While many banks are shying away from building new branches, Fifth Third Bank is building new ones at the rate of 25 a year across South Florida, which means it won’t take long to double the 17 it has here. Leading the team is Stephanie Green, who is the South Florida region president and on the cover of this month’s issue. She is a well-rounded veteran banker who broke a big glass ceiling early in her career as the bank’s first African American management program trainee.
Fifth Third is already one of the market leaders in southwest Florida, which she also oversees, but it’s doubling down on growth in the tri-county area. Fifth Third is the nation’s 15th-largest bank, but it looks to make decisions on a regional basis to give its clients the feel of a community bank.
That dovetails nicely with what Green is all about: helping and supporting others.
“I learned that from my parents. I watched them helping others and working with people my entire life,” she says. “I get to do that on the financial front, helping people buy homes, helping them buy or expand their businesses, and protecting and growing their wealth.”
Her story is an interesting read on a well-done career journey. She overcame some doubters and listened to her supporters.
My favorite quote from the story: “You have two hands for a reason – one to help yourself and one to help someone else. I’ve always been very grateful for those who have advocated on my behalf, which is why I’m very intentional about advocating on behalf of others.”
