A new role for a proven pro: Regions Bank names Cynthia Valenti Smith as Naples Market Executive
NAPLES, Fla. – Regions Bank on Tuesday announced the appointment of experienced banking professional Cynthia Valenti Smith as the company’s new market executive for Naples and surrounding communities. Smith will also continue in her leadership role as Southwest Florida Mortgage Production Manager for the bank.
“Throughout her career, Cynthia Valenti Smith has built a reputation as a financial professional who takes the time to listen to clients’ unique needs – and then delivers solutions that are tailored to meet those needs,” said John Turner, President and CEO of Regions Financial Corp. “She has a true passion for the people and businesses of Collier County, and she places a premium on delivering superior service. These qualities combine to make her the ideal leader overseeing our wide range of financial services that are designed to support new and current customers in this fast-growing market.”
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Smith has 25 years of banking experience, with the last three years at Regions. Smith, who goes by Cyndi, said her passion is helping people realize their financial dreams.
“I’m extremely excited and humbled to take on this role. Florida is now the country’s fastest-growing state and Collier County is reaping the benefits,” said Smith. “It’s important to our team that those new residents and businesses, as well as current ones, have access to customized financial guidance that helps them manage their accounts, grow their finances, secure new homes, and more. We want our neighbors to have what they need and enjoy living in paradise, which truly describes Naples.”
Smith will report to Steve Pickett, Senior Vice President and Florida Mortgage Regional Manager for the bank.
“Everyone here is so excited to see Cyndi take on this role,” Pickett said. “She’s an incredible fit for this opportunity. We recruited her three years ago because we saw her passion for service, and our customers consistently benefit from her experience and insights. She’s also connected to a number of nonprofits and community organizations in Naples and Collier County. Her professional experience and outgoing spirit are a great mix for the growing population of Southwest Florida.”
As market executive, Smith will manage the bank’s comprehensive Regions360 approach to identifying and meeting customers’ banking needs. Smith partners with Regions colleagues in Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, Mortgage Banking, Wealth Management, and other functions to deliver holistic solutions. She will also work closely with Ft. Myers Market Executive Earnest Wilks in meeting customer needs across these two metro footprints.
In addition, Smith will oversee Regions’ strategy for community engagement in Collier County, encompassing the bank’s focus on Economic and Community Development, Education and Workforce Readiness, and Financial Wellness initiatives.
Pickett noted Smith’s leadership during Hurricane Ian, during which Smith’s own home was nearly destroyed.
“She led her team and the community through a massive and traumatic situation,” he recalled. “I’ve never seen someone lead with more empathy and a steadier hand. I never once heard Cyndi complain. It was always about her team and what can she do for them. It’s the fact that she’s a selfless leader. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Smith said she is invested in the community, not only because she works here, but she lives here. Getting to know her neighbors informs her on how to help.
“It’s fun to ask people what brought them here. Everyone has a different story,” she shared. “They also have different income levels. For example, rentals are high everywhere. But if you compare rent to a mortgage, you’ll often find a mortgage is cheaper than rent in the long run. Those are the kinds of conversations we use to connect with new residents. And we must never lose sight of the fact that we’re here to deliver what they value most from a bank – personal service that helps them accomplish their goals.”
Smith currently serves on the board of the Quality Life Center, providing underserved Southwest Florida youth with academic enrichment, performing arts, leadership and cultural awareness. Smith is also on the board of the Collier Land Trust, which provides housing opportunities within Collier County that are permanently affordable. She is an active volunteer with Guadalupe Center, Urban Strategies, Junior Achievement, and Ft. Myers Technical College.