BANKING
BANKING
BANKING
KATIE CROSBY
KAREN DEBLIEUX
MEGHAN DONELON
Chairman Fidelity Bank
Head of US Corporate Banking, Market President Capital One
Market President Red River Bank
Crosby is chairman of a 104-year-old financial institution that has 18 branch offices and numerous loan production offices throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. She’s on the boards of the New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, LCMC Health, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Since 2005, DeBlieux has led a team of relationship bankers covering U.S.-based large-cap companies. She advances a companywide mission to “change banking for good” by connecting corporate resources to community needs, such as advancing socioeconomic mobility, and closing gaps in equity and opportunity. She serves on numerous boards and nonprofits focused on youth development.
This New Orleans native leads local operations for an Alexandria, La.-based bank that is breaking ground on a banking center on Veterans Boulevard soon. “We’re thrilled to enter Jefferson Parish,” she said. “It’s a great place to do business.” Donelon donates her time to many business and civic organizations, including her alma mater, the Academy of the Sacred Heart.
Education: Tulane University (MBA), Vanderbilt University (BA) Go-to Restaurants: Saffron and Gautreau’s Hidden Gem (Gym): Simply Fit Advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Hobby: “Playing with my six grandchildren” Best Part of the Job: “The people I work with and helping our customers”
Education: Louisiana State University Eunice (BS) Advice: “Be kind in every interaction, every day.” Hero: “Rosa Parks and anyone who stands up for what is right.” Go-to Restaurant: “Too many to name: Brigtsen’s, Luke, La Petit Grocery, Commander’s Palace, Ralph’s on the Park and a zillion more!”
Education: Louisiana State University (MBA) Go-to Restaurant: Nagomi Hidden Gem: Paradise Lounge at the Hotel Saint Vincent Hero: “My mom put herself through the Xavier pharmacy program with three children under 10 years old. Her hard work and dedication to her career was admirable.”
BANKING
BANKING
BANKING
RONNIE FALGOUST
JARED FREEMAN
JIM HUDSON
President and CEO First American Bank and Trust
President and CEO OnPath Federal Credit Union
New Orleans Market President Citizens National Bank
2 02 3
With more than 100 years in the banking business, First American Bank and Trust believes the secret to its success is “friendly, personalized customer service.” For Falgoust, it’s one thing that never goes out of style. He’s dedicated to keeping First American an independent community bank and to “serving the community with integrity and pride.”
Following a nationwide search, OnPath found the newest member of its leadership team in Freeman, who joined the company in August 2020. Freeman started in the banking business almost two decades ago as a teller at a local branch while he was in college. In his new role, his goal is to “help as many people with their financial lives as we can.”
The former president of Omni Bank, Hudson returned to the area in 2021 to open a south Louisiana branch of Bossier City-based Citizens. He spent the previous five years in Baton Rouge, where he headed First National Bankers Bank. Before, he was at IberiaBank, which bought Omni. Founded 36 years ago, Citizens has $1.3 billion in assets and 12 locations in north Louisiana.
N EW O RLE AN S 5 00
FINANCE
Education: Loyola University (JD), Nicholls State University (BS) Highlight of Leadership: “Watching employees accomplish their goals and grow into leaders themselves” On the Horizon: “We just crossed the $1 billion mark in total assets. We’re continuing to watch our bank grow in southeast Louisiana!”
Education: University of Mobile (BS, MBA) On the Horizon: “Growth and more growth! We recently started a subsidiary company, 3131 Media Solutions, to help businesses with their marketing and advertising needs.” Hobby: Tennis Work Highlight: “Helping others be successful”
Education: University of New Orleans (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Andrea’s Hidden Gem: Ristorante Filippo On the Horizon: “Opening our office in Mandeville” Advice: “You have to enjoy what you do or it’s not worth doing.” Who Do You Admire? “Henry Shane, who’s been a mentor and for his philanthropic efforts”
58
