First Peoples Bank Names Executive

SOUTHEAST

First Peoples Bank, a start-up in Port St. Lucie, Fla., has elected Gary A. Berger as its first chairman.

The bank, which recently raised $4.7 million in a public offering, is expected to open for business in mid-March or April.

Mr. Berger is owner and president of the Berger, Toombs, Elam & Frank accounting firm in Fort Pierce.

David W. Skiles. a 33-year banking veteran, is First Peoples' president and CEO. Mr. Skiles, who is also a board member, was the Stuart, Fla., regional manager at 1st United Bank of Boca Raton, Fla.

First Peoples' other directors, all organizers of the bank, are:

John R. Baker, a real estate executive; Paul A. Zinter, a broker with Welcome Center Real Estate; and Donald J. Cuozzo, a land planner.

Paul J. Miret and Robert L. Schweiger, both local businessmen.

State Rep. Thomas E. Warner and Ann Decker, the Port St. Lucie district manager for U.S. Rep. Mark Foley.

Robert L. Seeley, a lawyer with Warner, Fox, Seeley, Dungey & Sweet; and Dr. James L. Autin, a physician.