RYAN G. JAMES
PRESIDENT & CEO, SURETY BANK, DELAND
While Surety Bank has been around for nearly a century, James has led the institution since 2009, steering it to success by providing banking services in non-traditional industries such as check cashing, cryptocurrency and cannabis. He says the bank “thrives on innovation, particularly in anti-money-laundering” and has a lean, technologically advanced team. He sits on the Florida Bankers Association’s Board of Directors. One thing he’s learned in life, is that “with diligence and preparation, any skill or knowledge can be acquired,” he says. “This principle has guided me through both life and business, reinforcing the belief that the barriers to mastering new domains are not insurmountable but can be overcome through persistent effort and strategic planning.”
EDUCATION: Florida State University (BS)
