First Federal Bank Strengthens Leadership with New Directors on Board

First Federal Bank Welcomes New Board Members

First Federal Bank, a prominent financial institution in Florida, has officially welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Vickie DePratter and Michael D. McAuley, effective July 1. This strategic addition aims to leverage their extensive experience and insights, bolstering the bank's commitment to excellence in banking services for their community.

Expertise of New Board Members

John Medina, President and CEO of First Federal Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments. He noted that both DePratter and McAuley bring a wealth of knowledge across finance, governance, and risk management, which are pivotal for the bank's ongoing success.

Vickie DePratter has deep roots in Suwannee County, Florida, coming from a family with a strong agricultural background. She has built an impressive career, including roles as a Certified Public Accountant and a foundation in education as a workforce trainer. In her previous engagements with First Federal, she served on the Bank's Audit Committee and Advisory Council, proving her dedication to the organization's mission.

With degrees in finance and education from prestigious institutions like Florida State University and Nova Southeastern University, Vickie combines her academic knowledge with practical experience. Over her career, she has held vital roles in the Suwannee County School Board, including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Manager. Now, as the owner of DePratter Consulting, LLC, she aids Florida’s school districts in financial planning and oversight while managing agricultural operations with her husband.

Michael D. McAuley has spent more than 20 years in the commercial banking sector, where he has held senior positions at renowned banks including JPMorgan Chase and Washington Mutual. Currently a Principal at Garrett, McAuley & Co., a consulting firm specialized in banking, he is recognized for his expertise in mortgage banking, risk management, and operational best practices. McAuley’s background as Chairman of the RMA Warehouse Lenders Roundtable underlines his leadership capabilities and industry acumen.

Educated at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, McAuley’s insights will undoubtedly assist First Federal Bank in navigating the complexities of financial services in today's evolving market.

Commitment to Community and Innovation

First Federal Bank has a rich heritage as a community-owned bank, dedicated to serving the financial needs of its customers across northern Florida and South Carolina. With over $4.5 billion in assets, the bank emphasizes innovation, customer satisfaction, and has earned numerous accolades for its service excellence, including being named the "Best Small Bank in Florida" multiple times by Newsweek.

The bank's commitment goes beyond traditional banking; it actively participates in community service and continues to innovate its offerings to meet diverse financial needs. The addition of DePratter and McAuley to the Board will enhance the bank's strategy, helping to ensure it remains a trusted financial partner in its communities.

For more information about First Federal Bank and its offerings, visit www.ffbf.com. As a member of FDIC and an equal housing lender, First Federal Bank prides itself on foundational values that prioritize both community and customer needs.