Former Trump official has big plans for Florida's largest bank group

A year into her role running the state’s biggest lobbying, education and advocacy group for banks, Kathy Kraninger recognizes the industry is amid a deep transformation, especially considering the past decade of community bank consolidation. 

But big change, even a wide decline in the number of community banks, says Kraninger, doesn’t have to equate to surrender. “I don't want us to be Thelma and Louise driving off the cliff,” she says. “It's like no, that cliff is coming, and we all see it. So let's actually point it out, talk about (it) and redirect when we have the opportunity, rather than just driving off of it.” 

Kraninger brings that optimistic, yet realistic and transparent, style to her role as president and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association. She was named CEO of the Tallahassee-based group last fall, taking on the role Nov. 5, 2023. She replaced former CEO Alex Sanchez, who retired. Not only was replacing Sanchez a big-shoes-to-fill task — he was a prominent and vocal advocate for Florida banks and the industry — it’s also historic: Kraninger is the fourth CEO of the organization since it was founded 136 years ago, in 1888.