Florida Banking December 2023

more options to comply makes it easier to find the best suited one that fits the bank’s specific needs. The FSU JM program also provided me with a better understanding of what a culture of compliance should look like and how to enhance my current compliance management system to achieve this goal. It also provided me with the knowledge of the other side of the regulations, the side where a bill is introduced all the way to the finalization of the regulation. It is especially helpful to understand how case law affects the regulations as well. Taking these classes and ultimately earning the FSU JM Degree gave me the boost I needed to feel accomplished and ready to tackle the next 20-plus years. I learned a lot about the compliance officer I was when I began the program versus the compliance officer I wanted to be when I completed the program. I am fortunate that my First Bank employers, CEO Carey Soud and President and COO Andrew Couse, not only support compliance but embrace the need for furthering educational development. They not only applauded my efforts at the end but cheered me on along the way, and for that I will always be grateful! If you have not taken this program or at least looked into it, what are you waiting for? If you are not afraid of hard work and love to read regulations, this is for you! This is the bow on top of the compliance foundation you have been building. And if the funding for the program is an issue, I urge you to look into FBEF’s funding program. Jayme Skinner began working in the banking industry in 1997. She has worked for two community banks during her banking career and is currently a VP Compliance and CRA Officer for First Bank, headquartered in Clewiston, Fla. Skinner is also the Audit Liaison and has had this role for predominantly her whole banking career. She was a former BSA officer for many years while simultaneously working with deposit and lending regulations. Skinner earned her Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) designation in 2013, earned her Bachelors in Banking in 2014, and earned her Juris Master Degree with a Major in Financial Regulation and Compliance in August 2023.

Are you thinking about going back to school? The Florida Bankers Educational Foundation (FBEF) can help you with your education expenses, whether you are working on a Juris Master degree, a bachelor’s degree, or an associate’s degree. Eligible bankers who have worked at least one year at a bank or trust company in Florida and who demonstrate their intent to continue in the Florida banking industry after graduation can apply for college scholarships. Scholarships range from $500 to $5,000, with funding being approved for both undergraduate and graduate students at colleges around the state who are pursuing banking-related majors. Go to www. floridabankers.com/FBEF to begin the application process. Upcoming application deadlines are March 1 and June 1. For more information about how the FBEF might be able to help you, please contact FBEF Director Letty Newton at 850-701-3522 or lnewton@ floridabankers.com.

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