FORT LAUDERDALE, FL. (June 11, 2026) – Locality Bank Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer Corey LeBlanc has been named Banker of the Year in the state of Florida by the Florida Bankers Association (FBA), one of the highest individual honors in the banking industry.
Presented during the FBA’s annual awards luncheon on June 10th in Miami, the award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Florida banking through leadership, innovation, and service.
“I was shocked,” said LeBlanc. “Getting this acknowledgment means so much because it shows that the things we’re passionately working toward actually resonate with people.”
A U.S. Air Force veteran, LeBlanc entered banking through technology and operations before co-founding Locality Bank alongside Keith Costello and Drew Saito in 2021.
Since then, he has helped shape the bank’s technology-forward approach and become a respected voice on the future of community banking. Through his leadership and advocacy, LeBlanc has helped demonstrate how community banks can embrace innovation without losing the personal relationships, local decision-making, and community focus that define them.
“One of our themes at the Florida Bankers Association this year has been innovation and how our banks can adapt to new competition,” said Keith Costello, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Locality Bank and Chairman of the Florida Bankers Association. ”Corey LeBlanc has been a leader in our efforts in this area.”
Looking ahead, LeBlanc is already focused on what comes next.
“I’m passionate about community banking,” said LeBlanc. ”We have some really exciting opportunities ahead to make our country an even better place for small and local businesses.”
Video Interview with Corey
Following his recognition as FBA Banker of the Year, Corey sat down with his daughter, Charisma LeBlanc, to discuss the award, his career journey, and the future of community banking.