Florida Banking July 2024

KUDOS

Nine Florida Bankers Receive Diplomas from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU

O n May 31, 152 bankers received diplomas from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. This three-year program provides courses covering all aspects of banking, economics and related subjects. Students traveled from 18 states and Mexico to participate in this session. Nine bankers received diplomas from Florida. • Emanuel Gonzales, Trustmark National Bank, Panama City Beach •Jordan M. Hawkins, United Southern Bank, Umatilla • Austin Gregory Klanjac, Cadence Bank, Panama City • Jason Morehouse, Cadence Bank, Panama City Beach •Timothy Solomon Prather, Hancock Whitney Bank, Panama City • William Ray, Citizens First Bank, The Villages • Corey Garrett Reichert, Frame Credit of Central FL, Brooksville • Erin P. Scott, Renasant Bank, Jacksonville • Darren G. Webb, Madison County Community Bank, Madison Sponsored by 15 southern-state bankers associations A merant Bank Chairman and CEO Jerry Plush was inducted as a 2024 Laureate at the prestigious 34th Annual Junior Achievement of South Florida Business Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on May 10. The event at the JA World Huizenga Center's Lillian S. Wells Pavilion celebrated Plush's remarkable leadership, commitment to innovation, and dedication to empowering the community through financial literacy initiatives. Plush's visionary guidance has propelled Amerant Bank to the forefront of the South Florida banking industry, distinguishing it as trendsetting and renowned for its customer-centric approach and innovative digital solutions. His forward-thinking leadership has driven the bank's exponential growth, positioning it as a champion of financial education and community engagement, which perfectly aligns with Junior Achievement's goal of preparing young individuals for successful futures.

FBA President and CEO Kathy Kraninger with Florida students of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.

in cooperation with the Division of Continuing Education at LSU, the Graduate School of Banking at LSU requires attendance on campus for three years, with extensive bank study assignments between sessions. The faculty is comprised of more than 50 bankers, business and professional leaders, and educators from all parts of the U.S. During their three summer sessions at the Graduate School of Banking, students receive 180 hours of classroom instruction, planned evening study, and final examinations at the end of each session.

Junior Achievement of South Florida Honors Jerry Plush as 2024 Laureate

Jerry Plush, Chairman and CEO, Amerant Bank

"Being inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame alongside such remarkable leaders is an incredible honor," Plush said. At Amerant Bank, we firmly believe that empowering our youth with the knowledge and

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