Fidelity Bank Names Three Senior VPs, Expands Commercial Banking in New Orleans

Fidelity Bank has appointed Jay Garrett, Michael Franklin, and Brett Means as senior vice presidents to strengthen its commercial banking presence in New Orleans. The $1 billion regional lender is specifically targeting growth in the commercial real estate and hospitality sectors through these strategic hires. This expansion is significant for the local commercial banking market as it signals increased relationship coverage and potential underwriting capacity for middle-market businesses and developers.

Fidelity Bank, a $1 billion regional financial institution headquartered at 353 Carondelet St. in New Orleans, announced the appointment of three new senior vice presidents effective July 8, 2026. The new executives include Jay Garrett, Michael Franklin, and Brett Means, all of whom are tasked with bolstering the bank's commercial banking capabilities. This move is designed to enhance the bank's lending capacity within its local market, specifically focusing on the commercial real estate (CRE) sector.

Among the new hires, Brett Means joins as Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager 3, bringing more than 17 years of specialized experience in real estate development and hospitality lending. Means will focus on cultivating relationships with middle-market businesses, with a particular emphasis on the hospitality and real estate industries. His background in underwriting construction and acquisition deals is expected to play a central role in the bank's strategy to serve developers in the region.

The strategic expansion comes as New Orleans continues to experience sustained interest in boutique hotel projects and downtown development. By positioning itself as a key player in CRE financing, Fidelity Bank aims to improve access to capital for local developers. While the bank has not yet announced specific changes to its lending programs or credit products, the addition of these senior leaders is expected to influence future deal flow and underwriting decisions.

For the commercial banking sector in New Orleans, these appointments represent a competitive shift in relationship management for middle-market clients. Fidelity Bank’s focus on the hospitality sector aligns with the city's economic drivers, potentially increasing the availability of credit for complex construction and acquisition projects. Local industry professionals are advised to monitor how these staffing changes will impact the bank's overall market share and its ability to execute large-scale commercial transactions.