April Grajales is returning to Regions Bank as market executive and commercial banking leader, in Tampa and surrounding communities in Hillsborough County.
Grajales originally served Regions in consumer banking and commercial banking roles from 2003 until 2011.
She has since gained 12 years of additional financial services experience serving middle-market and multi-national corporations, with roles of increasing responsibilities throughout her tenure, creating an opportunity to return to Regions well-equipped to take on her leadership role, Grajales told Tampa Bay Business and Wealth.
“I left with the opportunity to get more experience,” she said. “At my most recent former institution, I was one of the first members of their commercial team here in West Florida. I got to help build that portfolio from scratch. Then most recently, I joined one of their specialized industries and built another portfolio from scratch for the state of Florida.”
In her new role, Grajales will guide Regions’ local bankers as they deliver financial services to clients throughout the area. As a market executive, she will also lead Regions360 initiatives supporting clients served by all divisions of the bank.
Grajales will also work with Regions’ colleagues and community partners. Grajales is involved in the Tampa Bay community in several ways, including the board audit chair of the USF Foundation, chair of business for the Tampa Bay Economic Development Corporation and the treasurer of the board for the Tampa Bay Organization on Women in International Trade. She’s also involved in Feeding Tampa Bay and the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.
“April’s experience and vision will meaningfully benefit our customers, our associates and the broader Tampa Bay community,” said John Turner, president and chief executive officer of Regions Financial Corp., in a statement. “Her expertise will help Regions further strengthen its focus on this vibrant and growing area, and we are excited to welcome her back as we further our commitment to service through her leadership.”
Regions’ leadership throughout the Tampa Bay area also includes Tina Gilmore, market executive for the bank in St. Petersburg, Clearwater and surrounding communities in Pinellas County. In addition, Earnest Wilks serves as a market executive for Regions in Sarasota-Bradenton and portions of Southwest Florida.