FBA Announces 2026 Award Winners

Florida bankers recognized for outstanding contributions to banking industry and their communities

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bankers Association (FBA) honored several outstanding banking leaders during its 2026

Annual Meeting, recognizing individuals whose leadership, service and dedication have made a lasting impact on Florida’s

banking industry and the communities they serve. The annual awards celebrate excellence across the profession and

highlight bankers who continue to advance the industry through innovation, advocacy and mentorship. The 2026 award

winners are:

Corey LeBlanc, Co-Founder and CTO of Locality Bank (Fort Lauderdale), was named Banker of the Year. This

award recognizes an individual who demonstrates the highest level of commitment to the banking industry and service to

his or her community. LeBlanc, co-founder and CEO of Locality Ventures and a driving force behind the creation and

success of Locality Bank, was honored in recognition of his leadership, innovation and commitment to community banking.

With more than 20 years of experience in banking and technology, he has helped demonstrate how community banks can

embrace modern solutions while maintaining the personal relationships that define local banking. LeBlanc has been a

dedicated advocate for Florida’s banking industry, generously sharing his expertise and supporting the work of the FBA to

strengthen and advance community banking across the state.

Sen. Erin Grall (Senate District 29) and Rep. Randy Maggard (House District 54) were awarded as Legislators of

the Year. Sen. Grall and Rep. Maggard were recognized for their leadership and commitment to policies supporting

Florida’s banking industry and the communities it serves. Both legislators played key roles in advancing legislative priorities

to preserve a competitive financial services marketplace and supporting Florida’s community banks. These policies, such

as regulatory reform, fighting fraud and other key initiatives, play a vital role in providing credit, fostering economic growth

and serving local communities.

Robert Shaw, CEO of Echelon Bank (Clearwater), and Erik Weiner, Founder, President and CEO of Portrait Bank

I/O (Winter Park), were presented with the Chairman’s Award. This award is given to recipients selected by the

outgoing FBA Chairman, in this case Keith Costello, Chairman and CEO of Locality Bank, to honor members who have

gone above and beyond to support the FBA. Shaw and Weiner have led the de novo banking charge in Florida, establishing

new institutions that will serve and strengthen their communities.

Frank Territo, Chief of Staff & Director of Investor Relations, The Bank of Tampa (Tampa), was given the Horizon

Award. The Horizon Award winner is presented with a golden eagle trophy for “soaring” above expectations. Territo has

consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to the banking industry. He currently serves on the

FBA’s Government Relations Committee and is an active member of Florida’s Future Banking Leaders (FFBL), helping to

support and grow the next generation of industry leaders.

Rita Lowman, Director, Caldwell Trust Company (Venice), was presented with the FBA Lifetime Achievement

Award. Established in 2011, this award is given periodically by the FBA Executive Committee to individuals whose careers

not only have spanned decades but have strengthened the banking industry and Florida communities. A respected leader

and advocate for community banking, Lowman held executive roles including chief operating officer of C1 Bank and

president of Pilot Bank. In 2017, she became only the third woman in the FBA’s 130-year history to serve as chair. Through

her mentorship, industry leadership and community involvement, Lowman has left an enduring impact on banking and the

many individuals whose lives and careers she has helped shape.Matt Frazier, Commercial Relationship Manager, AVP, SouthState Bank (Winter Haven), received the Dr. C Arnold

Matthews Honor Graduate Award from the Florida School of Banking. This award is based on the student’s scholastic

level during their three years of study; contribution to and participation in class; and overall personal contribution to the

school and the student body. The winner must also have completed the school in three consecutive sessions.

“Florida’s banking industry is strengthened by leaders who are deeply committed to serving their customers, communities

and colleagues,” said FBA President & CEO Kathy Kraninger. “This year’s honorees represent the very best of our industry

through their leadership, vision and dedication to moving Florida banking forward. We are proud to recognize their

extraordinary contributions and celebrate the positive difference they make across our state.”

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Through advocacy, education and engagement, the Florida Bankers Association (FBA) supports Florida bankers in better

serving their customers and communities. Established in 1888, FBA today represents more than 150 banks of all sizes,

and their dedicated 134,000+ employees, operating in the state of Florida.