Ameris Bancorp named Phil Silva, president of Balboa Capital, a vendor, broker and end user lender providing a range of financial and technology solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide, to head this division of Ameris Bank.

Silva has more than 35 years of experience in the equipment finance industry. Starting in 2007, he led and navigated Balboa’s entry into the vendor and broker segments and meshed the existing and profitable small and medium end user segments.

Previously, Silva started and ran the national accounts group for American Express and served as general manager for its healthcare, franchise and business capital loan divisions, as well as oversight of marketing. Previously, he was responsible for field sales at Dana Commercial Credit. Silva holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.

“Phil’s expertise in the equipment finance industry, combined with his outstanding leadership, positions Balboa Capital for future growth, industry-leading technology tools and customer service for all the businesses that count on us,” Jim LaHaise, chief strategy officer of Ameris Bank, said.

“It has been a privilege and honor to work alongside my Balboa team and customers, and I am excited about our collective future as part of Ameris Bank,” Silva said.