Cressman D. Bronson

Regional President Southeast Florida, PNC Bank, Palm Beach Gardens

Bronson has been with PNC for more than 25 years and has been in his current position since 2014. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE: PNC) is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the U.S., with assets of $562 billion and approximately 61,000 employees. The coast-to-coast bank has an extensive retail branch network and a presence in the country’s 30 largest markets. PNC’s Southeast Florida operation has provided millions of dollars in grants and sponsorships to hundreds of local organizations.

EDUCATION: University of Toledo (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would continue to invest in VPK program funding for all Florida school districts. Research shows that a child who enters kindergarten ready to learn is more likely to do well in school, graduate on time, go onto higher learning, achieve financial stability, and contribute to the community.

MENTOR: I closely follow the actions and advice of our CEO, Bill Demchak, and the other members of PNC’s Executive Committee, who continue to make one good decision after the next for our company, our customers, our employees and the communities we support.

READING: Row the Boat, by Jon Gordon

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Jay Shearouse, president and CEO at First Bank of the Palm Beaches. He introduced me to Florida banking, and I am very appreciative of his leadership, guidance and friendship over the past two decades.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Hard work, kindness and authenticity matter. Build your relationships on this foundation — whether with family, colleagues or clients — and create and nurture those relationships over time.