Pearsall, Jr. joins BHR's Commercial Real Estate Group as Senior VP

Hampton Roads Bankshares, Inc. (HMPR), the holding company for The Bank of Hampton Roads (BHR) and Shore Bank, revealed that John Pearsall, Jr. joined BHR's Commercial Real Estate Group as SVP. He is based in the Short Pump Financial Center. Pearsall has 35 years of experience in commercial banking and commercial real estate. BHR operates as Gateway Bank in the Richmond market. Douglas Glenn, president and CEO of the company and CEO of BHR, said, "As part of our One Bank strategy, we are recruiting highly experienced bankers with proven track records, deep roots in our communities and a strong commitment to outstanding customer service." With the addition of John to our team, we continue to build a Commercial Real Estate Unit with a depth of expertise that is uncommon for a community bank." Michael J. Sykes, Head of BHR's Commercial Real Estate Unit, said, "I have known John for thirty years, having worked with him in the commercial real estate division of Bank of America and predecessor institutions. I look forward to this opportunity to work with John again as we continue to build our commercial real estate team." Prior to joining BHR, Pearsall served for 35 years in a variety of lending positions with Bank of America, N.A. and its predecessors. From 2008 to 2013, he was Senior Vice President and Team Leader in Bank of America's Special Asset Group - Real Estate, based in Richmond, VA. From 1981 to 2008, he served in positions of increasing seniority in Commercial Real Estate banking, with responsibility for market areas covering central, western and eastern Virginia. His extensive prior direct real estate lending experience includes urban, suburban, rehab, new construction, apartment, condo, office, retail, custom & tract housing, land & land development, warehouse, and mixed use projects. Pearsall earned a B.S. in Economics from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is active in a number of civic, community and professional organizations and has served in leadership positions with Richmond Habitat for Humanity, the Home Builders Association of Richmond and the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce.