Wells Fargo hired Kelly Madden to lead commercial banking operations in Florida.

Madden was previously the North Florida region president and retail bank director for Greater North Florida with Wells Fargo predecessor Wachovia Bank. She began her career at First Union National Bank in 1988, where her positions included commercial sales director, relationship manager and credit risk review officer.

Madden, who previously served as EVP for commercial banking in North Florida, will succeed Howard Halle, a long-time Wells Fargo Florida leader who recently announced plans to retire at year end. Under Madden’s leadership, the North Florida Commercial Banking team, covering 36 counties, grew by more than 50% since 2010.

“A well-respected part of our Wells Fargo team and the Florida business community, Kelly was the clear choice to succeed Howard,” said Paul Kalsbeek, head of the company’s Southern Division of Commercial Banking. “Her success in North Florida reflects Wells Fargo’s commitment to serving our middle-market customers at a local level where they live and work. Under Kelly’s leadership, we’re poised for continued growth throughout the state.”