(Okeechobee, FL.) Seacoast National Bank has named Mark Atom Smith president of Big Lake in South Central Florida.

Smith¿s appointment comes in anticipation of the retirement of 45-year career veteran Joe G. Mullins in July. Mullins has served as president directing the operations of Seacoast¿s eight branches in six counties surrounding Lake Okeechobee.

Prior to the Seacoast merger in 2006, Mullins served as president and chief executive officer of Big Lake National Bank since 1988. Under his leadership, Big Lake¿s geographic scope expanded from one office in Okeechobee to nine offices in seven counties, growing the bank¿s assets from $14 million to over $300 million, forming one of the largest community banks in the region.

Mullins served on numerous professional and civic affiliations including Florida Bankers Association, Community Bankers Association, Okeechobee Industrial Development Authority, and was a founding member and past treasurer of the Economic Council of Okeechobee. Mullins also served on the boards of the Okeechobee County Water and Sewer Task Force, New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, Fort Pierce Jaycees, Lions and Kiwanis clubs, Okeechobee County Chamber of Commerce and was a founding board member, past treasurer, and past president of the Wellington Exchange Club of West Palm Beach.

A 20-year career veteran himself, Smith was executive vice president, senior lending officer and chief credit officer for the Community Bank of Naples in Naples, Florida. His career history includes positions with First National Bank of Naples, Barnett Bank of Naples and BancFlorida. Smith earned a bachelor¿s degree in economics from Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA and is a graduate of the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida.

"We are delighted to welcome Mark as president of Seacoast¿s Big Lake Region. He has an impressive record in Naples for growing loan portfolios and increasing production. We look forward to his guidance and leadership as we navigate the current industry-wide challenges and capitalize on the many opportunities that lie ahead of us in the region,¿ said Russ Holland, executive vice president and chief banking officer for Seacoast.

Smith has been an active member of the Florida Bankers Association where he has held the posts of: board member, Leadership Division president, Government Relations Committee member, and a BancPac board member. He is a long time volunteer with the United Way of Collier County, prior chairman for the Collier County Affordable Housing Commission and a Cub Scout den leader and pack council member.

The operating arm of Seacoast Banking Corporation of Florida (NASDAQ: SBCF) Seacoast National Bank has 43 offices in Florida and approximately $2.3 billion in assets, and is one of the largest independent banks headquartered in Florida.