As an internationally recognized leader in the field of ethical banking and outspoken advocate for values-based businesses, Ken has always had a unique approach to banking and believes that in addition to making a profit, finance can be a force for good. Ken founded Florida Choice Bank in 1999, grew it to over $400 million in assets by 2006 before selling it to Alabama National Bankcorp. Three years later, Ken was able to put this approach into action with the founding of First GREEN Bank – the very first bank in the eastern United States with an environmental and social mission. Under Ken’s leadership, First GREEN Bank expanded across Florida and grew to over $825 million in assets by the time it was sold to Seacoast Banking Corporation in 2018. His values-based business model demonstrated that financial excellence could occur without ethical compromise. With a continued dedication to reverse the climate crisis, Ken expanded on First GREEN Bank’s legacy with Climate First Bank, the nation’s first FDIC-insured digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis.
Ford helms bank operations and, most importantly, builds Climate First Bank’s book of business. Ford has an excellent understanding of the Orlando market, having spent his entire banking career in Central Florida, and is looking to expand the bank’s presence in the market while also growing and expanding connections statewide. Before Climate First Bank, Ford was Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker III at Seacoast Bank and Senior Vice President and Wingman to the Chairman at First GREEN Bank. For his leadership within the local community, Ford was recognized by the Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards in 2017.
Sharon Hill is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Climate First Bank. With a combined 40 years of financial accounting experience, Hill’s role is to develop, implement and control Climate First Bank’s financial operations and strategies. She previously served as CFO for floridacentral Credit Union, AtlasBanc Holdings Corp. and Anderen Bank. Hill is a certified public accountant and a graduate of University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. She is based in St. Petersburg, Fla.
With nearly 40 years of experience within the Central Florida banking industry, Jeff brings his immense wealth of experience to his role. Working in tandem with Lex Ford, Jeff develops and cultivates credit and banking relationships with local businesses and consumers. Beginning his professional career as an accountant, Jeff made the jump to banking with his role as Senior Vice President at United American Bank. Since then, Jeff has held the title of Senior Vice President at First Southern Bank, First GREEN Bank, and Seacoast Bank, where he spearheaded commercial and business development in the Central Florida market.
As Chief Technology Officer and Chief Digital Banking Officer, Marcio de Oliveira provides leadership and guidance in proprietary digital product development including mobile banking and digital client onboarding for both consumer and commercial lending platforms. As the former Vice President of Banking Platforms at the Silicon Valley-based Y Combinator company, Prelim, and lead inventor of five patents in banking technology and payments, de Oliveira brings a wealth of expertise in the financial services technologies space.Before Prelim, de Oliveira spearheaded digital transformation as former Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President of C1 Bank. While at C1 Bank, de Oliveira was an influential co-founder of a successful fintech startup C1 Labs, and helped execute the bank’s IPO on the NYSE in 2014. When C1 Bank was acquired by Bank OZK, de Oliveira’s role shifted to become a key member of the leadership team as President of Innovation. In that role, de Oliveira led Bank OZK’s market positioning strategy as a leader in technology and innovation within the banking sector.
Felipe Ferreira serves as the Executive Vice President and Director of Residential Lending at Climate First Bank. With nearly two decades of experience in residential lending, Felipe oversees the Bank's mortgage sales and operations teams, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance. Located in Orlando, Felipe brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He previously collaborated with Climate First Bank Founder and CEO, Ken LaRoe, during his tenure at First GREEN Bank. Before joining Climate First, Felipe held the position of EVP/Director of Residential Lending at another financial institution.
As a licensed Florida Bar attorney, Scott has a diverse background in both law and business. A graduate of Lake Mary High School, he attended the University of Florida, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 2002. Following undergrad, he worked in the construction products industry for a number of years before attending law school at Florida A&M College of Law. Upon his graduation in 2011, Scott worked at a mid-size consumer law firm in both the loss mitigation and litigation departments, helping clients with their real estate, foreclosure and consumer debt related matters. In 2016, Scott joined Ken LaRoe at First Green Bank and helped launch its Attorney Banking Services department, specializing in providing banking services and products to attorneys and law firms all across Florida. Scott has extensive knowledge in driving environmentally focused banking initiatives and uses his wide array of experience to provide his clients with the banking solutions needed to make their business successful. Scott and his wife Leia are both involved with many of the voluntary bar associations in Central Florida. They also enjoy outdoor activities, sporting events, concerts and rooting for the Gators!
With over 20 years of experience in finance and banking, Blaine brings a diverse array of experience to the credit risk and operations departments at the bank. Before joining Climate First Bank, Blaine served multiple positions at South State Bank via CenterState Bank and was integrally involved in numerous acquisitions over the years. Blaine holds an MBA from the University of Central Florida and resides in Belle Isle, FL with her husband, Roger, and two young boys, Indy and River. Blaine leads both the credit underwriting and loan operations teams with a focus on a seamless backroom experience for our customers.
Chris Cucci has spent his banking career, spanning over two decades, in the Central Florida market where he’s had the opportunity to finance transactions across the nation. He serves as EVP, Chief Strategy Officer at Climate First Bank where he leads strategic initiatives and oversees the bank’s lending in mission-aligned sectors including commercial solar, ESOP finance, and more. Cucci also serves as Senior Advisor at OneEthos, fintech affiliate to Climate First Bank, where he supports efforts to provide mission-based technology solutions to community finance partners nationwide. Active in the community, he serves on the board of directors for CCIM Central District and as board Chair for Osceola Community Health Services. His prior experience includes commercial banking and leadership roles at South State Bank, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase.
Chris specializes in growing and maximizing the financial performance of startup banks and brings nearly 25 years of experience within the industry. He worked closely with Climate First Bank founder and CEO Ken LaRoe in the past, having held the position of vice president at LaRoe’s two previous de novo banks, Florida Choice Bank and First GREEN Bank. He now joins LaRoe for the third time as the senior vice president and senior corporate advisor of Climate First Bank where he will be responsible for driving traditional commercial lending, commercial deposits, and specialized commercial green loans. Chris graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1999 with a degree in Finance. In his free time, Chris enjoys playing golf, going to concerts, camping, and fishing.
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Ron Strand-Sorrell has more than 40 years in banking experience and 25 years in Compliance, BSA and Risk Management, including leadership positions at Axiom Bank, MVB Bank and more. Ron joined the team at Climate First Bank to ensure that all bank policies, procedures, and practices adhere to regulations.
Based in Central Florida, Ron lives with his husband, Timothy and their French bulldog, Bella. Ron is a diehard Green Bay Packers fan, and enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
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Ryan Jaskiewicz is President of Structured Finance at Climate First Bank, where he leads the Bank’s efforts to develop and grow its structured finance offerings. He brings 17 years of experience in building and leading financial services firms, having founded 12five Capital in 2006. Under his leadership, 12five Capital grew from a startup to a team of 13, managing over $45 million in net funds employed. Central to the company’s success was a strong focus on culture, mission, and people, all of which contributed to creating a purpose-driven organization. Throughout his career, Ryan has specialized in developing tailored financing solutions, efficient systems, and transparent processes to help businesses grow. His passion for cultivating a positive, mission-aligned culture has been a key differentiator in his approach to leadership and team building. Ryan is a recognized speaker on topics such as remote work culture and employee engagement in the finance industry. He serves on the board of the American Factoring Association and is a member of the International Factoring Association and the Secured Finance Network. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He lives in La Grange, IL, with his wife and three children. An avid runner, Ryan has completed 17 marathons and countless other races and competes nationally as a competitive Masters runner.
Chris Castro is Founding Director and EVP, Chief Sustainability Officer at Climate First Bank. With a distinguished career in sustainability and clean energy, Chris has made significant contributions to environmental initiatives. Prior to joining Climate First Bank, Chris served as a presidential appointee for the Biden-Harris Administration, where he managed a $16 billion portfolio of grants and technical assistance programs at the U.S. Department of Energy. Chris's career also includes nearly a decade of service at the City of Orlando, Florida, where he held various roles, including Senior Advisor to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Director of Sustainability & Resilience. During this time, Chris developed comprehensive policies and programs that advanced the City's sustainability and climate action goals through the Green Works Orlando initiative. In addition to his public service, Chris is known for his eco-entrepreneurial efforts. He co-founded IDEAS For Us, a global UN-accredited nonprofit advancing community-led sustainability projects, and started Citizen Energy, a clean-energy consulting firm specializing in commercial and multifamily buildings. Chris also co-created Fleet Farming, an urban farming social enterprise transforming underutilized land into edible landscapes throughout Central Florida. Chris is a graduate of University of Central Florida where he studied B.S. Environmental Studies & Policy, Energy & Sustainability.
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