BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor

On Wednesday, an employee of Fifth Third Bank was named Market President for the Tampa Bay area. This marks the first time an African American in this area has held the title.
Ms. Karen Dee, Florida Regional President of Fifth Third Bank (NASDAQ –FITB) appointed Brian Lamb, to the position. He was serving as Affiliate Head of Business Banking prior to his promotion.

A Tallahassee native, Lamb graduated from the University of South Florida with a B. S. Degree in Accounting. He also has a graduate degree from Stonier Graduate Banking School.

He launched his career with Tampa Electric Energy and remained there for 7 years. Lamb was hired in 2006 as the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the bank, Lamb served as Chief Financial Officer of Home Discovery Real Estate Services Corporation.[private]

“I think it is a great opportunity and we are going to continue to expand our presence in the market place. Fifth Third will continue to be active in the community we serve. We will continue to be healthy ads recognized by Bloomberg as the 7th strongest banking institution in the world,” Lamb said.

A bachelor, Lamb is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and enjoys golf and spending time mentoring children.

His future goals include continually tapping talented people in the community to add to the workforce and remaining anchored as an integral part of the community as the organization has in the past.

Ms. Dee said, “From the day Brian joined Fifth Third he has provided strong leadership and enthusiasm across the affiliate. He is exactly the right person to lead the growth and expansion of Fifth Third Bank in Tampa Bay.

“He understands the Florida market and has an appreciation for the needs of our Tampa Bay customers. Brian will lead the operations of our Tampa Bay Florida affiliate, reporting directly to me,” she stated.[/private]