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People to Know in Banks & Finance

Orlando Business Journal, September 4, 2025

Whether it’s expanding with new branches, providing new amenities for clients or diving into cutting-edge technology, these professionals provide a service that plays a key role in doing business.

Meanwhile, Central Florida is home to more than 50 banking institutions lending hundreds of billions of dollars in real estate loans year-over-year — and those endeavors are helping to shape the future of the region. Within the walls of those institutions are key professionals at the C-suite level and below making decisions that get commerce moving every day.

In this edition of People to Know, Orlando Business Journal highlights some of those individuals you should be aware of and get to know.

These professionals’ profiles are a sample of many game changers in the region and should not be seen as a ranking, but rather an introduction to key players, rising stars and up-and-comers.

  • Chris Cucci, Climate First Bank
  • Daniel Felix, Fairwinds Credit Union
  • Ben Flowers, Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida
  • Ray Gilley, BBIF
  • James A. Hicks, Hicks Financial; Asset & Wealth Management
  • Shane Hoyle, Space Coast Credit Union
  • Barbara Interlicchio, Valley Bank
  • Ben Lalikos, Cogent Bank
  • Erich Maschhoff, Truist
  • Martin McAndrew, Fifth Third Bank
  • Holton Mills, Addition Financial Credit Union
  • Tiffany Peralta, BankUnited
  • Anthony Pugliese, The Institute of Internal Auditors
  • Naveed Shujaat, Bank of America
  • Suzanne Weinstein, Orlando Credit Union

Ben Lalikos, executive vice president and market president of Central Florida, Cogent Bank

Years with company: 7

Lalikos views his career as a way to stay connected to his community.

“Since starting in the banking industry, it is the variety of companies and people I get to work with on any given day — unlike a CFO or other corporate finance roles that focus on one company — banking lets me keep a pulse on many industries and stay connected to what’s happening in our community,” he said.

A big highlight to his career is helping start Cogent Bank, which he said started seven years ago and now has more than $2 billion in assets.

“The journey has been challenging, but the impact we’ve made together is rewarding,” he said.

Cogent Bank had $1.78 billion in total deposits in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 13.52% increase from $1.57 billion the same quarter in 2023. Central Florida deposits for the second quarter of 2024, the information available, was $772.28 million, according to OBJ research.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career so far? Helping start Cogent Bank has been the highlight of my career. Seven years ago, we set out to create a community-focused bank with the capabilities of a larger institution. Starting from the ground up, we’ve grown to over $2 billion in assets, offering truly unique specialty lending lines and expanding across Florida. The journey has been challenging, but the impact we’ve made together is rewarding.

What are a few milestones among your career goals? From my early days as a young banker dreaming of becoming a market leader and president to helping start Cogent Bank, every step has been meaningful. Thanks to incredible mentors, I’ve stayed hands-on in my community, championing affordable housing, fighting homelessness, and advancing financial literacy because real impact happens side by side with those you serve.

What is your definition of great leadership? Great leadership means sharing credit for successes and taking responsibility for failures, even when they aren’t directly your own. It’s about setting the tone, leading with integrity and creating an environment where people feel supported to take risks, learn and grow together toward a shared vision.

What is a common misconception about your profession/industry? A common misconception is that banks only want to lend money. In reality, we’re trusted partners who safeguard people’s capital and lend it responsibly. Deposits fuel banks and enable growth, and our role goes beyond transactions to building lasting relationships that strengthen communities.

In your specialty areas, what issues are the most pressing? Florida’s growth is exciting, but it comes with challenges. As prices climb and housing becomes less affordable, it affects everyone. Add in changes to credit costs, and the impact can be big. The key is to spot potential cracks early and work with clients to address them before they turn into bigger problems.

If you could swap jobs for a day, whose job would you want? I’d trade places with a Major League Baseball player for a day, ideally on the Boston Red Sox. Getting to play the game you love for a living plus, who wouldn’t want to spend a day at Fenway

What is your go-to restaurant or coffee spot to build relationships and/or close deals? Foxtail Coffee is my go-to for building relationships. It’s perfect for introductory meetings. It is professional yet relaxed, with a local feel and plenty of quiet spots to talk. With several locations around town, it’s convenient and offers the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes connecting with people easy.

What’s a little-known fact about you? A little-known fact about me is that I’m the youngest of three, with an older brother and sister.