Florida Banking June 2024

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS AND EMBRACING CHANGE: MY YEAR AS FBA CHAIR

BY JOSE CUETO, FBA CHAIR

A s we wrap up the fiscal year, I look back on a unique experience as your FBA Chair. Most notably, we celebrated fearless leader Alex Sanchez’s 30 years of service and welcomed new FBA President and CEO Kathy Kraninger. As Chair, I led our Executive Committee in navigating the search and overseeing the selection process. It has been an honor

as Chair. I also want to thank leaders Alex Sanchez and Kathy Kraninger, as well as the FBA team, for their hard work in planning and executing these opportunities for advocacy, education and engagement. Our membership will be in good hands as I pass the torch to Incoming Chair Derek Jones, a friend and colleague who is passionate about educating the public

to serve our membership, setting us on a strong path for the future. Though this has been a season of transition, I am proud of the association’s commitment to steadfast service and providing value through its advocacy, education and engagement opportunities. With respect to advocacy, the FBA hosted excellent events to bring us face-to-face with key legislators and policymakers in Tallahassee and Washington. I had the honor of introducing FDIC Chair Marty Gruenberg, FDIC Vice Chair Travis Hill, and Fed Governor Michelle Bowman, as well as interacting with many other state and national leaders like Acting

and policymakers about the good work our banks do for the economic wellbeing of our communities. Our association is entering into an exciting new era as we implement the strategic plan which will position us for the future. This plan outlines the association’s mission and values, sets priorities for the coming years, and outlines a strategy for meeting members’ needs in these changing times. When it comes to education and engagement, I wanted to ensure FBA provides opportunities for the next generation of banking industry leaders. You will see this priority in several areas of the FBA’s new strategic plan.

“THOUGH THIS HAS BEEN A SEASON

OF TRANSITION, I AM PROUD OF THE ASSOCIATION’S COMMITMENT TO STEADFAST SERVICE AND PROVIDING VALUE THROUGH ITS ADVOCACY, EDUCATION

AND ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES.”

Comptroller of the Currency Michael Hsu, Chairman Patrick McHenry, and Senator Rick Scott. Every one of these meetings is an opportunity to build a relationship and to educate representatives about the important work we do and how proposed legislation impacts our local communities. I want to thank my team at Grove Bank & Trust for their support and encouragement during my time

Our involvement is key to the association’s success. I urge you to stay informed and to continue to support the FBA’s efforts. Above all, I ask that you invest in your rising leaders. We need to encourage the next generation of bankers to participate in the FBA’s advocacy and initiatives. Thank you again for this opportunity to lead and serve. Here’s to a busy and productive year!

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