than 20 years of banking experience within the St. Lucie County market.
His overall financial services career spans more than 27 years, beginning with Bank North in Massachusetts before relocating to Florida.
A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Byrd combines military leadership with decades of commercial banking expertise, making him well positioned to support local entrepreneurs and business owners.
His educational background includes degrees from both Howard University and Nova Southeastern University, further strengthening his expertise in business development and financial services.
Outside the banking industry, Byrd has built an impressive record of community involvement across the Treasure Coast.
His leadership roles include:
- President of Project Rock South in St. Lucie County.
- Board Secretary for Fort Pierce PAWS.
- Advisory Board Member of Fort Pierce United Against Poverty.
- Member of the Fort Pierce Rotary Club.
- Member of the Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee.
These community engagements have enabled Byrd to develop strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, and businesses throughout the region.
Evelyn Mendoza-Bello Focuses on Customer Relationships
Customer Service Representative Evelyn Mendoza-Bello adds more than eight years of banking and customer service experience to the new Treasure Coast operation.
Her background includes expertise in:
- Retail banking.
- Relationship management.
- Banking center operations.
- Financial product support.
- Customer service excellence.
Throughout her career, Mendoza-Bello has focused on helping customers navigate banking services while building long-term financial relationships.
Her customer-centered approach aligns closely with First National Bank Coastal Community’s emphasis on personalized banking and responsive service.
As businesses increasingly seek financial institutions that provide individualized attention rather than standardized solutions, Mendoza-Bello’s experience will help enhance the overall client experience.
Thomas Schinske Leads Commercial Lending Strategy
Senior Vice President and Director of Lending Thomas Schinske contributes more than 25 years of commercial banking experience throughout the Treasure Coast.
His extensive knowledge of commercial finance enables him to guide lending strategy while supporting businesses seeking financing for growth, expansion, acquisitions, and capital investment.
Schinske is a graduate of Indian River State College and has remained actively involved in numerous community organizations throughout his career.
His civic leadership includes:
- Treasurer of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition.
- Vice Chair of the Investment Committee of St. Lucie County.
- Member of the Fort Pierce Rotary Club.
- Graduate of Martin County Leadership Class 23.
These leadership positions reflect his ongoing commitment to community development and economic advancement across the Treasure Coast.
Community Banking Philosophy Remains Central
Unlike many large financial institutions that emphasize centralized operations and standardized products, First National Bank Coastal Community continues focusing on relationship-driven banking.
The bank believes long-term success depends on understanding the specific needs of local businesses while providing flexible financial solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
Commercial clients increasingly seek banking partners capable of offering:
- Personalized lending decisions.
- Local market expertise.
- Responsive customer service.
- Accessible decision-makers.
- Long-term financial guidance.
By assembling professionals who have spent years serving Treasure Coast communities, FNBCC aims to deliver these advantages while maintaining the personalized service typically associated with community banking.
CEO Highlights Growth Opportunities
President and CEO Shaun Williams said the Treasure Coast continues experiencing significant business and population growth, creating increasing demand for locally focused financial institutions.
According to Williams, expanding residential development, new business formation, and ongoing economic activity have created favorable conditions for community banks capable of delivering relationship-based financial services.
He noted that having previously worked alongside several members of the newly assembled team gives him confidence in their ability to serve businesses throughout the region.
Williams emphasized that their extensive local knowledge, strong professional relationships, and commitment to exceptional customer service will play an important role in helping businesses achieve long-term success.
He also explained that the team’s work will establish a strong operational foundation as the bank prepares to open a permanent full-service banking center within the Treasure Coast.
Temporary Office Supports Immediate Operations
While First National Bank Coastal Community continues evaluating locations for a permanent banking center, the Treasure Coast team will initially operate from a dedicated loan and deposit production office.
The office is located at:
415 Avenue A, Suites 205 and 206
Fort Pierce, Florida
The centrally located facility enables bankers to efficiently serve clients throughout:
- Indian River County
- St. Lucie County
- Martin County
- Okeechobee County
Operating from this location allows the bank to begin building customer relationships immediately while maintaining flexibility during its expansion planning process.
Preparing for a Permanent Treasure Coast Banking Center
The establishment of the temporary production office represents only the first phase of FNBCC’s Treasure Coast expansion strategy.
The bank intends to identify an appropriate location for a permanent full-service banking center, which will further strengthen its presence across South Florida.
A permanent banking center is expected to provide a broader range of services, including:
- Commercial banking.
- Business lending.
- Deposit services.
- Treasury management.
- Consumer banking.
- Relationship management.
- Financial advisory support.
The future location will allow businesses and residents to access comprehensive banking services while continuing to benefit from the expertise of the experienced Treasure Coast team.
Supporting Regional Economic Development
Community banks play a vital role in regional economic development by providing financing and financial guidance to local businesses.
Small businesses often rely on community financial institutions for:
- Working capital.
- Equipment financing.
- Commercial real estate loans.
- Business expansion financing.
- Cash management services.
- Deposit solutions.
By expanding into the Treasure Coast, FNBCC seeks to help businesses secure the resources needed to create jobs, invest in growth, and strengthen local economies.
The bank’s emphasis on relationship banking also enables faster decision-making and greater flexibility than many larger financial institutions.
Long-Term Commitment to South Florida
The creation of the Treasure Coast banking team demonstrates First National Bank Coastal Community’s long-term commitment to serving South Florida communities.
Rather than pursuing rapid expansion through acquisitions alone, the bank is investing in experienced local professionals who possess deep market knowledge and established community relationships.
This approach allows FNBCC to build trust while delivering customized financial solutions that address the evolving needs of businesses throughout the region.
As population growth and economic development continue across the Treasure Coast, the bank expects demand for personalized banking services to remain strong.
With an experienced leadership team, deep commercial banking expertise, and a clear strategy for future expansion, First National Bank Coastal Community is positioning itself to become a trusted financial partner for businesses across Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties while laying the groundwork for continued growth throughout South Florida.
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