Jerry Banks has been a member of the Florida Board of Managers since 2007.
Mr. Banks currently serves as President for the Rowena Corporation that he founded in 1986. Today the company provides strategic advice, market development and investment services to clients in the fields of real estate, healthcare, and high-growth ventures.
With more than 30 years of experience as a corporate leader, investment manager and advisor, Banks has been instrumental in the success of many enterprises, including: leading Aetna Life Insurance Company’s Community Redevelopment Program in New Orleans; facilitating NCNB/NationsBank/Bank of America’s Florida branch bank strategy, the development of the award winning Hunter’s Creek master-planned community in Orlando, the growth of Action Ice (now part of Reddy Ice) in Central Florida, and the creation of Thirsty Brand Beverages (now owned by Macy's, Inc.).
Prior to founding Rowena Corporation, Banks spent several years in the commercial mortgage banking industry. He began as a commercial real estate analyst with Standard Mortgage Corporation in 1981, where he represented life insurance companies and financial institutions in real estate debt and equity investments.
Banks is not only a highly skilled businessman, but also a well-regarded citizen for his public involvement. He has been especially focused on children and education. Jerry has shared his leadership, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience with the Newman Centers of Central Florida, St. Margaret Mary Catholic School’s Board of Education and the Bishop Moore High School Board of Education. A member of the Board of Governors for Florida State University’s College of Business since 1989, he has been instrumental in both fundraising success and leadership transitions. He held a seat on the board’s executive committee for ten years from 1998 to 2008 and led the board as their Chairman from 2004 to 2006. During his tenure as Chairman, the College successfully completed a $70 million fund campaign and went through a leadership transition, hiring a new dean.
He is also a former member of the Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Sports, an organization benefiting educational institutions and charities in the Central Florida community through its foundation. While on the board, Banks was directly responsible for the organization’s affairs with its title sponsor and building the relationships at the University of Nebraska and the University of Oklahoma that successfully brought their esteemed football teams to play in Orlando’s New Year’s Day Florida Citrus Bowl game.
In recognition of his leadership, accomplishments and contributions to the public good, Jerry Banks is a recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award of the National Catholic Education Association.
Banks received a bachelor of science in Business Management from Florida State University and completed postgraduate studies in philosophy and theology at St. Meinrad College.