Tampa - The Future of Florida Banking

Alex Sanchez is the first Hispanic to become President and CEO of the FBA. The FBA is the leading voice for Florida’s banking industry. Mr. Sanchez’s responsibilities include representing and advocating for Florida’s banking industry before all legislative and regulatory bodies in Tallahassee and in Washington. In 2002, President George W. Bush nominated Mr. Sanchez to serve as one of the three Presidential appointees on the five people Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, of which he served for over 9 years. 

Mr. Caballero is the Tampa Bay Market President and EVP for Seacoast Bank.

Prior to this role, he was Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of GulfShore Bank and GulfShore Bancshares, Inc. During his eight-year tenure, he led the recapitalization and turn-around of the bank and its ultimate sale to Seacoast National Bank. Prior to his role at GulfShore Bank, Mr. Caballero was CEO and President of a three-bank holding company. Previously he worked in the private wealth management industry for Alliance Bernstein. Mr. Caballero launched his career in the management program for Bank of America’s predecessor NCNB.

Mr. Caballero has numerous investments and board involvement in which he participates in providing financial, governance and business guidance. These include restaurant/hospitality, health care, insurance, education and the automotive dealership industries.

He holds a B.S. in Finance from Florida State University; a Masters of Accountancy from the University of South Florida; and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the State of Florida. He previously held his Series 7, Series 66 and Series 31 securities licenses.

Mr. Caballero was born in Tampa and attended Jesuit High School. He is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the School and serves on the Executive Committee and the Trustees Affairs committee; member and past President of the Jesuit Foundation; and member of the Investment Committee. He is a director of the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center Hospital; the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation; Chair of the Joint Finance and Planning Committee for the Center; member of the Executive Benefits and Compensation Committee; and member of Joint Investment Committee.

Mr. Caballero serves on the Roche Surety and Roche Surety and Casualty Boards; the Eastern US Board of the Salesian Sisters; and AVMED Community Advisory Board.

Rita Lowman is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Pilot Bank. Rita began leaving her footprint in the Banking Industry in the mid 70’s. Working tirelessly to champion her colleagues in the banking industry, she is proud that many are now leaders in several banks throughout Florida.

With a philosophy to treat associates fairly, give them tools to succeed, and be a positive mentor, she empowers her team to function seamlessly and offer a superior client experience. As an effective teacher, she shares her knowledge, while encouraging input and listening to new ideas. Managing teams of 30 – 1,000 associates, she believes the success of the bank lies within the team.

Responsible for leading our core commercial and private banking services delivered through our various banking offices located in Hillsborough County, FL which encompasses the greater Tampa area.  At The Bank of Tampa there is a commitment to our clients, our employees and our community. This commitment revolves around our mission to build relationships, and have those relationships extend beyond banking and be a source of advice and counsel for our clients. We believe that by dedicating our time and effort to our clients, that they will be successful – success that will benefit the Tampa Bay community.