Florida Banking December 2024-January 2025

KUDOS

U.S. Century Bank Named Among Best U.S. Banks, Partners with Work-Study Program

U .S. Century Bank’s parent company, USCB Financial Holdings, Inc., has been named for the first time to Bank Director magazine’s list of Best U.S. Banks 2024. Bank Director’s annual RankingBanking study examines the performance of the 300 largest publicly traded banks. USCB Financial Holdings was ranked 43 out of 81 in the under $5 billion category, one of only two Florida banks in this category. “We are very proud to have been included in the ranking of this prestigious national list,” said Luis de la Aguilera, Chairman, President and CEO of USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary, U.S. Century Bank. “It is confirmation of the success of our strategic model and demonstrates the value we bring to both our clients and shareholders.” To see the full list, visit: 2024 RankingBanking Report: Small Players Dominate the Best Banks List | Bank Director Additionally, the bank is partnering again with Cristo Rey High School for the school’s 2024-25 Corporate Work-Study Program. Four student-interns will spend nine months gaining hands-on experience in entry-level positions to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional skills. T he Tampa Bay Business Journal (TBBJ) recently chose Louis N. Pappas, Senior Vice President and member of the Family Office Services team at The Tampa Bay Trust Company, as a 40 Under 40 recipient. More than 500 candidates were considered for this prestigious honor based on their tireless work and positive effect on Tampa Bay’s business community. Pappas is responsible for business development for Family Office Services in the Tarpon Springs market and surrounding communities. When asked in his TBBJ interview, “What was the defining moment of your career when you knew you were on the right path,” Louie answered, “Our team was overseeing a major multi-generational family business sale. Emotions were running high among family members, and I needed to step forward to mediate a conflict between relatives, helping everyone find common ground and restore communication. Witnessing the relief and reconnection among family members made me realize my capacity for conflict resolution. After that meeting, I knew I found my calling within my career.”

“We are proud to welcome these four students and look forward to observing their growth during their time with us,” de la Aguilera said.

TBBJ Awards Pappas 40 Under 40

Pappas is a graduate of Stetson University, where he received his bachelor of science degree in business administration, majoring in family enterprise, complementing the firm’s focus on Family Office Services.

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