Meet our team

Meet our team in Destin/Ft. Walton Beach

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James Edward "Eddie" Norris III

Market President

Eddie is a native of middle Georgia, born and raised in Columbus. He began his career with Synovus in 1986 as an assistant branch manager of Columbus Bank & Trust, eventually becoming the market president for middle Georgia. Since 2017, Eddie has served as the market president of the Florida Panhandle. Synovus has honored him with the James H. Blanchard Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate the best use of leadership and interpersonal skills such as teamwork, communication, and coaching. Outside the office, Eddie enjoys hunting and fishing with his family and friends. He and his wife Kerry have five sons.

Work in our community

  • Pensacola State College Fund Raising Committee
  • Fiesta of Five Flags Court
  • Treasurer, Conquistadors Board of Directors
  • Boys and Girls Club of Columbus and Phenix City
  • Perry Junior League
  • Clubview School PTA
  • Perry Tennis Association
  • Board member and coach, Peach Little League
  • Warner Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Homebuilders Association of Columbus
  • United Way of Central Georgia

Jeff Hooton

SVP, Community Banking Manager

Jeff Hooton has been with Synovus since 2014 and brings more than 20 years of experience in banking to the Destin-Ft. Walton area. Jeff is a graduate of the University of West Florida and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He enjoys banking because he loves helping families and businesses in his community achieve their goals, and he’s happy to be a part of the Synovus family because of the company culture that looks after their employees and their local communities. In his free time, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as golf and saltwater fishing.

Work in our community

  • Honorary Commander, Eglin Air Force Base 96th Contracting Squadron
  • Board member and finance committee member, ARC of the Emerald Coast
  • Member, Building Industry Association
  • Current secretary and former treasurer, Fort Walton Beach Rotary Club
  • Board member, United Way
  • Former president, Fort Walton Beach Rotary Foundation
  • Former president and director, Northwest Florida Ballet
  • Member and former trustee and auditor, Fraternal Order of the Eagles

Martha Miller

Regional Retail Sales Manager

Martha Miller has been with Synovus since 1982, in what she considers a “fairy tale career.” The bulk of her banking experience has been with Synovus, which has allowed her the work-life balance to grow her professional career while raising three children. She appreciates that Synovus has given her the opportunity to get involved in her local community and form lasting relationships with both customers and colleagues. She currently serves as the Regional Retail Sales Manager in the Southeast Georgia and North Florida market. Prior to accepting the Regional position, Martha was the Market President for the Panhandle market area.  Martha is honored to have been inducted into the Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame for her contributions to the community.  When she’s not working, Martha enjoys outdoor activities like saltwater fishing, kayaking, biking, and hiking.

Work in our community

  • Board member, Opportunity Place Inc
  • Former Board Chair Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton County
  • Former Board Chair Niceville Valparaiso Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Board Chair United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties
  • Economic Development Council of Okaloosa and Walton County Policy
  • Former Campaign Chair American Heart Association Heart Walk
  • Former Board Chair Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
  • Honorary Commander 33rd Operations Support Squadron
  • City of Niceville Planning Commissioner
  • Former Campaign Chair American Cancer Society Relay for Life
  • Fundraising committee, Creative Senior Community Center of Fort Walton Beach
  • Niceville Exchange Club