ELLICOTT CITY, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Howard Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: HBMD) (the “Company”), the parent company of Howard Bank (the “Bank”), today, announced today that it has hired veteran banker James D. Witty, former Maryland Regional President for BB&T, as Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.
In his new role, Witty will be responsible for all commercial business development and relationship management in Howard Bank’s rapidly growing footprint. He will report directly to Mary Ann Scully, Howard Bank’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Howard Bank has always successfully differentiated itself, and thrived accordingly, by attracting a higher quality of experienced bankers who can truly provide advice to our customers,” Scully said. “Jim Witty epitomizes the definition of an admired and customer-centric banking leader. We are very excited by both the legacies and the promise that he brings with him as we strive to be the go-to commercial bank in greater Baltimore. He will make a difference for all of us inside the bank and inside our communities.”
Witty has more than 27 years of banking experience. As the Maryland Regional President for BB&T, Witty was responsible for managing the commercial and retail operations for the Maryland region, including small business lending, commercial real estate, commercial and industrial lending and 98 retail locations. Witty played a key role in integrating Susquehanna Bank into the BB&T organization. BB&T acquired Susquehanna Bank in a $2.5 billion transaction completed in August 2015.
"I'm excited to join a growing and dynamic institution like Howard Bank,” Witty said. “In a relatively short time, Howard Bank has established itself as the premier banking institution in the Baltimore region. I look forward to being part of such a talented group of bankers and making a positive impact in our communities."
Prior to the integration with BB&T, Witty was Regional President for the greater Baltimore region of Susquehanna Bank. He also was commercial banking unit manager for PNC Bank in Baltimore and held a number of roles at Mercantile-Safe Deposit & Trust Co., including manager of the asset based lending department, commercial and industrial unit banking manager, commercial relationship manager and credit analyst.
Witty graduated from Lehigh University in 1988 with a degree in finance.
About Howard Bank
Howard Bancorp Inc. is a bank holding company with total assets of $990 million as of March 31, 2016. Its principal operating subsidiary, Howard Bank is a locally owned and managed, growth-focused community bank serving businesses, professionals and individuals in the Greater Baltimore area. Howard Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Howard Bancorp (NASDAQ: HBMD). For more information visit, http://www.howardbank.com/.
