Hilltop Securities is expanding its East Coast investment banking operations with the hiring of former Ziegler managing director Ike Papadopoulos.

Papadopoulos, who joins Hilltop as a managing director, brings more than 20 years of experience to his new position. Before Ziegler, he worked nine years with TD Securities and TD Bank, and four years with Piper Jaffray.

Papadopoulos has also held public-sector positions as director of financing programs for the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, and deputy budget director for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston. He began his career at Bear Stearns in New York City as a public finance investment banker.

“Ike brings a proven record as a successful leader to his role with HilltopSecurities, and we look forward to leveraging his talents and abilities as we continue to expand our East Coast business,” Hilltop Vice Chairman and Head of Public Finance David Medanich said in a news release. “His mix of private- and public-sector business will provide unique opportunities and insight as we continue to expand our presence in this important region.”

Papadopoulos earned a BBA from Kingston University in Greece and an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston, where he is an instructor for the university’s MBA program and as a member of its Board of Advisors. He also completed coursework at Boston College’s MSF program and is chair of the finance committee for Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Boston.

“HilltopSecurities is a nationally recognized premier full-service municipal investment bank, and I’m excited to join such a distinguished organization,” Papadopoulos said. “I look forward to continuing to grow our East Coast operations as we recruit new talent and introduce our full scope of services to additional issuers throughout the region.”