Florida Banking August/September 2024

FBEF: FACES OF THE FOUNDATION

MEET FBEF SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT REBEKAH REFFORD

CRCM, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, LOAN ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

E ducation has always been an important part of Rebekah Refford’s 23 years in Florida banking. At the start of her career, Refford learned a lot about the financial industry while working as a teller. Working for a small community bank where the employees took on many different types of jobs, she handled consumer lending insurance while on the teller line. When an opening became available in the loan processing department, Refford transferred

line of defense for loan compliance, ensuring that all loans adhere to regulatory requirements and internal policies,” Refford said. Refford was fortunate to be able to attend many seminars throughout her years in banking as rules and regulations were constantly changing. With an operational background, she found it helpful learning the compliance aspect as well. Having that knowledge helped Refford become an effective leader, as her roles in loan administration led to her supervising

into that role. From there, she learned that there were tremendous growth opportunities in banking. Refford knew that she wanted to become a senior officer one day and, with the help of a mentor, was able to achieve the confidence and skills needed to become vice president of Loan Administration. She continued to grow in her career, adding to her knowledge of loan operations and compliance, which led to her current role with Marine Bank & Trust. “As the senior vice president, loan administration manager

loan administration and servicing staff. All of the training she received over the years helped her achieve her Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) designation from the American Bankers Association. Higher education was always encouraged by the banks she worked for, which was a helpful benefit as Refford worked to complete an associate’s degree in accounting, then a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She never thought she would continue to graduate school, but the FSU Juris Master degree in Financial Regulation and Compliance seemed like

“THE COURSES I COMPLETED

PROVIDED ME WITH A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING OF THE REGULATORY LANDSCAPE AND ITS PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS WITHIN THE BANKING INDUSTRY”

a perfect fit. While she was excited to eventually complete her degree, Refford also said that she did not want her time in the Juris Master program to end, because of the value she was taking away from each course. Refford completed her degree in May, graduating with highest honors from FSU.

for a Florida community bank, I oversee the processing and servicing of both commercial and residential loans. My responsibilities also include managing the bank’s loan origination system as its primary administrator. Additionally, I serve as the first

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