Florida Banking June/July 2026

Bank on Your Future Meeting The Next Generation of Bankers at UF and FAU By Letty Newton, Director, Florida Bankers Educational Foundation

banking to discussing career pathways and the role banks play in strengthening local economies, the conversations showcased the energy and potential of Florida’s next generation of banking leaders. The first spring-semester Bank on Your Future event took place March 27 at UF’s Heavener Hall in the Warrington College of Business. A panel of bankers, moderated by Fred Leopold, met with students from the Finance Professional Development Program for two panel sessions and a networking lunch. UF staff said student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many thanks to the UF sponsoring banks, panelists and attendees: Ameris Bank On April 8, FAU hosted FBA staff and bankers at the Office Depot Center on the Boca Raton campus. Fred Leopold moderated a banker panel for an undergraduate business class, followed by one-on-one conversations between students and bankers. The panel met with student organization The Investors Association for the final hour of the program. Some students stayed throughout the afternoon to continue conversations and network with bankers. Students have since continued reaching out to bankers and staff, expressing interest in future events, internships and career opportunities. Bank of America Community Bank First National Bank Coastal Community Locality Bank Valley Bank For more information about Bank on Your Future or FBEF programs, visit www.floridabankers.com/FBEF. Many thanks to the FAU sponsoring banks, panelists and attendees: Capital City Bank Community Bank First Federal Bank Florida Bankers Association Mainstreet Community Bank

FBA and the Florida Bankers Educational Foundation (FBEF) continue bringing banking industry leaders into college classrooms, highlighting the diverse and rewarding career paths available in Florida banking. This spring, bankers met with more than 100 students at the University of Florida (UF) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to discuss their career journeys and answer questions on a range of industry topics. Bank on Your Future is part of FBA’s ongoing efforts to attract, retain and develop the future banking workforce. Students at both universities actively engaged with panelists and attendees. From exploring trends shaping

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