Florida Banking December 2025/January 2026

BARBI MILLER CONTROLLER, JOINED FBA IN 2017

I was originally inspired to join the FBA because I was ready for a smaller work environment where I felt the employees mattered. The things I enjoy most about my current role are my team and the people with whom I work. They help make it more enjoyable.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA HOMETOWN LEBANON, ILLINOIS

LETTY NEWTON DIRECTOR OF FLORIDA BANKERS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION, JOINED FBA IN 1997

When I first applied to FBA, the job involved working for two supervisors on four types of work, including the Florida Bankers Educational Foundation (FBEF). The idea of working with students and helping them complete their college degrees appealed to me since I’d always wanted a job that would make a difference. When I had the opportunity to become director of the foundation, I was so happy to be able to work on my favorite part of my job full-time. I love what I do and am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many smart and talented individuals among our FBEF scholarship recipients and our staff. I’ve been lucky enough to know a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, which I think has helped me in many work situations. I can get along with almost anyone and always enjoy getting to know new people.

FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY HOMETOWN WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

ANN MICHELLE PALECKI VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, JOINED FBA IN AUGUST 2025

I believe a healthy banking sector is vital for a healthy economy, and I’m excited to be on the front lines advocating for the industry alongside a great team. I’ve spent the majority of my career as regulatory counsel, first at the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, and then at FDIC. I also spent some time as a staff attorney for the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. I’ve seen first-hand the life cycle of regulation from drafting legislation through the nuts and bolts of enforcement, and that gives me valuable insight about what works and what does not.

FSU COLLEGE OF LAW HOMETOWN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE

VICKI TATILIAN ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR, JOINED FBA IN OCTOBER 2025

I’d heard great things about FBA from a current FBA employee. I enjoy the challenges of learning this new role and being a part of such a professional, but personable organization. My husband of 19 years and I have a blended family of five now-grown children, ages 21 to 34, plus a six-year-old, 80-pound English Cream Golden Retriever (whose “retriever,” we say, is actually broken). I would say being the wife/mom/stepmom of this family/household, especially in the earlier years, has taught me to juggle quite a few tasks/activities at once and still stay (relatively) sane.

FSU, MARKETING AND COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY GLOBAL,

ACCOUNTING HOMETOWN GULF BREEZE, FLORIDA

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