Apr. 7--BRADENTON -- Whitney Bank introduced veteran banker Tramm Hudson as its new area president for Manatee-Sarasota Monday.

Hudson, who has more than 25 years of banking experience, succeeds Tom Moseley as the bank's area leader.

"I'm really excited about being associated with Whitney Bank," Hudson said. "I hope to build on the success of the people who served here before me."

Moseley was promoted in December to area president of Pinellas County for Whitney Bank.

"Tramm was our No. 1 choice," Moseley said. "I think that he is going to be a very, very good fit for Whitney Bank."

Hudson joins Whitney Bank after serving as adviser and spokesman to Coast Bank from February 2007. During his time with Coast Bank, Hudson worked to free the bank from millions of dollars in bad loans.

Coast Bank issued $110 million in bad loans to 482 borrowers, ultimately forcing it to be sold off.

"My experience at Coast Bank tested all of my banking skills over the past 27 years," Hudson said. "I helped guide that bank through a very difficult period."

In November 2007, Coast Bank was acquired by St. Louis-based First Banks, Inc., ending Hudson's term with the bank.

Whitney Bank, which has six branches in Manatee County, should be a breathe of fresh air for Hudson.

The New Orleans-based Whitney Holding Corp. reported its fourth assets for 2008 were $12.3 million, compared to total assets of $11 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.

"Whitney Bank is financially strong, and associated with the previous long-standing bank here, First National Bank," Hudson said.

Whitney Holding Corp. purchased First National Bank in 2005 for about $115 million.

At the time, First National Bank had been in operation for 19 years in Bradenton.

Hudson, meanwhile, brings 27 years of banking experience to Whitney Bank.

Hudson has previously served as West Florida regional director of RBC Centura Bank, Florida division executive of Provident Bank, and founding director of Enterprise National Bank of Sarasota.

In addition, he is a past trustee of Manatee Community College, and the past chairman of Workforce Florida.

In 2006, Hudson ran for the 13th Congressional District seat that was won by U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota.

Grace Gagliano, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 748-0411, ext. 2620.

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