Trusted bankers join Synovus Bank, which merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners, in Pensacola

Additions strengthen Synovus’ presence in region, facilitate merger with Pinnacle Financial Partners

PENSACOLA, Fla., June 29, 2026 — Synovus Bank, which merged with Pinnacle Financial Partners earlier this year, added four seasoned bankers in Pensacola, Fla. and promoted a legacy Synovus banker to a new leadership role, further strengthening the firm’s ability to serve clients across the area.

Debbie Booth joined Pinnacle as a private wealth advisor in Pensacola. She brings more than 30 years of experience working with ultra-high-net-worth clients, most recently with Morgan Stanley, where she worked with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families in Florida, Alabama and Arkansas. Earlier in her career, Booth held private banking and leadership roles with Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. She studied finance at Pensacola Junior College and holds multiple securities and financial services licenses.

Crystal Berkley joined the firm as a financial advisor in Pensacola, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in commercial lending, mortgage origination and office leadership. She recently served as a private and commercial banker with Renasant Bank and previously held leadership and lending roles with Regions Bank, PenAir Federal Credit Union and AmSouth Bank. Berkley earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of West Florida and has been active with United Way of West Florida, Santa Rosa Leadership, Benny Russell Park Board and local school booster organizations.

Jennifer Micklos was named office leader for Pinnacle’s Pace, Fla. office. She brings 29 years of banking experience, most recently as vice president and branch manager for Renasant Bank. She is active in the community with the United Way of West Florida and serves on the executive board of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce.

Kim Godwin joined the firm as a financial advisor assistant, bringing more than 20 years of financial services experience to the Pensacola office. She joins from ServisFirst Bank.

Patricia (PJ) Johnson was named office leader for Pinnacle’s Pine Forest office. A legacy Synovus team member who previously led the firm’s Pace, Fla. office, Johnson’s promotion brings continuity, local knowledge and a strong understanding of the people and businesses that make this market thrive. She has spent 28 years in the banking industry, including the last five years with the firm, and holds multiple financial services licenses.  

“What stands out about our newest team members is the way they take care of people,” said Eddie Norris, Pensacola regional president. “They know this market, they know how to listen, and they know how to help clients make thoughtful decisions at important moments. As experienced financial professionals, they have deep roots and strong relationships, and that’s good for clients who want a team that understands their goals and shows up for them every day.”

These hires strengthen Pinnacle’s Pensacola team with strong relationships and market knowledge, reinforcing the firm’s position in Northwest Florida.  With long-standing community ties, specialized expertise and established client relationships, the team is well positioned to deliver the distinctive service and effective advice clients expect from Pinnacle.

Their expertise will be especially valuable as Pinnacle builds on Synovus’ established presence in the area following the banks’ merger earlier this year. Pinnacle’s merger with Synovus closed in January 2026 and the combined company expects to complete systems and brand conversions in March 2027. Until then, the firm’s Pensacola locations will continue operating under the Synovus name and branding as part of the transition to Pinnacle.

About Pinnacle Financial Partners

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. (“Pinnacle”) is a $123 billion asset regional bank which provides a full range of banking, investment, trust, mortgage and insurance products and services for commercial and consumer clients who want a comprehensive relationship with their financial institution. The firm joined forces with Synovus Financial Corp. in 2026, bringing together more than 160 years of combined banking service. Pinnacle is the largest bank headquartered in Tennessee and the largest bank holding company headquartered in Georgia. The firm is No. 1 in deposit market share* in the Nashville MSA and No. 4 in the Atlanta MSA with offices in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland.  

Pinnacle is an employer of choice for financial services professionals. The firm is No. 12 in the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2026, its 10th consecutive appearance. Pinnacle was also recognized by American Banker as No. 4 among America’s Best Banks to Work For in 2025, its 13th consecutive year on the list, and No. 1 among banks with more than $10 billion in assets. Learn more about Pinnacle at PNFP.com.

*As of June 30, 2025, according to FDIC data.