Nat Higdon

Rodney Deese, president and CEO of Thomas County Federal, announced the hiring of Matt Brown to lead the institution’s growth in Tallahassee, Florida. The bank has entered into a contract to purchase a bank facility on Kerry Forest Parkway in Tallahassee and expects to open in the second quarter subject to final regulatory approval.

“The Tallahassee market has been good to us for many years. Based on our recent growth in lending in north Florida it was time to expand our services to the loyal customer base we have steadily grown over time,” said Deese.

Veteran Tallahassee banker Brown is joining the bank as Tallahassee market president. Brown is joined by commercial banker Nat Higdon in serving the north Florida market.

Brown began his banking career with First Federal Bank of Perry, Florida, which eventually expanded to Tallahassee under his leadership. He understands the business, shares values and is passionate about serving the Big Bend area. Brown has been deeply involved in the Tallahassee market.

He has served on numerous boards and is a past chairman of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and is chair-elect of the Community Foundation of North Florida. Brown’s hiring follows on the recent addition of Noel Ellis as the bank’s senior credit officer. Ellis has extensive experience in north Florida and south Georgia banking markets.

Thomas County Federal was established in 1934.