Bank of America names Jeff Crabtree president of Sarasota/Manatee
- Jeff Crabtree named president of Sarasota/Manatee, succeeding Stephenie Whitfield
- Region has more than 400 employees across 31 locations
- Q2 2026 loan extensions totaled $143 million small-business and $246 million commercial
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) announced on October 9, 2026, that Jeff Crabtree has been named president of the Sarasota/Manatee market. He succeeds Stephenie Whitfield, who relocated to Georgia for a new role within the company.
Crabtree, currently a Consumer Banking region executive, will lead efforts to grow market share by strengthening local connections and expanding client relationships. His appointment underscores the bank's focus on deepening engagement across its eight lines of business in the region.
Leadership transition and strategy
As president and head of the market, Crabtree will connect clients, teammates, and communities to the full franchise capabilities. Brian Moynihan, chair of the board and chief executive officer of Bank of America, stated that Crabtree’s established leadership ensures delivery on the responsible growth strategy. Moynihan noted that Crabtree will continue to grow market share in Sarasota/Manatee by delivering the full breadth of the bank's capabilities.
Crabtree brings 15 years of experience with Bank of America, having held several positions in Consumer Banking and Merchant Services. He has been a central member of the Sarasota/Manatee leadership team and remains active in community initiatives, including volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America.
Regional market footprint
The Sarasota/Manatee market represents a significant operational hub for Bank of America in Florida. The following table outlines key metrics for the region as disclosed in the announcement:
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Local Employees | More than 400 | Across Bank of America and Merrill locations |
| Branch Locations | 31 | Supporting clients in Sarasota/Manatee |
| Small-Business Loans (Q2 2026) | $143 million | Extended during the second quarter of 2026 |
| Commercial Loans (Q2 2026) | $246 million | Extended during the second quarter of 2026 |
| Philanthropic Funding (Since 2020) | $3.4 million | Invested in local organizations |
| Volunteer Hours (Since 2020) | More than 42,000 | Contributed by employees to local initiatives |
What the numbers show
The disclosure highlights a dual focus on commercial lending volume and long-term community investment. In Q2 2026 alone, the bank extended $143 million in small-business loans and $246 million in commercial loans, indicating robust credit activity in the region. This quarterly lending volume contrasts with the cumulative $3.4 million in philanthropic funding since 2020, suggesting that while community support is a strategic pillar, the primary operational driver in this market remains commercial and small-business credit expansion.
How will Crabtree's specific background in Merchant Services influence Bank of America's small-business lending strategy in the Sarasota/Manatee region?
What impact might the leadership transition have on the bank's ability to maintain its current quarterly commercial loan volume of $246 million?
Will the new president's focus on 'deepening engagement' lead to a measurable increase in cross-selling across the eight lines of business in the coming fiscal year?
19
Access 50+ Readymade Screeners 
Use 200+ Custom Filters 
Get Full Market Insights 
