Tampa Bay Business Women Awards 2023: Rita Lowman

Rita Lowman has served the banking industry for 45 years. Most recently, she served as president of Pilot Bank, which was acquired in December 2021.

Lowman was named chair of the Florida Bankers Association, being only the third woman in 130 years to hold the chairmanship. She also served on the executive committee of the American Bankers Association and was named chair of the ABA’s government relations council.

HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO EVOLVE AND GROW AS A LEADER?

Education is important to all of us. A course on diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership vs management, risk management or any other course that can make you better in what you do is valuable. I also find communicating with my two mentors or my mentees is valuable. It is interesting to know one of my mentors helped me to not make a mistake in my career. I called him and shared the position I had been offered and he shared, “Rita, that CEO does not have your core values and this would not be a good match for you.” He was absolutely correct.

I also believe in listening and surrounding yourself with people that are honest and do not tell you what they think you want to hear … they share true valuable insight.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST LESSON IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?

I have shared this with my teams over the years … if you are not enjoying what you are doing at least 80% of the time you are most likely in the wrong position and that is OK. For a person to have a life that is full and one that can give back to your family, community and organization, you need to enjoy what you are doing. I am fortunate that I love banking but, more important, I love helping my associates, and clients, be the best they can be for the right reasons. Your passion will life you up each morning and give you the joy to work hard and enjoy life.

 

You May Also Like
CEO Connect Recap: Chon Nguyen reveals his approach to balancing tech, hospitality and family life, along with lessons from setbacks

Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, Chon Nguyen has crafted a legacy that’s as dynamic as the city he calls home. From technology to hospitality, his ventures reflect

Read More
On the Scene: MOSI launches Digital Dome Theatre (PHOTOS)

The second-largest planetarium in the United States is now open, at Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry. Daily space and science shows are now included in general admission. MOSI’s new

Read More
Scenes from CEO Connect with Shirl Penney (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its April CEO Connect with Shirl Penney, chief executive officer of Dynasty Financial Partners. Evara Health Foundation, Source 1 Solutions, Home Safety Solutions and Capital

Read More
shirl-penney-dynasty-tbbw-ceo-connect
Exclusive: TBBW names winners of its 2025 Women Who Win Awards (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth ended its run of celebrations for its 2025 Women Who Win Award finalists, on Friday, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, in Tampa,

Read More
Women-who-win-2025-tbbw-winners
Other Posts
St. Petersburg College partners with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater to redesign hospitality education

St. Petersburg College is updating its hospitality curriculum through a new partnership with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, aiming to better prepare students for careers in Florida’s growing tourism industry, according to

Read More
On the Scene: Inaugural MeGala (PHOTOS)

Mega Service Solutions, a second-generation family-owned and veteran-run facility management and commercial cleaning company, held its first MeGala, at the Cuban Club, in Ybor City.  All proceeds from this year’s

Read More
On the Scene: Art show in Ybor City spotlights local women entrepreneurs (PHOTOS)

More than 250 people gathered at Hotel Haya, in Ybor City, to celebrate International Women’s Day with the debut of “WOMAN,” the first solo art show by Tampa-based artist Courtney

Read More
Scenes from TBBW’s Women Who Win Awards VIP reception 2025 (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held a VIP reception for the finalists of the 2025 Women Who Win Awards at The CI Group, in Tampa. Finalists for the awards will

Read More