Bank of America names Sarasota/Manatee market president

Bank of America has appointed Stephenie Whitfield as president of its Sarasota/Manatee market, succeeding Erik Vatter, who has led the market since 2022 and will transition to his new role as Merrill senior financial advisor.

Whitfield, who also serves as Business Banking market executive, will oversee the bank’s eight lines of business in the region, working to expand market share and strengthen client relationships.

“Throughout her career with Bank of America, Stephenie has established deep relationships with teammates, clients and the community, to deliver responsible growth,” Brian Moynihan, Bank of America chair and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Stephenie is well-positioned to build on Erik’s success and continue to grow our market share, delivering the full breadth of Bank of America’s capabilities to help our local clients improve their financial lives.”

Whitfield brings more than 25 years of financial services experience, including roles in commercial banking and Small Business Administration lending. At Bank of America, she has held leadership positions such as Commercial Credit executive for the Southeast, national SBA Credit team leader, Business Banking market manager for Greater Tennessee and SBA market manager for the eastern U.S.

Whitfield is a graduate of Leadership Manatee and serves on the boards of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and The Salvation Army of Manatee County. She holds a law degree from Howard University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

You May Also Like
$187M luxury tower planned for Rocky Point waterfront

A $187 million luxury tower with 252 apartments and a rooftop restaurant is set to rise on Rocky Point, reshaping Tampa Bay’s waterfront skyline.

Read More
Renderings of The Residences at Rocky Point, a planned $187 million luxury high-rise in Tampa with 252 apartments and a rooftop restaurant overlooking the bay.
Shumaker adds two new associates in Tampa office

Shumaker is expanding its Tampa office with the addition of two associates, a move that highlights both the depth of its national bench and the strength of Tampa Bay’s demand

Read More
Headshots of Marisa A. Infante and Chase M. Robinson, newly added associates at Shumaker’s Tampa office.
Out-of-state capital backs $3.7M senior housing buy north of Tampa

A $3.7 million senior housing acquisition north of Tampa underscores Florida’s urgent demand and growing investor interest in assisted living.

Read More
Front exterior view of Crown Court senior housing facility in Inverness, Florida, a historic 120-year-old building set for renovations after its $3.7 million sale.
USF names sole finalist for presidency 

USF names Moez Limayem sole finalist for its presidency, a decision that could shape Tampa Bay’s economic and educational future.

Read More
Split image showing the University of South Florida campus sign with the green bull logo on the left, and Moez Limayem, smiling in a suit and tie, on the right.
Other Posts
The state of Tampa’s economy in 2025

Tampa ended 2025 with record tourism, strong job growth and major investment across key sectors, setting the stage for what comes next in 2026.

Read More
Downtown Tampa skyline with office towers and residential buildings along the Hillsborough River under a bright blue sky.
Dallas firm buys Westshore’s 1 North Dale Mabry, plans $4M upgrade

A Dallas investment firm has bought Tampa’s 1 North Dale Mabry office tower and plans $4M in upgrades.

Read More
Exterior view of 1 North Dale Mabry, a 13-story Class A office tower in Tampa’s Westshore district
New platform links Tampa Bay donors to nonprofits losing funding

Nonprofits across Tampa Bay are facing a squeeze. Federal programs are cutting grants. State budgets are tightening. Hillsborough County is preparing to phase out many recurring local grants. At the

Read More
Charity Bridge Fund logo featuring three stylized bridge arches in blue, orange and light blue above the organization’s name.
400 Central clears inspections, begins move-ins in downtown St. Pete

400 Central has cleared city inspections and is ready to welcome its first residents to downtown St. Pete.

Read More
A nighttime aerial view of downtown St. Petersburg with the 400 Central tower lit up at the center of the skyline.