Florida Banking December 2025/January 2026

Happy holidays from Goodwood Museum & Gardens, the venue for Capitol Night 2026!

DAVID GARNER ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, JOINED FBA IN FEBRUARY 2025

I was drawn to the FBA because of its strong reputation and its long history of serving as a trusted advocate for the banking industry. The organization has a legacy of bringing people together to solve problems, and I wanted to be part of that tradition. I immediately resonated with its mission of advocating for an industry that supports communities across the state. My favorite part of the job is collaborating with legislators and member banks to help shape policy that makes a real difference. In college, I lobbied for a nonprofit that fought hunger and homelessness among students and met directly with legislators to gain support for policy changes and funding. It taught me how to advocate with urgency and respect and showed me how organized policy work can make a real difference. I also worked in Washington, D.C., in Sen. Marco Rubio's office, on federal policy issues. That experience has helped me appreciate the importance of well-informed policymaking. I was inspired to join the FBA because I’ve always admired its mission to strengthen and support Florida’s banking community. The opportunity to work with such a respected organization – one that plays a key role in shaping the future of our industry – was exciting to me. What I enjoy most about my new role is collaborating with the FBA team and Florida’s bankers to create programs and initiatives that make a significant difference for our members and industry. After spending many years in banking, I’ve seen the industry through the highs and the tough times. That experience really shapes the way I work today — it reminds me to stay steady, flexible and focused on the long view, even as technology and regulations keep changing at a fast pace. It’s taught me that progress and stability can go hand in hand. TERRY HUGHES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP, JOINED FBA IN MARCH 2025

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY HOMETOWN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY HOMETOWN HOLT, FLORIDA

WWW.FLORIDABANKERS.COM DECEMBER 25/JANUARY 26 | 23