Board
Peter E. Batty: age 44, is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Gulf Atlantic Bank. He also leads several businesses, including Atlantic South Processing, Inc. (a credit card processing company), United Atlantic Insurance Group, and ICAMCO Realty Inc. (a property management and real estate firm).
Peter holds a Master's in Political Science from Florida State University and a Bachelor's in Philosophy from Florida International University. He is currently studying Funeral Sciences and is the President and Co-Owner of the largest funeral service provider in Monroe County. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the City of Key West Planning Board.
A lifelong resident of the Florida Keys, Peter lives in Key West with his wife, Jessica, and their four children. He enjoys spending time with his family at their farm near Augusta, Georgia.
Jeff Searcy: age 51, is a co-founder of Gulf Atlantic Bank. Searcy, and his brother-in-law Peter Batty, began the process of opening Gulf Atlantic Bank in January of 2018 with a successful opening in April of 2020. He is also a co-owner of United Atlantic Insurance Group Inc., and Cosgrove Realty. Jeff graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and holds a USCG Charter Captain License.
Jeff lives in Key West with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children. He enjoys many outdoor activities, including hunting, farming, fishing, and diving.
Bronson “Bryan” Robinson: age 69, Mr. Robinson is the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Bank. He was formerly the Chief Financial Officer of Citizens State Bank, Perry, Florida, prior to its sale to VyStar Credit Union. Mr. Robinson has over 40 years of executive officer experience. He was the Chief Financial Officer of Community Southern Bank, Lakeland, FL from 2012 to 2015, and prior to that CEO/ President of ProBank, Tallahassee, FL.
Alex J. Shook: age 55, Mr. Shook is a retired attorney who practiced at the firm Hamstead, Williams & Shook, PLLC for 25 years. He was elected twice to the West Virginia State Legislature where he served on the Judiciary and Banking and Insurance Committees. He has also owned real estate development and restaurant businesses. His educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, and Juris Doctor Degree; all from West Virginia University. Mr. Shook has resided in Key West for four years.
James Farnsworth: age 77, Mr. Farnsworth is a licensed CPA in Florida, beginning his career in 1972. He obtained his Bachelors from the University of South Florida in Tampa. Mr. Farnsworth served on the Board of Directors for Community Southern Bank from 2014 to 2015, and was on the Advisory Board for Lakeland’s Pilot Bank Bancshares from 2006 to 2013.
Christopher C. Blatt: age 48, Mr. Blatt owned and operated a local nightclub for twenty three years and sold the business in 2024. He operates other businesses, which include a liquor store in Ley West, a liquor store in Stock Island, and a storage facility. As an alumni of Florida State University, Mr. Blatt enjoys splitting time between Key West, where he was raised, and Tallahassee, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree. Chance recently wed his longtime sweetheart, Samantha, and together they spend their time raising their blended family with six children.
Kenneth (“Casey”) H. Compton: age 56, Mr. Compton is Vice-Chairman of Gulf Atlantic Bank. Mr. Compton served as a director of Community Southern Bank and Community Southern Bancorp, where he served as Chairman of the Loan Committee, Chairman of the Compensation Committee, and as a member of the Audit Committee, and the Asset and Liability Committee. Upon the sale of Community Southern Bank to Sunshine Bancorp, Mr. Compton was chosen as the sole director to join the successor Sunshine Bank and Sunshine Bancorp Boards, where he was named the Sarbanes Oxley Financial expert. Subsequent to the sale of Sunshine Bancorp, Mr. Compton joined, and concurrently serves on, the Board of Prime Meridian Bank and Prime Meridian Holding Company, where he is Chairman of the Compensation Committee, and serves on the Audit Committee. He is the founder and CEO of Compton & Associates, Private Wealth Advisors. His educational background includes a Juris Doctor Degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, a Master of Laws Degree in Taxation from the University of Denver College of Law and Daniels College of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies from Rhodes College. Additional experience includes an extensive real estate background, as an adjunct professor of finance and insurance, and serving on numerous not for profit boards. Mr. Compton and his wife expect to be very active within the Key West community.
William Kight, III: age 48, Mr. Kight is a CPA and co-owner of the firm Niles, Kight & Company, PLLC. He has over 20 years in the public accounting profession and is licensed in the states of Florida and North Carolina. His educational background includes a Master of Accounting degree from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the University of Florida. Mr. Kight was born and raised in Key West where he currently lives with his wife Monique and their three children.
Lauren L. Thompson: age 54, Mrs. Thompson is a CPA and owner of her own firm, Lauren Thompson CPA. Her company serves the Bank’s primary market area, giving her firsthand knowledge of the Bank’s area, as well as a wide range of business contacts. Mrs. Thompson was born and raised in Key West. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree and Fifth Year Accounting Designation from the University of South Florida.
