held various executive roles<\/a> 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 \u2013 Barnett Bank merger. \u00a0<\/p>\n\u201cThe positive to that is helping the associates that you\u2019re acquiring realize that you need them and that they are going to be a part of the team.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lowman began her banking career in Columbus, Georgia in her 20s. Her goal was to become a senior vice president of commercial lending.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Eventually, she became a Florida state administrations executive for North Carolina National Bank. This organization would eventually become a part of Bank of America.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI had the opportunity to learn the operational components and also I had the opportunity to learn how to go out and meet people,\u201d Lowman said. \u201cI never considered myself a relationship builder.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
This gave her the confidence to see banking as a career that she could advance in. However, Lowman emphasized, it\u2019s not an easy job.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen 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\u2019re trying to accomplish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lowman\u2019s passions extend well beyond the industry.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She has maintained a relationship with the Southeastern division of the American Cancer Society, and chaired the Tampa Cattle Baron\u2019s Ball and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk movement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, Lowman has been an advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness. Earlier this year, the Hillsborough County Sheriff\u2019s Office presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of her efforts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMental health and cancer are two things that are only an arm\u2019s length away from you,\u201d Lowman explained. \u201cThere\u2019s someone in your circle that has either had cancer or mental health and addiction issues or someone in their family has.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
She is also a published author. Her book, From the Farm to the Boardroom: Leadership Lessons, was released in 2016.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout 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,\u201d said Florida Bankers Association president & CEO Kathy Kraninger in a statement prepared for the Catalyst.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cAs 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\u2019s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose impact extends far beyond their own institutions, and Rita\u2019s legacy of leadership, service and integrity has left an enduring mark on our profession.\u201d<\/p>\n
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