Investor Spotlight: Republic Bank
September 29, 2023
Republic Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company with approximately $6.4 billion in assets and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The Bank currently has forty-six (46) banking centers in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, and Missouri. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is listed under the symbol “RBCAA” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Republic Bank. “It’s just easier here.” ®
James E. Kirkpatrick, Florida Market President
James E. Kirkpatrick is the Florida Market President of Republic Bank, which has seven banking centers located in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. Jim joined Republic Bank in 2017 as the Hillsborough Market Manager and moved into his current role in 2019. A native of Philadelphia, Jim moved to the Tampa Bay area in 2012 following a 28-year banking career.
Jim is active with numerous boards and non-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay region to include Advisory Board at Ronald McDonald House Charities, Board Member on the Urban League of Hillsborough County, Board Member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – North Florida Region, Executive Committee of the Gasparilla Bowl 2022, Past President of the Rotary Club of Tampa – Westshore and was recently named to the Board of Directors for the Florida Bankers Association.
What excites you most about Tampa’s future?
Being a transplant from Philadelphia, I continue to be energized by the rapid growth and investment in the region since I moved to the Tampa Bay in 2012. The influx of talent and families from all over the country, the investment in our downtown, the commitment to the community, and the rapid growth of new businesses in the region. And of course, I must include the excitement of our Champa Bay with the Bucs, Rays, and Lightning!
What’s your favorite place to go/thing to do in Tampa?
I’ll start with the Rays, Bucs, and Lightning, followed by any of the terrific golf courses and restaurants all over the area. And how can you forget the shows at the Straz and the concert venues all over Tampa.
What role do you see Republic Bank playing in shaping Tampa Bay’s economic future?
I am extremely proud of our mission statement “to enable our clients, companies, associates, and the communities we serve to thrive” as we stand by those words with commitment to all the markets we serve. It is this commitment, along with our investment in human capital, our ongoing focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, the development of our associates, our community involvement with non-profit organizations, and providing financial services to our customers, that helps fuel our growth along with the Tampa Bay region.
Why do you feel it’s important for the local business community to continue to support economic development efforts?
Quality of life begins with family, which is supported by the economic growth and the opportunities our community provides. With the daily influx of families moving to the great State of Florida, it is imperative that we support the economic growth and development of projects, services, and educational choices, while most importantly creating employment opportunities.
