Tampa Bay banker receives Lifetime Achievement Award

St. Petersburg resident Rita Lowman is what some might call a force to be reckoned with. She has had a presence in the banking industry for more than 40 years. 

Currently a board member of Caldwell Trust and Encore Bank, Lowman is still active in the community. She wouldn’t have it any other way.  

Last week, the Florida Bankers Association honored the financial veteran with a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

“When your peers end up nominating and putting you forth for such an incredible award, it means the world,” she said. “I’ve worked so closely with all of these bankers in the state of Florida. To know that they love and respect me as much as I love and respect them, it’s quite an honor.” 

Among her many achievements, Lowman was the president of Tampa-based Pilot Bank. The organization’s holding company was acquired by Lake Michigan Credit Union in 2021 for approximately $96 million. 

In 2017, she became the third woman in history to serve as the chair of the Florida Bankers Association. From 2019 to 2021, Lowman was on the American Bankers Association Executive Committee. 

 “Dream big,” she emphasized. “When I set my goal to be the chair, I knew it was a lofty dream.”

Lowman has held various executive roles at Bank of America, Republic Bank, C1 Bank, Regions Bank and American Momentum Bank. She oversaw more than 20 acquisitions during her career, including the 1997 NationsBank – Barnett Bank merger.  

“The positive to that is helping the associates that you’re acquiring realize that you need them and that they are going to be a part of the team.” 

Lowman began her banking career in Columbus, Georgia in her 20s. Her goal was to become a senior vice president of commercial lending. 

Serving as the president of a bank was a pipe dream. At the time in the 1970s and 1980s, the industry was heavily male-dominated. Lowman first held a marketing role. 

Eventually, she became a Florida state administrations executive for North Carolina National Bank. This organization would eventually become a part of Bank of America. 

“I had the opportunity to learn the operational components and also I had the opportunity to learn how to go out and meet people,” Lowman said. “I never considered myself a relationship builder.” 

This gave her the confidence to see banking as a career that she could advance in. However, Lowman emphasized, it’s not an easy job. 

“When you go into a bank and you know they have some challenges at that bank, oftentimes you have to let some of the people go and bring in people who have your values and understand what you’re trying to accomplish.”

Lowman’s passions extend well beyond the industry. 

She has maintained a relationship with the Southeastern division of the American Cancer Society, and chaired the Tampa Cattle Baron’s Ball and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk movement. 

Additionally, Lowman has been an advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness. Earlier this year, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her efforts. 

“Mental health and cancer are two things that are only an arm’s length away from you,” Lowman explained. “There’s someone in your circle that has either had cancer or mental health and addiction issues or someone in their family has.” 

She is also a published author. Her book, From the Farm to the Boardroom: Leadership Lessons, was released in 2016. 

“Throughout her more than 40-year career, Rita Lowman has been a respected leader, a tireless advocate for community banking and a mentor to countless bankers across our state and nation,” said Florida Bankers Association president & CEO Kathy Kraninger in a statement prepared for the Catalyst. 

 “As a former chair of the FBA, Rita has consistently invested in others, opened doors for future leaders and strengthened the communities she serves. The FBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose impact extends far beyond their own institutions, and Rita’s legacy of leadership, service and integrity has left an enduring mark on our profession.”