Banking

BANKING

KATIE CROSBY

Chairman

Fidelity 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.

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”

BANKING

KAREN DEBLIEUX

Head of US Corporate Banking, Market President

Capital One

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.

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!”

BANKING

MEGHAN DONELON

Market President

Red River Bank

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: 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

RONNIE FALGOUST

President and CEO

First American Bank and Trust

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.”

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!”

BANKING

JARED FREEMAN

President and CEO

OnPath Federal Credit Union

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.”

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”

BANKING

JIM HUDSON

New Orleans Market President

Citizens National Bank

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.

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”

BANKING

JOHN LeBLANC

CEO

Metairie Bank and Trust Co.

This local banking veteran assumed his current role in February 2022. He has served as the chairperson of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the executive leadership council of the American Cancer Society. Founded in 1947, Metairie Bank claims total assets over $617 million and has nine branches on both sides of Lake Pontchartrain.

Education: University of New Orleans (BS) Go-to Restaurant: Katie’s Best Fest: French Quarter Fest Hidden Gem: The Midway on Freret Advice: “Be honest, be sincere, be genuine.” Best Part of the Job: “I love the people I get to spend my days with.” History: Worked 23 years at Bank of New Orleans

BANKING

GARY LORIO

EVP and Senior Regional President

Hancock Whitney Bank

This New Orleans native and former team captain for the Tulane basketball team joined Whitney in 1998. In 2011, he was named president of the bank’s operations in the New Orleans area. For 16 years, he was a commercial banking senior vice president at First National Bank. He is an active leader in numerous business and civic organizations.

Education: Tulane University (MBA, BA) Go-to Restaurant: Irene’s Cuisine Hidden Gem: The Carousel Bar & Lounge Advice: “Honesty and integrity are the fundamentals of work and life.” Hobby: Sailing Who Do You Admire? My wife Nonprofit Cause: United Way

BANKING

TODD McDONALD

President

Liberty Bank

In April 2022, Liberty’s board announced that McDonald had been named the bank’s president, taking over for his father, Alden J. McDonald Jr., who continues to lead the Liberty Financial Holding Company. The younger McDonald takes the reins of an iconic financial institution with more than $1 billion in assets. He has held numerous executive positions there since 2003.

Education: Northwestern University (MBA), Morehouse College (BA) Best Fest: Jazz Fest Hidden Gem: Barrel Proof Advice: “Always ask yourself: If you won the Powerball, would you still do it?” On the Horizon: Our 50th anniversary! Nonprofit Cause: Son of a Saint

BANKING

GRAHAM RALSTON

City President

Regions Bank

This New Orleans native joined Regions Bank in 2013 and was named market president in 2016. Before that, he led a commercial banking group at Hancock Whitney Bank. Ralston is a past president of the CFA Society of Louisiana, a member of the Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region, and he is currently serving on many civic boards.

Education: Tulane University (MBA), University of Texas at Austin (BA) Go-to Restaurant: “Lilette has been the top spot for my wife and me for years, but Clancy’s wins out if the kids are included.” Best Fest: “It’s a tie between Hogs for the Cause and Jazz Fest.” Hidden Gem: Coutelier

BANKING

MARK ROSA

CEO

Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union

Jefferson Financial was chartered more than five decades ago and continues to serve the area from 14 branches across Louisiana. Rosa has been in the banking industry since 1985 and, under his leadership, the memberowned credit union continues to contribute resources and skills with an aim toward continued growth and prosperity in the community.

Education: University of New Orleans (MEc), Southeastern Louisiana University (BS) On the Horizon: “Continued growth and opportunity for our members and employees” Nonprofit Cause: Humane Society Advice: “As simple as it sounds, simply work hard and lead the best life you can.” Hobby/Passion: Machining and cars

BANKING

JIM SCHOEN

SVP and Small Business Banking Manager

Fidelity Bank

With more than 35 years of experience working in a variety of capacities in the New Orleans banking industry, Schoen took over as small business banking manager in October 2021, where he leads the organization’s team in developing core bank relationships. For him, it’s a perfect fit. “I love working with businesses and people on a daily basis and helping them thrive,” he said.

Education: University of New Orleans (MBA, BS) Best Fest: French Quarter Festival Go-to Restaurant: Mandina’s Advice: “Be kind to everyone you meet. You never know what someone is going through!” Hobby: “Volleyball. I have played for 43 years passionately!” Heroes: “My parents.” BIZNEWORLEANS.COM