Mr. Franko has more than 35 years of commercial banking experience, most recently as the President & CEO of First Choice Bancorp (NASDAQ:FCBP) and First Choice Bank, sold to Enterprise Financial Services Corporation (NASDAQ:EFSC) in Q-3 2021.

Mr. Franko has been a founder of four banks, including one commercial bank, one international bank, one trust bank and one industrial loan company (ILC).

First Choice Bank has achieved numerous accolades for its earnings and returns on assets and tangible equity. During the pandemic First Choice was a national leader in originating Paycheck Protection Loans and Main Street Loans for its clients.

Mr. Franko has a long history of M&A transactions, both as a Buyer and a Seller. He is an experienced Director, including years of experience as Chairman, and qualifies as a “financial expert” under NASDAQ & NYSE rules.

Mr. Franko has been a long-time director of TIB, NA, The Independent BankersBank, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2019 to 2021. In 2023, he joined the Boards of RBB Bancorp (NASDAQ:RBB) and Royal Business Bank.