Florida Banking June/July 2025

Florida’s Future Banking Leaders (FFBL) also supports FBA’s efforts to retain the next generation of bank leaders. FFBL is peer group for those who are looking to further their professional development within the banking industry through engagement with FBA. They have made learning more about advocacy and networking as their priorities. We’ve held networking events in Orlando and Destin, with more coming, inviting all bankers in the area as a starting point. Many state banking associations have “young banker” or “emerging leader” programs, and with the help of our members, we will look to develop this fully. The networking events inspired by FFBL are also an opportunity for FBA to highlight our launch of peer groups. We will continue to expand this effort in the coming year. As we look ahead to the new membership year, I’m energized by the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’re building – together. Your engagement and insight are shaping a stronger future for Florida banking, whether through smart policy advocacy or meaningful investment in tomorrow’s leaders. Thank you for your continued partnership. Let’s keep leaning in, moving forward and making a lasting impact across our industry and communities.

President's Perspective, Continued from page 5 Leopold, our current Foundation Chair, we have started a pilot program bringing community bankers to Florida universities to promote careers in banking. Last year, we started at FSU with participation by eight bankers and this year we went to UF with seven. We’re developing a tool kit to scale this effort at universities across the state. Further, many of the students have asked about internship opportunities after hearing the passionate stories about, and benefits of working in, community banking. We are working to compile this information so we can share it with students as we visit universities. Second, we’re working with the Center for Financial Training (CFT) to bring Future Bankers Camp across the state of Florida! A successful program in Miami for many years, CFT has been working to expand it to other states with encouragement from the FDIC. Starting this year, we’re launching in Broward county and Orlando. The program provides high-school students with two weeks of classroom training and two weeks of internship at a bank. They come away with a bank teller certificate and many have taken jobs in banking later in life. It’s been a fantastic initiative, as many of you can attest!

6 — FLORIDA BANKING THE VOICE OF FLORIDA BANKING