Florida Banking June 2024

2024-25 FBA Chair Derek Jones

D erek Jones, Wells Fargo’s Central Florida region executive, is Incoming Chair of the Florida Bankers Association; he will serve a one-year term that runs from June 2024 through June 2025. Jones envisioned a career outside of the banking industry but a chance meeting with a Wells Fargo recruiter while he attended

Jones was given the opportunity to move to Florida during the Wells Fargo / Wachovia National Bank merger. Today, as the Central Florida region executive, Jones leads nine district managers that oversee teams in 108 branches across 12 counties throughout Orlando and the Tampa Metropolitan areas. He engages with his teams during branch visits multiple times a week. Jones is honored

California State University changed the trajectory of his career. At the time, his plan was to pursue a postgraduate degree in Education because he wanted to be a teacher and football coach. Jones started working for Wells Fargo in 1995, and the rest is history. “I’ve been fortunate to be in places where there has been an opportunity for growth, and that’s what’s kept me really engaged and energized about what I do,” Jones said. “I wanted to teach and coach,

“HELPING CUSTOMERS WITH THEIR FINANCIAL GOALS THROUGH DIFFERENT STAGES OF LIFE IS SO IMPORTANT, AND IT’S THE REASON

and excited to serve as FBA Chair representing his fellow Florida bankers. He has served on the FBA Board of Directors for the last nine years; he has also served in various roles on the Executive Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Government Relations Council. These experiences, in addition to his time as Chair-Elect, have helped prepare Jones to take on this leadership role. “I’m grateful to have had the

I’VE DONE THIS FOR ALL THESE YEARS.”

and I still get to do that every day with a great team, just in a different industry and environment.” Building relationships with his team and with his customers is what unlocked Jones’ love for banking. He appreciates the impact that bankers make on their customers’ lives and in their local communities. “Helping customers with their financial goals through different stages of life is so important, and it’s the reason I’ve done this for all these years,” Jones said.

opportunity to create a network with former FBA Chairs and to shadow them; they’re all phenomenal,” Jones said. Though Jones comes from a large bank, the opportunity to serve alongside community bankers has helped him better understand the issues and given him “tremendous insight and appreciation” for their work. “The FBA is committed to advocacy for banks of all sizes,” Jones said. Jones also acknowledges the unique FBA Chair Derek Jones, Continued on page 10

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