Climate First Bank recently announced the appointment of two new board members to its board of directors, Edith “Edye” Haddock and Brock McClane. The bank was founded to fight the climate crisis by providing conscientious finance options for both residents and business throughout Florida.
Climate First Bank focuses on environmental sustainability by offering favorable loans for renewable energy projects, electric automotive purchases, and sustainable business investments. The addition of the two new board members signifies growth for the bank in the South Florida area.
“We are pleased to welcome Edye and Brock to the Board,” said Climate First Bank Founder and CEO Ken LaRoe. “Their appointments come at an exciting time for the bank as we continue to expand ahead of our one-year anniversary. We are excited to channel their talent, perspective and expertise into furthering our planet-saving mission to Florida and beyond.”
Edith Haddock
A Tennessee native, Haddock moved to Winter Park in 1994. She launched her career in real estate with the establishment of Murphy Properties, serving both Florida and North Carolina. She went on to become the founding president of the Charlotte Region Commercial Board of Realtors. For her involvement, Haddock was awarded “Realtor of the Year” by the CCIM and was the second woman in North Carolina to be honored with this prestigious designation.
Haddock is an active volunteer and community leader in organizations with missions aligned with those of Climate First Bank. In 2022, she completed the longest term of service as an officer and director of the Central Florida Zoo Board. There she helped educate and advocate for the protection of native wildlife and natural habitats. Haddock is also a director of The Edward E. Haddock Jr. Family Foundation and Family Operating Foundation. The foundation promotes restorative relationships between people and the planet through environmental stewardship.
Brock McClane
McClane is a veteran attorney, currently serving as an of counsel attorney for Fisher Rushmer, P.A. His practice centers on commercial litigation and business planning. It also including international estate settlement, trustee services, international litigation, fiduciary litigation and banking law. For his demonstrated excellence, McClane has been recognized by Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, Best Lawyers in America and Orlando Magazine’s Best Lawyers among others. In addition, he has actively served as both chairman and member of The Florida Bar, International Law Section.
McClane’s prior banking experience includes serving as vice-chairman of the board of First Green Bancorp, Inc. LaRoe founded this bank as well before it was eventually acquired by Seacoast Bank. He also served as counsel to the board of directors at Florida Capital Bank and represented investors in fiduciary litigation against a national bank. Eventually this led to the unwinding of a Florida mortgage company during the financial crisis of 2008.
These two additional board members hope to bring experience and passion to the Climate First Bank.