Regions Bank appoints new market head for Naples

Regions Bank has named Cynthia Valenti Smith, who has more than 20 years of experience in mortgage lending, as market executive for the Naples area.

Smith, who will continue in her leadership role as Southwest Florida mortgage production manager for the bank, will report to Steve Pickett, senior vice president and Florida mortgage regional manager, according to a statement. Birmingham, Alabama-based Regions is one of the largest banks in the country, with $154 billion in assets. 

As market executive, Smith will manage the bank’s comprehensive Regions360 approach to identifying and meeting customers’ banking needs, the release states. She will also work closely with Fort Myers market executive Earnest Wilks to meet customer needs across these two metro footprints.

Smith worked for the Washington Trust Co. in Rhode Island for 22 years, including a stint as vice president for mortgage lending, according to her LinkedIn profile. She then worked for City National Bank before joining Regions in February 2020. 

Pickett, in the release, notes Smith’s leadership during Hurricane Ian, during which Smith’s own home was nearly destroyed, was particularly impressive. 

“She led her team and the community through a massive and traumatic situation,” he recals. “I’ve never seen someone lead with more empathy and a steadier hand. I never once heard Cyndi complain. It was always about her team and what can she do for them. It’s the fact that she’s a selfless leader. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

“Everyone here is so excited to see Cyndi take on this role,” Pickett adds in the statement. “She’s an incredible fit for this opportunity. We recruited her three years ago because we saw her passion for service, and our customers consistently benefit from her experience and insights. She’s also connected to a number of nonprofits and community organizations in Naples and Collier County. Her professional experience and outgoing spirit are a great mix for the growing population of Southwest Florida.”

Smith says she enjoys talking to people about what brought them to the Sunshine State. 

“Everyone has a different story,” she says in the statement. “They also have different income levels. For example, rentals are high everywhere. But if you compare rent to a mortgage, you’ll often find a mortgage is cheaper than rent in the long run. Those are the kinds of conversations we use to connect with new residents. And we must never lose sight of the fact that we’re here to deliver what they value most from a bank — personal service that helps them accomplish their goals.”