Redefining Success Through Community, Sustainability, and Inclusion

BayFirst Financial believes in banking with purpose. Every loan we approve, every partnership we build, and every program we implement is designed to enhance the well-being of the individuals, families, and businesses we serve.

Leading With Purpose

“At BayFirst, our mission extends beyond financial services—it's about creating meaningful connections and fostering growth in the communities we serve. Our leadership is about more than managing finances—it's about leading with purpose. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility is reflected in every decision we make, from supporting nonprofits, creating financial literacy programs, to fostering economic inclusivity. Every action we take is grounded in our belief that success is measured by the well-being of those around us. By supporting initiatives that enhance financial well-being, we're not just serving our customers—we're building stronger, more vibrant communities together.”

Thomas G. Zernick
Chief Executive Officer, BayFirst

Our Mission

BayFirst Financial strives to be the first choice for individuals, families, and small businesses to enhance their financial well-being and foster growth. By seamlessly integrating technology with an amazing human touch, we are redefining the banking experience for the communities we serve.

Organizations & Causes We're Proud to Support

Championing DEI in Our Community

As a community bank, our commitment to improving lives runs deep and includes focusing on the greater impact we have on the communities we serve.

Impact, our community engagement program, encourages and increases volunteerism throughout BayFirst Bank. Through Impact, we maintain a corporate-wide focus on local nonprofits in the four key areas of Community and Human Services, Education and Financial Literacy, Arts and Culture, and Animal Services and Programs.

Through unique programs, we assist those who face unnecessary obstacles on their journey toward achieving their dreams.

We continue to seek new ways to better support every member of the community with the openings of loan production offices and financial resource centers in underserved neighborhoods. Our first, in the North Sarasota community of Newtown provides:

Personal and commercial loans
Financial education and outreach programs
Business resources for residents and business owners
A no-fee ATM, providing free access to funds

Essential Checking

Our Essential Checking Account is designed to help those in difficult credit circumstances get their banking back on track.

Minority Owned Business Lending Program

Our MOBLP underscores our commitment to combating the financial challenges facing minority-owned small businesses. In the first 10 months we more than doubled our two-year lending goal of $50 million and are just getting started.

Instilling DEI into Our Culture

We are building an environment where everyone is given the opportunity to succeed, and the different perspectives and experiences of our team members guide us in addressing issues affecting BayFirst, our customers, and our community.

Minimum Wage

We've established a minimum wage of $18 per hour to ensure responsible growth of the institution while best serving the needs of our customers and diverse workforce.

NAMMBA Partnership

Through a partnership with the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America, we provide our lending officers the education they need to become Certified Community Lenders and increase the engagement of minorities within the mortgage industry.

Governance

Our DEI Council spearheads the development of internal and external programs to ensure the bank remains aligned with the ever-evolving world around us. As an institution, we are also focused on strengthening our diversity at every level of the organization to best reflect the diverse community we serve.

Open Communication

We continuously seek the input of our employees through surveys, forums, and one-on-one conversation. Their interests, concerns and suggestions shape our culture and guide our DEI Council.

Supporting Women in the Business

BayFirst is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs as they start and grow their small businesses.

We’ve partnered with Working Women of Tampa Bay to celebrate and uplift women business owners in our community through events including:

• Women Mean Business Expo
• Glass Ceilings Are Meant To Be Broken DEI Panel Discussion
• Power of Women Networking Luncheon

Standing With The LGBTQ+ Community

We are proud to support the LGBTQ+ Community.

VP, Banking Center Manager Stacia Schrader has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in partnership with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber as an LGBTQ+ Ally. At BayFirst, she is unwavering in her commitment to promoting awareness of and solidarity with the LGBT community. As a member of our Pride Committee, Stacia has played a pivotal role in BayFirst’s overall efforts to advance equality through her support of and relationships with:

Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Girls Rock Camp
Balance Tampa Bay
Metro Health

Contributing To Success In The Hispanic Community

VP, Commercial Lending Officer, Anthony Perez was selected as the 2022 Hispanic Man of the Year by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. This lifetime achievement award recognizes Anthony's commitment to success in our community. Anthony serves as the Chairman for the USF Latin Scholarship Advisory Committee and recently started a not-for-profit organization, Covered Hearts.

Join Us!

Are you looking to join an organization where DEI is at the heart of it all? Check out our open positions here.

See Job Opportunities