Joe Berry, Executive Vice President of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, has been named the new Vice President of Community Development for First Security Bank.
“Joe has a passion for Owensboro, and its business community, that aligns perfectly with the culture and why at First Security Bank,” said Michael F. Beckwith, President and CEO of First Security Bank. “We can’t wait to integrate his talents, connections and passion with our strategic plan as our new Community Development Officer.”
Berry has been with the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) since 2011. During his tenure at the GOEDC, Berry served as chief innovation officer, responsible for the recruitment, retention, and development of start-up, high tech, and scalable companies within the Greater Owensboro region, including the management of the Owensboro Centre for Business & Research. Most recently, Berry provided leadership with the CEO and 35-member board of the GOEDC to manage activities related to entrepreneurship, existing business retention and growth, and education-workforce development. Berry is a 2005 graduate of Transylvania University, and received his Masters of Public Administration from Western Kentucky University in 2009.
“First Security Bank, a community bank that is committed to Owensboro, is poised for growth and a perfect fit for my transition into banking and community development in the private sector. I’m excited to get started in helping the bank grow and continue its commitment to being a strong corporate citizen as well,” said Berry.
First Security Bank, with $600 million in assets and more than 125 employees, has 11 banking centers in four major markets including Owensboro, Bowling Green and Lexington, Kentucky and Evansville, Indiana.