Florida Banking June/July 2026

that’s focused on the risk profile of the bank they are examining. Bankers and regulators have the same goal— safe and sound banks. There should be a partnership approach, rather than an adversarial approach. Banks and bankers must be nimble and responsive regarding customer and community needs. We also need to be nimble regarding technological changes that impact our products and services and the ways we deliver them. Q. Advocacy is central to the FBA’s mission. From your experience as a legislator, what advice would you give bankers who want to become more effective advocates? A. To be effective advocates, bankers must move beyond simply explaining what banks do, and become clear, credible and relatable voices for the industry’s role in supporting households, small businesses and the broader community. Successful advocates know the issues and speak in simple terms. Lead with stories, not spreadsheets. Be a partner, not just a lobbyist. Position your bank as a problem solver. Build relationships – maintain ongoing touch with local chambers, city councils, economic development boards and associations, rather than reaching out only when a crisis hits. I mentioned the Advocacy in Action Toolkit…it provides good direction. Q. When your year as chair concludes, what would success look like both for the FBA and for Florida’s banking industry? A. The FBA has earned an excellent reputation in both Washington and Tallahassee. My goal is to build on that reputation and increase our members’ involvement in our advocacy efforts. As I said, my theme is Learn, Earn and Return—at the end of my year, I hope we have more bankers who better understand our issues, have engaged with local lawmakers and have increased their participation in our Florida BankPac. similar values. It’s just been a great industry for me over 55 years. Q. You’re a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran and recipient of the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. How has your military service shaped your leadership philosophy? A. The military grew me up. As I mentioned, I flunked chemistry, and so I didn’t graduate from

Learn, Earn and Return, Continued from page 8

Toolkit. The toolkit is an easy guide to effective and personal interactions with our elected officials. Q. As you begin your year as our FBA chair, what are your top priorities for the FBA? A. My priorities for the FBA are to encourage effective advocacy—and increase participation—among our banks and bankers. The theme I’m adopting for my year as chairman is Learn, Earn and Return. The Florida Chamber recognized this priority of mine when I served in the Senate and engraved it on a baseball bat that they presented me. As experienced bankers we must learn the issues impacting our industry and our communities; earn our reputation and become credible advocates; and return these skills, passion and knowledge to others in our industry who can carry on our mission and provide financial support to our Florida BankPac. The FBA has earned the respect of lawmakers in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. Kathy Kraninger is a highly experienced and respected leader who has tremendous contacts with our lawmakers and our regulators. She has earned a great reputation. My goal is to join her as we educate our lawmakers and Florida bankers, enabling all banks to maximize their positive impact on our state. An issue that’s front and center today is FDIC deposit insurance. There is unanimous agreement within our industry that there is a need for FDIC insurance reform; there is not unanimous agreement on what that reform should look like. I hope the FBA can be a constructive intermediary as we endeavor to present an effective resolution that provides our depositors and banks with an appropriate level of coverage. Q. Community and regional banks face increasing regulatory and competitive challenges. What is essential to ensure they remain strong and viable in the years ahead? A. I believe examiners need to establish exam criteria On Leadership and Life Q. What originally drew you to banking, and what has kept you passionate about the industry? A. I love banking. I love the people. I love what we do in our communities. I love making loans to companies that start out small and became successful. I love the bankers I work with — we have

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