Charles Evans, senior vice president and commercial banking executive for The East Carolina Bank (ECB), announced that Darren Howell has been named vice president and commercial market executive for the Triangle area.

“East Carolina Bank is extremely fortunate to have Darren on board as a commercial banking executive,” said Evans. “His leadership and financial expertise will play a critical role in serving the financial needs of business and commercial customers in the Triangle market. We look forward to his leadership in this key position.”

Howell brings to ECB 17 years’ experience in the commercial banking industry, most recently as senior vice president of Chapel Hill/Durham city executive with Gateway Bank. Prior to Gateway Bank, Darren spent 10 years with BB&T as vice president, business services officer and was a graduate of BB&T’s Management Development Program. As the Triangle commercial market executive with East Carolina Bank, Howell will be responsible for building and managing a commercial banking team as well as the development and management of small and medium-size commercial banking relationships.

“I am very excited to be joining such a well-established community banking organization,” stated Howell. “I look forward to continuing to work with small and medium-size businesses to help them achieve their financial goals, and I am eager to partner with ECB in building a first-class commercial banking team that will serve our clients well in the Triangle.”

A strong supporter of his local community, Howell currently volunteers in several civic organizations including East Chapel Hill Rotary Club, East Chapel Hill Rotary Youth Leadership Awards co-chairman, and Chapel Hill Country Club Finance Committee. He is also a member of the East Carolina University Pirate Club, Commerce Club and Alumni Association. Formerly, Howell was a board and executive committee member and treasurer for Downtown Durham, Inc.