Ken LaRoe

Ken LaRoe is CEO of First Green Bank, a community bank with a Global Mission. Headquartered in Mt. Dora, Florida, LaRoe has grown the bank to 5 locations, including Clermont, Florida, Ormond Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida and Winter Park, Florida. Previously he was CEO of Florida Choice Bank, which he sold in 2006 to Alabama National Bancorporation.

LaRoe is a founding member of the North American chapter of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), whose current members include microfinance banks in emerging markets, credit unions, community banks and sustainable banks financing social, environmental and cultural enterprise. In 2014, LaRoe was an honoree in Orlando Magazine's 50 Most Powerful People - "12 to Watch" list.

Biography

As a third-generation Floridian, LaRoe grew up on his grandfather’s citrus and cattle farm near Orlando —spending much time fishing, hunting and learning how to fix things in the family’s machine shop. LaRoe's professional journey began in the 1980s at Flagship National Bank in Tavares, Florida. He worked his way up to becoming Vice President and then joined SouthTrust Corporation in 1987 as a senior leader. LaRoe subsequently enrolled at the Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. In 1996, LaRoe joined Colonial Bank as president of the Lake County, Florida branch.

LaRoe went on to found Florida Choice Bank in 1999, and was sthe largest shareholder, chairman and CEO, which was sold to Alabama National BanCorporation in 2006 with over $400 million in assets. In 2009, after being granted the last bank charter in the state of Flroida, LaRoe opened First Green Bank where he is currently the largest shareholder, chairman and CEO. LaRoe has been instrumental in the bank's growth and new initiatives, including the First GREEN Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting renewable energy, water conservation and community supported agriculture for Central Floridians, and the bank's Living Wage Program.

First GREEN Bank

First Green Bank is a customer-driven community bank providing personalized service, localized decision-making and proven technology, and is the first bank in the eastern United States with an environmentally friendly and social mission. First GREEN Bank is the only bank in Lake County Florida, and one of a select few banks in all of Florida to receive the 5-star Bauer Financial rating. The bank has maintained the 5-star rating for ten consecutive quarters.

First GREEN Bank currently has branches located in Mount Dora, Florida, Clermont, Florida, Ormond Beach, Florida, Winter Park, Florida and Orlando, Florida, with plans to continue its expansion.

First GREEN Foundation

The First GREEN Foundation was formed on August 9, 2009 by First Green Bank and its board members. The organization is a 501 C-3 charitable organization dedicated to promoting Renewable energy, Water conservation, and community supported agriculture for Central Floridians. Recent efforts by the First GREEN Foundation have focused on providing renewable energy grants for the new installation of solar panels or solar hot water heaters. Grants range from $500-$2,000 for both commercial and residential use.

Recognition

Appointments and Boards

• Global Alliance for Banking on Values
• BankServ
• Florida Bankers Association
• Sunrise Association for Rearded Citizens (ARC)
• Florida BankPac
• Preserve Lake
• Public Lands Acquisition Advisory Committee (PLAAC)
• Brain Injury Association of Florida

Awards

• 2013 Finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
• 2014 Finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
• 2014 Honoree for the Orlando Magazine 50 Most Powerful People in Orlando - 12 to Watch List
• 2014 Leadership Finalist in the Sustainable Florida Best Practice Awards

Membership

• The Florida Bar Association
• Lake County Bar Association

Speaking Engagements

• Orlando Business Journal Banking Roundtable (2014)
• South by Southwest ECO (2014)