The successor to failed ShoreBank has added a new director and a new personnel executive.

Urban Partnership Bank of Chicago has tapped Martin Eakes, chief executive of the Center for Responsible Lending, a financial watchdog group based in Durham, N.C., for its board of directors pending regulatory approval.

“Martin has a deep understanding of the unmet financial services needs of the bank’s underserved urban communities and has strong ties to residents, entrepreneurs, and leaders of community organizations,” said William Farrow, CEO of Urban Partnership Bank.

Urban Partnership, whose investors include large banks and foundations, also has hired Wendell Gates as human resources director. He replaces Leana Flowers, who is working to help develop “community engagement strategies.”

Gates previously worked for the University of Chicago’s Medical Center, where he was a consultant responsible for managing various compensation projects and reward programs. Before that, he worked for Royal Bank of Scotland, ABN AMRO and LaSalle Bank. The South Shore resident is a graduate of Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, La.

Separately, Urban Partnership branches, through Jan. 3, 2011, will accepts donations of gently used or new coats, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens for toddlers through eighth graders.

The clothing will be distributed to South Central Community Services, which provides mental health, education and socio-economic programs throughout Chicago, and El Hogar Del Nino, a provider of bicultural early childhood development programs for young children and their families in the Little Village and Pilsen communities.

Branches where the clothing will be accepted are the following: 7054 S. Jeffery Blvd., Chicago; 7936 South Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago; 3401 S. King Dr., Chicago; 4659 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago; 219 S. Mannheim Rd., Bellwood; 1759 N. Mannheim Rd., Stone Park; and 7555 N. California Ave., Chicago.