SpiritBank: Player Added: Sutton in bank's lineup
9/15/2006
SpiritBank announced Thursday that it has named Eddie Sutton as vice chairman of its board of directors.
Sutton said he's excited about joining the bank's team.
SpiritBank kept the announcement hush-hush until its press conference, only saying beforehand that a "nationally known, high-profile individual" would be appointed.
Thursday during the media event at 1800 S. Baltimore Ave., the identity of that high-profile person became apparent. Clusters of people formed around Sutton, and individuals took turns greeting the former head basketball coach at Oklahoma State University.
Sutton, 70, led the Cowboys to a record number of wins during his 16 years at OSU.
In his part-time, paid position with SpiritBank, Sutton will serve in an advisory role, helping the bank seek new business and economic development opportunities. The bank's holding company, Spirit Bancorp Inc., is based in Bristow.
"This represents a marvelous addition to what we think is already a really good bank, but it's also an addition to Oklahoma," said Kell Kelly, president and CEO of SpiritBank. "It's a new chapter in Mr. Sutton's life that we think will be outstanding for us and for him,
and we are very pleased and honored."
Sutton brings deep integrity and tremendous knowledge as well as great relationships, Kelly said.
"His career stands on its own as a lifetime accomplishment, and we are so honored to have him join us."
The bank approached Sutton with the offer about six weeks ago. Sutton said he wasn't sure he wanted the position and put off making a decision until he had time to talk to people he knew, including those in the banking industry, to learn more about the bank and its reputation.
Sutton said he was always fortunate throughout his coaching career to work with great assistant coaches, university presidents and athletic directors.
"I can't imagine what it would be like to have a job where you weren't happy and you were working with a bunch of sourpusses, and that's why I was slow to make this decision," he said.
"The more I got to thinking about it and investigating and meeting all these people, I found that their value system is very similar to what I believe in," he said. "So, I think it will be fun."
In his new position, Sutton also will be a public ambassador for the bank as he helps build customer relationships, said Paul Cornell, deputy CEO.
SpiritBank hopes that Sutton's position with the bank will transcend many years, Cornell said. Sutton's primary office will be in Tulsa, and the bank will provide him with full-time administrative support.
Sutton said he initially will be traveling between Stillwater and Tulsa, but that there's a "strong possibility" that he and his wife, Patsy, will move to Tulsa
9/15/2006
SpiritBank announced Thursday that it has named Eddie Sutton as vice chairman of its board of directors.
Sutton said he's excited about joining the bank's team.
SpiritBank kept the announcement hush-hush until its press conference, only saying beforehand that a "nationally known, high-profile individual" would be appointed.
Thursday during the media event at 1800 S. Baltimore Ave., the identity of that high-profile person became apparent. Clusters of people formed around Sutton, and individuals took turns greeting the former head basketball coach at Oklahoma State University.
Sutton, 70, led the Cowboys to a record number of wins during his 16 years at OSU.
In his part-time, paid position with SpiritBank, Sutton will serve in an advisory role, helping the bank seek new business and economic development opportunities. The bank's holding company, Spirit Bancorp Inc., is based in Bristow.
"This represents a marvelous addition to what we think is already a really good bank, but it's also an addition to Oklahoma," said Kell Kelly, president and CEO of SpiritBank. "It's a new chapter in Mr. Sutton's life that we think will be outstanding for us and for him,
and we are very pleased and honored."
Sutton brings deep integrity and tremendous knowledge as well as great relationships, Kelly said.
"His career stands on its own as a lifetime accomplishment, and we are so honored to have him join us."
The bank approached Sutton with the offer about six weeks ago. Sutton said he wasn't sure he wanted the position and put off making a decision until he had time to talk to people he knew, including those in the banking industry, to learn more about the bank and its reputation.
Sutton said he was always fortunate throughout his coaching career to work with great assistant coaches, university presidents and athletic directors.
"I can't imagine what it would be like to have a job where you weren't happy and you were working with a bunch of sourpusses, and that's why I was slow to make this decision," he said.
"The more I got to thinking about it and investigating and meeting all these people, I found that their value system is very similar to what I believe in," he said. "So, I think it will be fun."
In his new position, Sutton also will be a public ambassador for the bank as he helps build customer relationships, said Paul Cornell, deputy CEO.
SpiritBank hopes that Sutton's position with the bank will transcend many years, Cornell said. Sutton's primary office will be in Tulsa, and the bank will provide him with full-time administrative support.
Sutton said he initially will be traveling between Stillwater and Tulsa, but that there's a "strong possibility" that he and his wife, Patsy, will move to Tulsa