Banker takes helm of powerful lobbying group

TAMPA — Rita Lowman has officially taken over as chairman of the Florida Bankers Association — the third female in the 130-year history of the organization to be named chair.

Lowman, a longtime Florida banker, is currently COO of Pilot Bank. She has also held statewide senior level positions at Bank of America, American Momentum Bank and C1 Bank. Lowman also serves on the boards of the Outback Bowl, American Cancer Society and Centre Club, and is a past chair of the Florida School of Banking and FBA Education Foundation, according to a statement.

"Rita was elected to serve as Chair of the Florida Bankers Association in 2017 in recognition of her strong leadership for Florida's banking industry,” says Florida Bankers Association President and CEO Alex Sanchez in the statement. “We are all very thankful and proud of her."

Lowman assumed the chair role on June 14.

The Florida Bankers Association was founded in 1888, and advocates on behalf of Florida banks and promotes the banking industry statewide and in Washington, D.C.