Elsa Pelaez-Lopez’s entry point into the banking world was as a receptionist at age 18, while she was still in high school. She kept that job over summers while she earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Miami.
Not all high schoolers find their ideal industry so early in life, but for Elsa, banking was it. After she graduated college, she entered a Management Associate and Credit training program with Florida National Bank (now Wells Fargo), and she never looked back.
Elsa’s career path has taken her into various banking sectors and up the ladder, where she’s eventually come to land at INB as SVP, Florida Risk Officer for the INB South Florida market.
“In my new role at INB, I hope that I can help everyone meet and exceed their goals with sound and profitable new relationships,” she says.
Experienced Banking Leader
Over the past 36 years, Elsa has held a variety of roles that have equipped her with the ability to confidently manage risk in a highly complex environment. She’s an experienced leader and manager with formal credit training in the banking and private sectors with broad and diversified experience in the Middle Market and Corporate Banking spectrum in South Florida.
In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Elsa earned her MBA from Miami University. During her time at both small and large financial institutions, she gained extensive experience with financing and banking solutions in the C&I, CRE, Trade Finance, Syndications, Club Deals, Credit and Portfolio Administration.
“What drew me to INB was Gabriela Cioli; Gaby and I have worked together in various institutions since 1998, and I always knew her to be a hard worker and go-getter,” Elsa says. “After she joined INB, we started talking about her new role, and it sounded refreshing and exciting. After a few conversations with Gaby and the rest of the INB senior team, I knew I wanted to help build the Florida market.”
Proud of Her Roots, Proud of Her Community
Originally born in Cuba, Elsa’s family came to Miami when she was 7 years old, where she has lived since then. She’s been married to her husband Carlos for 35 years, and the couple has two children: son Charlie and daughter Alex, as well as two dogs, Marley and Bobby.
You’ll usually find Elsa with her family on the weekends, as they enjoy entertaining, hosting BBQs, and spending time at the pool and beach. Elsa is also a history buff and political junkie, so she loves digging into new books about those subjects. Other personal interests include gardening, traveling, and trying different restaurants.
Elsa also gives time to organizations she is proud to support. Currently, she serves on the Board for the Boys and Girls Club of Miami Dade County and the Finance Committee for the City of Miami.
Elsa is excited to be part of INB and use her expertise to help the bank grow in South Florida.
“I hope that I’ll be able to share my experience and skillset with the INB team and learn from everyone,” she says. “As I say, I’m a ‘work in progress,’ and I’m always open to new ideas and learning.”