Florida Banking August/September 2025

impact on my career,” Padron said. “It deepened my understanding of financial reporting, regulatory compliance and internal controls, which are critical areas in banking.” Earning his degree also brought him one step closer to his long-term goal of becoming a CPA. “The FBEF scholarship was a wonderful help, making it possible for me to continue my education by easing the financial burden. I’m incredibly grateful that my bank covered the rest of the costs.” Padron is thankful for the encouragement he has received from the First Bank team. “It’s so important for bankers to support the next generation. I feel very lucky to work with a group of executives at First Bank who do a great job of that,” he said. “Our CFO, Mark Deitz, has been a great mentor to me. Mark introduced me to

the FBEF Scholarship Program and told me about the opportunities it could provide. If he hadn’t introduced me to the program, I’m not sure I would have pursued it.” Padron encourages other bankers who may be considering education as a way to advance their careers. “For anyone thinking about going back to school, I’d say it’s definitely worth it,” Padron said, “but I also know it’s not always easy. Balancing work, life and school can be challenging, and may feel impossible. But even if you only take a few classes a year, like I did, every step forward makes a difference. “Continuing my education helped me grow personally and professionally, and while the journey wasn’t always smooth, the long-term benefits have been invaluable.”

The FBEF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Registration #CH7621. Contributions to the FBEF are tax-deductible. Organized in 1956, the FBEF continues to help bankers throughout Florida. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the FBEF, contact Letty Newton at 850-701-3522, lnewton@floridabankers.com, or PO Box 1360, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1360. For information about applying for FBEF funding, please go to www.floridabankers.com/FBEF. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com Today’s bank Why Graduate School of Banking at LSU?

ǼƺƏƳƺȸɀ teaching tomorrow’s bank ǣȇȇȒɮƏɎȒȸɀ . 2026 SESSION MAY 18-29, 2026 BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

Attending the Graduate School of Banking at LSU was a pivotal experience for my career. The well rounded, yet challenging curriculum, led by esteemed faculty and industry leaders, provided me with unparalleled access to knowledge in advanced banking principles and strategic leadership. Beyond the classroom, the opportunity to network with banking professionals from across the country was invaluable, creating connections that will benefit my career long after my graduation. I highly recommend the GSB LSU program to any banker committed to elevating their expertise and driving future success. A

hƺɀɀǣƬƏ xǣǼƏȅ EVP/ Chief Administrative Officer Planters Bank & Trust Greenville, MS Class of 2025

(225) 766-8595 www.GSBLSU.org

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2025 — 21