Cleo Thibault
Cleo Thibault is a seasoned banking professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently serving as Branch Manager at First Florida Credit Union, Cleo leads her team with a focus on exceptional member service, operational excellence, and fostering a positive workplace culture. Her leadership emphasizes empowering her staff to achieve both personal and professional growth while ensuring clients receive top-tier financial guidance. Prior to her current role, Cleo spent more than two decades at VyStar Credit Union, advancing to Branch Vice President, where she managed operations, guided teams, and built lasting relationships with members. She began her career at First Union National Bank as a Teller Coordinator, gaining foundational experience in banking operations and customer service that would shape her future leadership style. Cleo is recognized for her expertise in team leadership and banking operations. Throughout her career, she has been committed to mentoring others and cultivating an environment of trust, accountability, and excellence. Her dedication to both her team and the communities she serves underscores a career built on integrity, collaboration, and results.
• FL Department of Financial Services
• National Mortgage Licensing
What do you attribute your success to?
Cleo attributes her success to showing up consistently and dedicating herself to educating, empowering, and encouraging others. Her ability to cultivate strong teams and positively impact both members and coworkers has been central to her long-standing career in banking.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Invest in yourself relentlessly. Courses, coaching, books or developing a new skill. You are your greatest long-term investment
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Relationships create opportunities long before resumes do. Cultivate connections across teams, industries, and roles. Support other women along the way, your network becomes an ecosystem of growth.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Rising fraud and cybersecurity threats. Financial institutions face increasingly sophisticated cams: account takeovers, phishing, real-time payment fraud. Protecting members' data while maintaining easy digital access is a constant balancing act.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to Cleo in her work and personal life are fostering teamwork, providing guidance and support to others, and embracing adventure and connection through hobbies like reading, road biking, traveling, and camping with her husband.
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