Wells Fargo promoted Charles N. Kauffman to regional vice president of commercial banking for North Florida, one of the state’s most-diverse economies, with growing industries such as aerospace, life sciences, and distribution.

Kauffman, a 30-year company veteran, most recently was a senior relationship manager for commercial banking in North Florida. He succeeds Kelly Madden, who last December was named head of commercial banking for all of Florida. In his new role, Kauffman leads a team of commercial banking professionals who serve middle-market companies throughout the region.

“Charlie has tremendous experience and a deep understanding of our customers and their businesses,” said Madden. “Under his leadership, the North Florida Region is well-positioned to continue its growth in the market.”

Wells Fargo Commercial Banking notched double-digit growth over the past five years in North Florida. In fact, the group expanded its operations last October to Gainesville, opening a full-fledged Regional Commercial Banking Office with local lending authority.

Kauffman began his career in Miami as a credit analyst with Wells Fargo predecessor, Southeast Bank. He first joined commercial banking in 1992 after First Union National Bank acquired Southeast Bank. Since, he has held senior banking positions at Wells Fargo in corporate banking, capital markets and commercial banking.