Build Clean while Banking Green

Kenneth E. LaRoe

In 2009, Mr. LaRoe opened First Green Bank, the first bank with an environmental mission in the eastern United States. He is the largest shareholder, CEO and Chairman. In 1999, Mr. LaRoe founded Florida Choice Bank and was its largest shareholder, Chairman, CEO, and President. He grew the bank to over $400 million in assets by 2006 when the bank was sold to Alabama National Bancorp.

Mr. LaRoe began his career with Flagship Bank in Tavares, Florida and rose to the position of vice president and branch manager. He joined SouthTrust Bank in Deland, Florida in 1987 as senior lender and rose to county executive for Lake County. In 1996 Mr. LaRoe joined Colonial Bank as president of the Lake County bank and was instrumental in the conversion of a troubled thrift to a viable commercial bank. He has served on numerous civic and non-profit boards including: The Sunrise ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens), BankServe, and The Florida Bankers Association.He served as chairman of Group 5 of the Florida Bankers Association and also as chairman of Florida BankPac. He is a member of the Florida Bar Association, and the Lake County Bar Association.

A committed environmentalist, he served as chairman of Preserve Lake, a political action committee instrumental in passing a bond referendum for $36 million to purchase public land. He also served as chairman of the PLAAC (Public Lands Acquisition advisory Committee).

Born, raised, and schooled in Eustis, Florida, where First Green Bank is located, Mr. LaRoe earned a B. S. in management at Florida State University and a J.D. at The University of Florida College of Law. Mr. LaRoe is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP).