Pinnacle Financial Partners adds experienced bankers to grow its South Florida team

Pinnacle Financial Partners adds experienced bankers to grow its South Florida team

New hires join legacy Synovus market, support clients through Pinnacle brand transition

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., May 21, 2026 - Pinnacle Financial Partners adds 12 team members to its growing South Florida team as it begins the transition from Synovus to the Pinnacle brand following the company's merger in January 2026.

The new team members bring decades of financial knowledge and expertise to the firm and will serve clients across South Florida. Pinnacle's recruitment of experienced local banking talent is central to its growth model and strengthens the firm's commitment to consistent, relationship-based service.

"Our clients want a banking team that understands their needs, gives clear advice and knows how to deliver the products and solutions they need in a timely manner" said Michael Walker, executive vice president, group leader of South Florida banking for Pinnacle Financial Partners. "As we continue growing our South Florida team, we're adding experienced professionals with deep roots in their communities and strong relationships across the region. This growth will continue to deepen and enhance the talent and expertise our clients and prospects expect in South Florida. We are committed to empowering local bankers, backed by local decision-makers, to meet the needs of businesses and individuals in the communities we serve."

Below is an overview of the team members who recently joined the South Florida team:

• Angie Davis, financial advisor in Fort Lauderdale, brings more than 25 years of experience in the Florida banking market and most recently served at Bank of America.
• Donny Duarte, financial advisor on the South Florida CRE team in Coral Gables, brings 18 years of banking experience and most recently served at SeaCoast Bank.
• Diumira Gonzalez, retail market manager in Weston, brings more than 12 years of experience in financial services and most recently served at Ocean Bank.
• Sheila Gutierrez, financial advisor in downtown Fort Lauderdale, brings nearly 20 years of commercial and middle market banking experience, and joins the firm from Fifth Third Bank.
• Cristina Lasaga, financial advisor in Coral Gables, brings more than 20 years of experience including previous roles at Regions Bank and Wells Fargo.
• Miguel Mesa, credit advisor in Coral Gables, brings nearly 15 years of experience and most recently served at Bank United.
• Midiala Montes, financial advisor assistant in Coral Gables, brings nearly 18 years of banking experience and joins the firm from Regions Bank.
• Abbey Phelps, South Florida sales and execution leader, comes to Pinnacle after 14 years with the Miami Dolphins.
• Alessandra Shahnazarian, financial advisor in Fort Lauderdale, brings 23 years of banking experience, most recently from Capital One.
• Julio Valle, financial advisor in Coral Gables, brings 23 years of banking experience in commercial and middle market banking and joins the firm from Fifth Third Bank.
• Roney Viera, financial advisor in Coral Gables, brings eight years of experience in middle market banking and most recently served at Bank United.
• Robert Ward, private wealth area manager in downtown Fort Lauderdale, 25 years of wealth management experience and joins the firm from Morgan Stanley Private Bank.

Pinnacle hired 50 revenue-producing team members in the first quarter of 2026, including 21 in Florida. The firm operates in nine southeastern states and is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Georgia.

Synovus, and its predecessor organization, has served South Florida for over 15 years, and the merger with Pinnacle reinforces the firm's continued strong commitment to the area's businesses and community. The transition to the Pinnacle brand in Florida will continue through the first quarter of 2027 when systems integration is completed.

About Pinnacle Financial Partners

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. ("Pinnacle") is a $123 billion asset regional bank which provides a full range of banking, investment, trust, mortgage and insurance products and services for commercial and consumer clients who want a comprehensive relationship with their financial institution. The firm joined forces with Synovus Financial Corp. in 2026, bringing together more than 160 years of combined banking service. Pinnacle is the largest bank headquartered in Tennessee and the largest bank holding company headquartered in Georgia. The firm is No. 1 in deposit market share* in the Nashville MSA and No. 4 in the Atlanta MSA with offices in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland.

Pinnacle is an employer of choice for financial services professionals. The firm is No. 12 in the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2026, its 10th consecutive appearance. Pinnacle was also recognized by American Banker as No. 4 among America's Best Banks to Work For in 2025, its 13th consecutive year on the list, and No. 1 among banks with more than $10 billion in assets. Learn more about Pinnacle at PNFP.com.

*As of June 30, 2025, according to FDIC data.