KENNETH LAROE

FOUNDER, CEO & EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, CLIMATE FIRST BANK, ST. PETERSBURG

Recognized as the fastest-growing new bank in America since 2009, Climate First Bank bills itself as the world’s first FDIC-insured, values-based digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. The bank employs just under 130. “Unlike other banks, we invest in education, renewable energy and affordable housing,” he says.

EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS), University of Florida (JD)

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: An environmental lawyer focused on climate justice

FIRST JOB: After graduating in 1982, during a recession, I found a handwritten card on a job board for a management associate role at Flagship Bank in Tavares. I didn’t plan to be a banker, but I took the interview, got the offer on the spot and accepted it. That “temporary” job launched my banking career; six years later, I was a Vice President at the same bank.

PASSION PROJECT: One of my greatest passions is long-distance cycling with my wife. We’ve ridden across the country and even represented Team USA in the 2008 Duathlon World Championships.