Join us for a conversation with Ken LaRoe, the Founder and CEO of Climate First Bank (CFB)
About this event
Discover how one person’s vision can transform an industry. Ken LaRoe, founder of the first “Green Bank” in the U.S., will share his journey of building values-based banking systems that prioritize sustainability and impact.
Ken’s remarkable career began in 1982 at a small bank in Florida. Two decades later, he rose to lead and eventually sell a bank. Around the time of the sale, he was inspired by Yvon Chouinard’s Let My People Go Surfing, which motivated him to found First Green Bank. By 2018, the bank had grown to $825 million in assets. In 2021, Ken came out of retirement to launch CFB during the pandemic—a challenging time to take on the risks of starting a new bank.
Join us to hear about Ken’s motivations, the challenges he’s overcome, and the innovative work of CFB. Plus, learn how you can make a difference with Third Act by greening your personal banking practices.
Ken LaRoe, CEO of Climate First Bank
Ken was born and raised in Eustis, Florida, the small Central Florida town where he lives with his partner, Dr. Cindy LaRoe. Ken is a founding member of the North American Chapter of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) and has served on GABV’s Board. Ken is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). Both Ken and Cindy were especially avid cyclists, including representing Team USA in the 2008 Duathlon World Championships in Italy. The LaRoe’s have two children and three grandchildren.
