Experienced banker and prominent community member Anna Billiris named Branch Manager
USAmeriBank is opening a new branch location in Tarpon Springs, led by Anna Billiris, a member of the city’s Greek community whose grandfather was one of the original sponge divers in the area. The addition of Billiris, along with three other longtime north Pinellas bankers, is an example of how USAmeriBank believes in “building banks around people.”
USAmeriBank has purchased an 8,630-square-foot branch facility from Florida Capital Bank and plans to open the new branch on Feb. 3. The branch is located at 710 E. Tarpon Ave., close to U.S. Highway 19.
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The Tarpon Springs branch is USAmeriBank’s 12th location, all in the Tampa Bay area, and its sixth in Pinellas County. Housed in a building originally built in 1985 for the First National Bank of Tarpon Springs, the new office is in the heart of the community.
Billiris’ ties to Tarpon Springs extend back to her grandfather, John Samarkos, and his family, who owned a fleet of sponge boats and were among the original sponge divers. Billiris, the new Branch Manager, continues her family’s legacy of community involvement through her participation in a number of organizations, including the Rotary Club of Tarpon Springs, the Leepa-Ratner Museum of Art at St. Petersburg College and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
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“I truly believe this will be the go-to bank in Tarpon Springs,” said Billiris, who has been a banker in the community for more than eight years. “Even as this building has switched bank affiliations in the past, a large percentage of the customers have kept their business here, thanks to the retention of an exceptional staff. We expect USAmeriBank to continue this trend based on our commitment to exceptional customer service.”
The veteran staff, which all comes to USAmeriBank from Florida Capital Bank, has over 30 years of banking experience in Tarpon Springs. The employees joining Billiris are Joan Ullberg, Customer Service Representative; Margaret June, Head Teller; and Elaine Silipigni, Teller.
“USAmeriBank is thrilled to expand into a city full of history and rich with thriving businesses,” said Joseph V. Chillura, CEO of USAmeriBank. “Anna and her experienced staff have been an integral and active part of the Tarpon Springs community, and we are so happy to see that continue.”
About USAmeriBank: USAmeriBank is an independent, non-public bank based in Clearwater, Fla. that has established itself as an outstanding middle-market financial institution. The bank serves the needs of individuals and businesses in the Tampa Bay area by providing a high-level of personalized service and attention to a targeted customer base. USAmeriBank’s parent company is USAmeriBancorp, Inc. More information is available at www.USAmeriBank.com.