Florida Banking October 2021

KUDOS

Sonya Kristie, Caldwell Trust Company vice president and trust officer, earns Juris Master degree

S onya Kristie, vice president, trust officer and Sarasota office manager with Caldwell Trust Company, received her Juris Master, a legal degree, at Florida State University’s graduation ceremonies on July 30. This degree is the most recent in a growing list of accomplishments for the Venice native and Sarasota resident. Kristie began working in Caldwell’s Venice office in 2003 as an intern while taking college classes and also waiting tables at a Venice restaurant. Planning a career in finance, she enrolled at the University of South Florida and earned a B.S. in finance in 2005. R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell Jr., Caldwell’s president and CEO, suggested she complete her internship by transferring to the company’s Sarasota office to work with Jan Miller (now executive vice president and trust officer), who became her mentor. In 2019, Caldwell suggested that Kristie consider the Juris Master, a program developed by FSU and the Florida Bankers Association, where he serves on its board as Trust & Wealth Management Division Chair. Kristie was accepted by FSU and received an FBEF loan that morphed into a scholarship over the next

two-and-a-half rigorous years, taking two courses per semester (virtually), maintaining a specified GPA, and continuing her full-time work at Caldwell. She also continued community service as a board member and K9 Handler — with her dog Duke — for Sarasota K9 Search and Rescue, and as a member of the Southwest Florida Estate

Sonya Kristie

Planning Council, the Florida Bankers Association and the Women of the Sun Coast of Big Brothers Big Sisters. In addition to the Juris Master program, Kristie has also completed the FBA’s Florida Graduate Trust School programs; studies in fiduciary income tax, basics of probate practice and special needs trusts; and Engage Sarasota and Leadership Sarasota County, programs sponsored by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

City National Bank Hosts Annual Networking Event and Launches New Private Banking Brand C ity National Bank of Florida returned to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains for the fifth edition of Aspen305, the invite-only event Mountain, this year’s event also marked the official launch of City National Private, the bank’s new private banking brand.

for clients on July 10. More than 200 people attended. The guest list was comprised of power leaders behind the companies that are fueling the sectors driving Florida’s economy, as well as executives from City National Bank and other special guests. Attendees hung up their business attire for a cocktail reception with premium food, drinks and entertainment. “This has been a year unlike any other, so it was especially meaningful to return to Aspen for an in-person connection with our clients,” said City National Bank Private Client & Wealth Executive Steve Hayworth. Hosted at the St. Regis Aspen Resort, which is nestled at the base of Aspen

From left: Steve Hayworth, Daisy Hayworth, Matthew Leto, and Brielle Leto.

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