Ernest S. Pinner

Ernest S. Pinner, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterState Banks, Inc., began his banking career at 16 at State Bank of Haines City while attending high school in Haines City, Fla. After graduation from the University of Florida and at 27, he became President of the bank, which eventually was acquired by First Union National Bank. At First Union, Mr. Pinner served as Area President over five counties in central Florida. After retiring from First Union, he established the first CenterState Bank in April 2000. Currently, CenterState operates through two subsidiary banks with a 58-branch network in 17 counties throughout central Florida. Mr. Pinner is active on the Polk State College board of trustees and the Polk State College Foundation. He is a Past Member of the board of governors of the Polk Museum of Art and the Imperial Symphony Orchestra. He is a Past Director of the Heart of Florida Educational Foundation and the Polk County Industrial Development Authority. In 2010, he was chosen one of the Ten Best Industry-Loved Bank CEOs by TheStreet publication.