Florida Banking July 2024

FBA President and CEO Kathy Kraninger: Shaping the Future

A new day has dawned for the 136-year-old Florida Bankers Association. In November 2023, the FBA welcomed Kathy Kraninger as its fourth CEO, following the retirement of leader Alex Sanchez who’d served the organization for 30 years. Under Kraninger’s leadership, the association has embarked on a new strategic planning process to guide its efforts for the next three years (2024-27). Kraninger was drawn to the association for its engaged membership and the opportunity to work with peers and partners, including the business community, professional service providers and fellow state banking associations. “Throughout the hiring process, I could tell the executive committee and the bankers were very

economic future and opportunity for all?” Kraninger believes her career in public service prepared her for the role. Not only is she accustomed to public scrutiny, having experienced firsthand periods of major upheaval in government history, but she is adept at educating and communicating with stakeholders and constituents. “We have some pretty big challenges with respect to how people perceive banks. There is a lot of opportunity to promote the role bankers play in their communities,” Kraninger said. “We can absolutely make an impact on the public’s perception of the industry if we collectively work on a strategy of communication with the business community, partners and policymakers.”

engaged,” Kraninger said. “Of course, we want an engaged membership that is passionate about advancing the banking industry. I was excited about the opportunity to learn, to leverage the different aspects of this association, and to take it to the next level.” Appointed by four U.S. Presidents to government posts and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Kraninger has been a trusted counselor and advisor to cabinet members and members of Congress of both parties for decades – focused on problem solving over politics and

The strategic planning process has involved ongoing discussion with the FBA Board, Executive Committee and staff. “Defining and outlining the vision for the FBA’s future has been a rewarding experience. Our team has always worked very well together, but collaborating on how to execute the plan over time has sparked new ideas and creative thinking,” said FBA COO Pam Ricco. The plan outlines three strategic pillars summarizing the FBA’s efforts, which are reflected in the association’s updated mission statement:

“BANKING IS EVOLVING JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE. HOW DO WE ADVANCE FLORIDA’S ECONOMIC FUTURE AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL?” — KATHY KRANINGER

outcomes over credit. Her last post in government was as Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Prior to joining FBA, Kraninger served as VP of Regulatory Affairs for Solidus Labs, Inc., where she built the fintech startup’s global policy and engagement strategy. Kraninger’s public-policy expertise, management acumen and stakeholder-engagement experience with government, industry and community leaders at the local, state and federal levels made her an attractive candidate. In Kraninger, the FBA Executive Committee found a self-starter with the knowledge and experience to tackle the challenges of the ever-evolving banking landscape and to embrace innovative opportunities. “Banking is evolving just like everything else,” Kraninger said. “How do we advance Florida’s

Through advocacy, education and engagement, the FBA supports Florida bankers in better serving their customers and communities. “We owe our membership insight into the key strategies under our mission and pillars, which are advocacy, education and engagement,” Kraninger said. ADVOCATE The FBA is the voice for Florida bankers, standing for free enterprise and economic vitality. The association’s continued focus on advocacy is about building and maintaining strong relationships with policymakers, regulators and a coalition of allies; defining and promoting positions and policy; involving members and their networks in government Kathy Kraninger, Continued on page 10

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