Square 1 Bank hired Kevin Johnson as managing director of the Mid-Atlantic region and Dhruv Patel as vice president on the Southeast banking team.

Johnson joins Square 1 to lead the technology and life sciences banking practices in the Mid-Atlantic region, servicing entrepreneurs and investors in Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. He is a 13-year veteran of the venture banking space, most recently serving as senior vice president and regional managing director at Comerica Bank.

Prior experience also includes roles as vice president and senior associate within Comerica’s Technology & Life Sciences division. Johnson is an organizing board member of MindShare, an invitation-only network of CEOs from promising, high-growth technology companies in the D.C. region.

Patel comes to Square 1 from the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), where he spent more than 10 years in various roles, most recently as director of investor relations. Prior roles at CED include program development and management for life sciences and technology.

“The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic are important markets for us,” said Mara Huntington, managing director of Square 1’s East Banking team. “We are excited to welcome Kevin and Dhruv to Square 1 as we continue our efforts to make new connections and deepen existing relationships throughout the markets they’ll cover. Their expert knowledge of the ecosystems and expansive, national networks will provide value for clients and prospects alike.”