MIDFLORIDA Retired CEO Honored with Building Dedication
MIDFLORIDA Board of Directors recently honored Kevin Jones, retired long-term CEO, with a special presentation commemorating his many years of service.
Lakeland, FL - When D. Kevin Jones, the long-term CEO of MIDFLORIDA, a Lakeland, Florida-based credit union, announced his retirement several months ago, little did he know that a purchase he helped orchestrate years ago would become a part of his legacy.
MIDFLORIDA Board of Directors recently honored Jones at the Credit Union’s annual meeting by dedicating the former Marble Arcade building built in 1926 that currently houses its corporate offices at 129 S. Kentucky Avenue in Lakeland. According to Lakeland history, this property was known as one of the hottest and most prestigious office locations in town and was the city’s first steel frame high-rise building or “cloud scraper.”
“I joined MIDFLORIDA in 1992 and, at the time, our headquarters was on the second level of our South Lakeland branch. When I visited downtown Lakeland for the first time and saw the Marble Arcade, it reminded me of a bank building where I once worked in downtown Indianapolis early in my career. I immediately thought it would make a great headquarters for our credit union because Lakeland offered a small town vibe with a city feel,” said Jones. “When I heard the Marble Arcade building was available in the early 2000’s and said we should buy it, someone told me ‘only an idiot would buy it.’ I replied that I just may be that idiot.”
Jones moved quickly with Board approval to ensure that the credit union could seal a deal directly with the building owner. Reflecting on this purchase, Jones explained, “I instinctively knew that moving MIDFLORIDA’s operations there would be a turning point in our history. The building itself was not only well recognized but served as a symbol of success, growth, and opportunity. This positioned us to be front and center with other banks servicing the area that were undergoing mergers and name changes. Since we’re locally owned and operated, we wanted to play an important role in helping to revitalize downtown and be a strong and relevant contributor not only as an employer, but also support and sponsor events that benefit the community and its local charities.”
Shirley Pellarchy, the Credit Union’s current Board Chairwoman added, “We are grateful for Kevin’s dedication, vision and leadership. It is only fitting that we dedicate our building to him as it is here where his passion for MIDFLORIDA took hold and moved us forward as a key player in the local financial services arena. Kevin has long been a guiding light to us and while his presence will be missed in our daily operations, his unwavering spirit and dedication to MIDFLORIDA will remain.”
Having served the Credit Union’s membership since 1992 throughout his nearly 30-year career, Jones has helped grow the Credit Union from $100 million in assets to over $6 billion, positioning MIDFLORIDA to serve the state as Florida’s Community Credit Union. In terms of asset size, MIDFLORIDA ranks as the fourth largest credit union in the state as well as the 49th largest in the country.
“I am truly humbled by this honor of dedicating our building to me – a building that has been more than where my desk was. It’s been where we, our entire MIDFLORIDA family, have helped to make so many lives better,” said Jones.