Rita Lowman

President and Chief Operating Officer, Pilot Bank

Biography:

Rita began leaving her footprint in the banking industry in the mid-70s.  Working tirelessly to champion her colleagues in the industry, she is proud that many are now leaders in several banks throughout Florida.

With the philosophy to treat associates fairly, give them tools to succeed, and be a positive mentor, she empowers her team to function seamlessly and offer a superior client experience.  Managing teams of 30 – 1000 associates, she believes the success of the bank lies within the team.

Rita has been tapped in her career to serve as state administration executive to market president and has managed 21 acquisitions in her career.  Upon successful completion of the Barnett acquisition into NationsBank, the bank’s chairman presented Rita with the coveted Crystal Grenade.

In 2011 Rita joined Community Bank of Manatee as the EVP/chief operating officer.  The bank changed its name to C1 Bank and quickly grew from $270 million to $1.7billion and taking the bank public.  The bank sold in 2016 to Bank of the Ozarks. Today as the president of Pilot Bank, the institution has enjoyed a 28% growth in 2018 and recognized as a premier community bank in Tampa Bay. Active on many boards, Rita is the past chair of the Florida Bankers Association

What advice would you offer to women just starting out in the industry?

Don’t be afraid of asking for guidance or clarifying what is being requested.  It is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of clarity. You are only as good as the product you deliver. Learn as much about your industry and the company that you have selected.  Ask questions and select a member of senior management to serve as an advisor/mentor. Also for me being a generalist in the industry has served me well. Specializing in one facet of the industry would not have allowed me to grow into the banker I am today. Education in the industry is important. I have always been an advocate of educating our teams and emerging leaders. 

I also encourage you to learn what behaviors of your manager motivate you and those that do not.  As you grow into a management position, take the positives with you into leading and managing your teams.

Studies have shown women are more reluctant to tout their accomplishments in the workplace. What advice would you give to help women be more comfortable with speaking up?

It is important that one shares their goals with their manager.  Also speak up if a project or position is available and you feel you have the skillset to make a difference.  If you do not ask, it may not happen.

What do you know now that you wish you knew in the beginning of your career?

Always surround yourself with top talent. Train, support and sponsor top talent. You are only as strong as the people around you. One person does not have to carry the heavy load. A person must also know when to say no.  Ten projects on your list not done well will be remembered more than five projects completed extremely well.  I am a firm believer that, if you do not enjoy and have a passion for your career, you are most likely in the wrong position or industry.  Love what you do and do what you love.

How have you approached big career decisions? What is your approach/advice to change in the workplace?

I was transferred eight times in the first eight years of my children’s school life. My husband and I were both career-minded and we would discuss the move, the benefits and the satisfaction it would bring to the individual and the family.  The decisions we made included our living apart due to our careers.  That does not work for everyone. I also have two mentors and have often discussed the career move with them. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I am passionate about our emerging leaders.  We need to be mentoring this next group of leaders to allow the industry to continue to prosper. 

How do you balance work/personal time?

I have never found a balance.  What I have found, is when I elect to take time off, I truly recharge and disconnect from the bank.  My philosophy is that we have a strong team and, if the bank cannot run without me for a few days, then I am not an effective leader.  Life is too short not to enjoy a bit of downtime with family and friends. 

Tell us something about yourself that may surprise people.

I am an author and wrote From the Farm to the Boardroom, a book that shares a bit about my life and leadership lessons that have helped me over the years.  My husband and I own a cattle farm named HooperWill Farm after our sons.