Jerry Simmerly, president and CEO of American Patriot Financial Group, Inc., the holding company for American Patriot Bank, has announced the promotion of Mike Burns, senior vice president, to Greene County regional executive.

Burns' responsibilities include heading the bank's lending and branch operations for Greene County.

American Patriot Bank has three offices in Greeneville and one office in Maryville.

Simmerly said, "With over 22 years of local market experience together with his banking knowledge, Mike will do an excellent job growing the bank's presence within this community.

"His dedication and enthusiasm will continue to have a positive impact on both the employees and customers of American Patriot Bank."

Burns responded, "American Patriot Bank has a strong executive team, and I am very excited to work with them in managing the bank's daily operations.

"It is my goal to see that the bank exceeds our customer's expectations of service."

Beginning his career in 1985, Mr. Burns has been involved in all aspects of banking including lending, insurance sales, IRAs, and branch management.

Prior to joining American Patriot Bank, Mr. Burns served as vice president of GreenBank where he was a commercial lender and branch manager of the East Andrew Johnson Highway location.

Burns is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He is also a graduate from the Southeastern Schools of Consumer, Commercial, and Advanced Commercial Lending.

He is currently presides as treasurer of the Noon Rotary Club, and is a Green Coat Ambassador for the Greene County Partnership.

Burns and his wife, Nancy, have two children, BethAnn and Parker.

Simmerly said, "The bank is making great progress in 2008 and has developed new products for their customers including real- time online banking, remote deposit capture, tiered money market accounts, and Patriot Kids Savings."

As of the year-end 2007, American Patriot Financial Group, Inc. increased total assets 19.21 percent to $116,534,323.

Total deposits increased 27.3 percent to $105,029,339, and net loans increased 19.19 percent to $91,848,845.