Ken Laroe

As an internationally recognized leader in the field of ethical banking and outspoken advocate for values-based businesses, Ken has always had a unique approach to banking and believes that in addition to making a profit, finance can be a force for good.

Ken LaRoe is a serial values-based bank entrepreneur having founded, operated as Chairman and CEO, and successfully exited two community banks in Central Florida. He started Florida Choice Bank in 1999 and sold it in 2006 after growing it to seven locations and over $400 million in assets. The sale was the highest bank multiple at that time in Florida. Ken started First Green Bank in 2009 and sold it in 2018 after growing it to seven locations with over $800 million in assets and financial performance in the top 10% of all Florida banks. First Green Bank was the first bank in the United States with a stated environmental mission. Ken and the bank won many awards and accolades including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year; The Independent Community Banker – National Community Banker of the Year for 2018; The Greenest Bank in America; I4 Business Entrepreneur of the Year; Most Sustainable Company by Sustainable Florida; USGBC LEED Platinum; 100 Most Influential Companies in America by Real Leaders; Gator 100; Seminole 100 and many others. Ken served on the board of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, an international NGO that promotes values-based banking. A lifetime resident of Eustis, Florida he graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Management and the University of Florida, College of Law with a J.D.

Now, with a continued dedication to reverse the climate crisis, Ken is expanding on First GREEN Bank’s legacy with his newest bank, Climate First Bank the nation’s first climate-focused community bank.