NorthStar Bank, an independent community bank headquartered in Tampa and with assets exceeding $200 million, today announced that David Stone, a 50-year banking veteran and a NorthStar board member since 2012, has been appointed interim president & chief executive officer of the company, effective immediately. Monty Weigel has stepped down as president & chief executive officer and director.

"We are grateful to Monty Weigel for his leadership and the contributions he made to the company and the Tampa Bay community during his tenure," said James Cantonis, NorthStar chairman of the board. "He played a key role in NorthStar's successful entry into the Tampa Bay market in 2007, and we wish him the best in his future pursuits."

"I have been honored to serve NorthStar Bank, its leadership team and employees during the past seven years," said Weigel. "We have built one of Tampa Bay's finest independent community banks, and I am confident that NorthStar will continue to flourish moving forward."

According to Cantonis, although a national search for a new president & CEO is already underway, it will be business as usual at the bank. "The board is not only committed to a smooth and effective transition, but NorthStar has an extremely strong leadership team that already has a strong working relationship with David Stone," Cantonis stated. "We will continue to provide the same level of high quality service that our customers and the community expects, as well as continue our strategic focus on profitability and innovation."

Background on David Stone

David Stone has held an impressive banking career that has spanned more than 50 years. He spent 35 years in executive management positions including executive vice president of Bank of Clearwater and US AmeriBank. He also served as president, CEO and co-founder of Citizens Bank & Trust; president & CEO of First National Bank of Florida and Liberty Bank, all located in Clearwater. He graduated from the Graduate School of Retail Bank Management at the University of Virginia. He is past chairman of the board of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Mease Health Care and the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce. He has also been recognized by the City of Clearwater for his outstanding community service.

About NorthStar

NorthStar Bank, opened in 2007, is an independent community bank headquartered in Tampa, Florida with assets exceeding $200 million. NorthStar Bank builds solid customer relationships by doing the unexpected to deliver unparalleled service quality and unparalleled product value. NorthStar Bank is rated Five-Stars by Bauer Financial (www.bauerfinancial.com), the nation's leading independent bank rating and research firm. Member FDIC. For more information about NorthStar Bank, visit www.northstar-bank.com

NorthStar Bank
James Cantonis, 727-937-3222