TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Garrett Richter, Florida Market President of Sunflower Bank in Naples, has been named Chair
of the Florida Bankers Association (FBA). His appointment was announced during the FBA’s 138th Annual Meeting.
Richter succeeds Keith Costello, Chairman, President and CEO of Locality Bank in Fort Lauderdale, and brings to the
role more than five decades of experience in banking, public service and community leadership. A former founder and
chief executive of one of Florida’s most successful community banks, as well as a former Florida Senate President Pro
Tempore, Richter has built a distinguished career centered on leadership, service and advocacy.
Richter began his banking career at Mellon Bank in 1969. His career was interrupted by military service in Vietnam with
the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Company, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge. He later
continued his service in the Air Force Reserves before returning to banking.
In 1988, Richter co-founded First National Bank of Naples, helping grow the institution into one of the largest community
banks headquartered in Florida, with 77 branch locations before its acquisition in 2005. He later served in the Florida
House of Representatives and two terms in the Florida Senate, where he chaired the Senate Banking and Insurance
Committee and other key committees.
As FBA Chair, Richter plans to focus on strengthening banker engagement in advocacy efforts and supporting policies
that promote a healthy banking environment in Florida. His theme for the year is “Learn, Earn and Return,” encouraging
bankers to understand the issues facing the industry, build credibility as advocates and give back by mentoring the next
generation of leaders.
“The Florida Bankers Association has earned tremendous respect in Tallahassee and Washington,” Richter said. “My goal
is to build on that reputation by increasing member involvement in advocacy efforts and helping ensure Florida’s banks
continue to serve as engines of growth in their communities.”
FBA President and CEO Kathy Kraninger praised Richter’s leadership and broad perspective.
“Garrett brings an extraordinary depth of experience to this role – from community banking and public policy to military
service and civic leadership,” Kraninger said. “He understands the important role banks play in strengthening Florida’s
economy and communities, and he will be a powerful advocate for our industry in the year ahead.”
Richter will be followed by FBA Chair-Elect Nick Miceli, who will serve as FBA Chair in 2027-28.
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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.
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