BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass has named Katie Sharon city president of its Fort Walton Beach, Fla., market, an area where the bank intends to grow its business.

Sharon will represent the bank's interests, working closely with businesses in Bay, Okaloosa and Walton counties. She'll also be touting the bank's global capabilities: BBVA Compass is the U.S. banking franchise of BBVA, a Spain-based financial services firm with operations in dozens of countries.

Sharon, who moved to the area in 1995, most recently served as vice president of Coastal Bank in Fort Walton and previously worked at Trustmark Bank in Destin.

"With more than eight years of experience working with small- and mid-sized businesses in the area and nearly two decades of living in the Emerald Coast, Katie knows the market well," said Scott Cox, East Region manager for Commercial Banking for BBVA Compass. "She has an excellent reputation of providing dedicated customer service."

Sharon holds a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of West Florida. She was appointed treasurer of the Rotary Club of Fort Walton in June.

About BBVA Group

BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of BBVA Compass Bancshares Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a solid position in Spain, is the largest financial institution in Mexico and has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt region of the United States. Its diversified business is geared toward high-growth markets and relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best practices. The Group is present in the main sustainability indexes. More information about the BBVA Group can be found at www.bbva.com.

About BBVA Compass

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 673 branches, including 342 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 77 in Arizona, 62 in California, 45 in Florida, 38 in Colorado and 20 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (5th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration and recently earned the top ranking with customers in American Banker's 2014 annual reputation survey of the top 25 largest U.S. retail banks. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found at www.bbvacompass.com, by following @BBVACompassNews on Twitter or visiting newsroom.bbvacompass.com. 

Editor's Note:
BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank, Member FDIC.

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SOURCE BBVA Compass