New Chief Digital and Transformation Officers to Drive AI Strategy
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 17 2026
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Should l Buy RBCAA?
Source: Newsfilter
- Executive Appointments: Republic Bank has announced the promotions of Alex Cravens to Chief Digital Officer and Jenna Cowley to Chief Transformation Officer, aiming to drive long-term growth and innovation through AI strategy and enterprise transformation.
- Digital Strategy Leadership: Cravens will lead the Bank's AI and digital strategy, focusing on technology modernization and enhancing customer experiences while collaborating closely with internal teams and strategic technology partners to expand secure, customer-centric digital capabilities.
- Enterprise Transformation Initiatives: Cowley will spearhead enterprise transformation initiatives that align people, processes, and technology to support strategic goals and improve customer experience, driving cross-functional collaboration for future growth.
- Commitment to Innovation: These appointments reflect Republic Bank's commitment to innovation, with Cravens and Cowley's leadership set to accelerate AI adoption, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled growth.
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About RBCAA
Republic Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (the Bank). The Bank provides both traditional and non-traditional banking products. Its segments include Traditional Banking, Warehouse Lending, Tax Refund Solutions (TRS), Republic Payment Solutions (RPS), and Republic Credit Solutions (RCS). Its Traditional Banking products and services are offered through the Company's traditional RB&T brand. The Warehouse segment provides short-term, revolving credit facilities to mortgage bankers across the United States through mortgage warehouse lines of credit. These credit facilities are primarily secured by single-family, first-lien residential real estate loans. Through the TRS segment, the Bank facilitates the receipt and payment of federal and state tax refund products and offers a credit product through third-party tax preparers. RPS segment offers a range of payments-related products and services to consumers. The Bank operates through over 47 banking centers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Republic Bank Ranked Top Kentucky Bank for Third Year in a Row
- National Ranking Achievement: Republic Bank has been recognized as the highest-ranked bank in Kentucky for the third consecutive year, achieving a national ranking of 24th in S&P Global Market Intelligence's evaluation of community banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion, highlighting its exceptional performance.
- Strong Financial Metrics: The ranking is based on eight key financial metrics, including pretax return on average assets and net interest margin, demonstrating Republic Bank's strengths in financial stability and risk management, which further solidifies its market position.
- Leadership Recognition: Steve Trager, Executive Chair of Republic Bank, stated that this honor reflects the dedication of employees to disciplined execution and consistent performance, showcasing the company's commitment to disciplined growth and long-term stability.
- Business Expansion Plans: As of December 31, 2025, Republic Bank reported total assets of approximately $7.04 billion and operates 47 banking centers across five states, indicating its strong regional influence and potential for continued expansion.
See More
New Chief Digital and Transformation Officers to Drive AI Strategy
- Executive Appointments: Republic Bank has announced the promotions of Alex Cravens to Chief Digital Officer and Jenna Cowley to Chief Transformation Officer, aiming to drive long-term growth and innovation through AI strategy and enterprise transformation.
- Digital Strategy Leadership: Cravens will lead the Bank's AI and digital strategy, focusing on technology modernization and enhancing customer experiences while collaborating closely with internal teams and strategic technology partners to expand secure, customer-centric digital capabilities.
- Enterprise Transformation Initiatives: Cowley will spearhead enterprise transformation initiatives that align people, processes, and technology to support strategic goals and improve customer experience, driving cross-functional collaboration for future growth.
- Commitment to Innovation: These appointments reflect Republic Bank's commitment to innovation, with Cravens and Cowley's leadership set to accelerate AI adoption, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled growth.
See More
Republic Bank Recognized as One of America's Best Banks for Third Consecutive Year
- Consecutive Honors: Republic Bank has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Banks for the third consecutive year, highlighting its excellence in client service, financial performance, and employee contributions, which further solidifies its leadership position in the industry.
- Evaluation Criteria: The selection is based on an assessment of 200 publicly traded banks using 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability, and stock performance, with Republic Bank standing out among the top 100 nationwide, demonstrating its stable growth and innovative capabilities.
- Regional Influence: As one of only three banks from Kentucky to make the list, Republic Bank's recognition not only enhances its brand image but also strengthens its competitive position in the state and surrounding markets, further supporting the needs of its communities and clients.
- Asset Scale: As of December 31, 2025, Republic Bank reported approximately $7.04 billion in total assets, reflecting a solid financial foundation that provides strong support for future expansion and innovation.
See More
Republic Bank Recognized as One of America's Best Banks for Third Consecutive Year
- Consecutive Honors: Republic Bank has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Banks for the third consecutive year in 2026, showcasing its leadership in financial performance and responsible growth, reflecting its disciplined approach to client service and exceptional financial results.
- Evaluation Criteria: The recognition is based on an assessment of 200 publicly traded banks using 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability, and stock performance, with Republic Bank being one of only three Kentucky-based banks to make the top 100 list nationwide.
- Industry Leadership: Steve Trager, Executive Chair of Republic Bank, stated that this recognition is a testament to the bank's strong performance and sustained growth, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry, emphasizing that stability and innovation are central to its mission.
- Network Expansion: As of December 31, 2025, Republic Bank operates 47 banking centers across five states within five metropolitan statistical areas, with total assets of approximately $7.04 billion, demonstrating its extensive coverage and influence in regional markets.
See More
Kenya Lacy Promoted to Associate Vice President at Republic Bank
- Leadership Promotion: Kenya Lacy has been promoted to Associate Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at Republic Bank, leveraging her 23 years of banking experience to further enhance the company's culture.
- Cultural Advocate: Throughout her tenure at Republic Bank, Lacy has focused on creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported, embodying her people-centered leadership philosophy, which is expected to enhance employee belonging and teamwork.
- Community Engagement: She will continue to lead associate involvement in company-wide community events such as Juneteenth and Pride, ensuring these initiatives remain inclusive and impactful, thereby enhancing the bank's brand image.
- Long-term Commitment: Lacy is also an active community service participant, being honored as a 2026 Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achiever, reflecting Republic Bank's longstanding commitment to service and engagement in the community.
See More
New Appointment Strengthens Bank's Commitment to Inclusion
- New Appointment: Kenya Lacy has been promoted to Associate Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at Republic Bank, leveraging her 23 years of banking experience to enhance the bank's inclusive culture and improve employee engagement and sense of belonging.
- Leadership Philosophy: Lacy's leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual belonging, believing that such a sense of belonging fosters collective success, thereby aligning the bank's overall business objectives with personal development for employees.
- Community Involvement: In her new role, Lacy will continue to support the bank's associate-led Business Resource Groups and lead company-wide community events, ensuring these efforts remain inclusive and impactful, aligned with the bank's people-first mission.
- Social Contribution: Beyond her professional achievements, Lacy is actively involved in community initiatives, being honored as a 2026 Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achiever, reflecting her passion for mentorship and service, which further reinforces the bank's commitment to community engagement.
See More
Republic Bank Ranked Top Kentucky Bank for Third Year in a Row
- National Ranking Achievement: Republic Bank has been recognized as the highest-ranked bank in Kentucky for the third consecutive year, achieving a national ranking of 24th in S&P Global Market Intelligence's evaluation of community banks with assets between $3 billion and $10 billion, highlighting its exceptional performance.
- Strong Financial Metrics: The ranking is based on eight key financial metrics, including pretax return on average assets and net interest margin, demonstrating Republic Bank's strengths in financial stability and risk management, which further solidifies its market position.
- Leadership Recognition: Steve Trager, Executive Chair of Republic Bank, stated that this honor reflects the dedication of employees to disciplined execution and consistent performance, showcasing the company's commitment to disciplined growth and long-term stability.
- Business Expansion Plans: As of December 31, 2025, Republic Bank reported total assets of approximately $7.04 billion and operates 47 banking centers across five states, indicating its strong regional influence and potential for continued expansion.
See More
New Chief Digital and Transformation Officers to Drive AI Strategy
- Executive Appointments: Republic Bank has announced the promotions of Alex Cravens to Chief Digital Officer and Jenna Cowley to Chief Transformation Officer, aiming to drive long-term growth and innovation through AI strategy and enterprise transformation.
- Digital Strategy Leadership: Cravens will lead the Bank's AI and digital strategy, focusing on technology modernization and enhancing customer experiences while collaborating closely with internal teams and strategic technology partners to expand secure, customer-centric digital capabilities.
- Enterprise Transformation Initiatives: Cowley will spearhead enterprise transformation initiatives that align people, processes, and technology to support strategic goals and improve customer experience, driving cross-functional collaboration for future growth.
- Commitment to Innovation: These appointments reflect Republic Bank's commitment to innovation, with Cravens and Cowley's leadership set to accelerate AI adoption, operational efficiency, and technology-enabled growth.
See More
Republic Bank Recognized as One of America's Best Banks for Third Consecutive Year
- Consecutive Honors: Republic Bank has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Banks for the third consecutive year, highlighting its excellence in client service, financial performance, and employee contributions, which further solidifies its leadership position in the industry.
- Evaluation Criteria: The selection is based on an assessment of 200 publicly traded banks using 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability, and stock performance, with Republic Bank standing out among the top 100 nationwide, demonstrating its stable growth and innovative capabilities.
- Regional Influence: As one of only three banks from Kentucky to make the list, Republic Bank's recognition not only enhances its brand image but also strengthens its competitive position in the state and surrounding markets, further supporting the needs of its communities and clients.
- Asset Scale: As of December 31, 2025, Republic Bank reported approximately $7.04 billion in total assets, reflecting a solid financial foundation that provides strong support for future expansion and innovation.
See More
Republic Bank Recognized as One of America's Best Banks for Third Consecutive Year
- Consecutive Honors: Republic Bank has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Banks for the third consecutive year in 2026, showcasing its leadership in financial performance and responsible growth, reflecting its disciplined approach to client service and exceptional financial results.
- Evaluation Criteria: The recognition is based on an assessment of 200 publicly traded banks using 11 metrics, including growth, credit quality, profitability, and stock performance, with Republic Bank being one of only three Kentucky-based banks to make the top 100 list nationwide.
- Industry Leadership: Steve Trager, Executive Chair of Republic Bank, stated that this recognition is a testament to the bank's strong performance and sustained growth, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry, emphasizing that stability and innovation are central to its mission.
- Network Expansion: As of December 31, 2025, Republic Bank operates 47 banking centers across five states within five metropolitan statistical areas, with total assets of approximately $7.04 billion, demonstrating its extensive coverage and influence in regional markets.
See More
Kenya Lacy Promoted to Associate Vice President at Republic Bank
- Leadership Promotion: Kenya Lacy has been promoted to Associate Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at Republic Bank, leveraging her 23 years of banking experience to further enhance the company's culture.
- Cultural Advocate: Throughout her tenure at Republic Bank, Lacy has focused on creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported, embodying her people-centered leadership philosophy, which is expected to enhance employee belonging and teamwork.
- Community Engagement: She will continue to lead associate involvement in company-wide community events such as Juneteenth and Pride, ensuring these initiatives remain inclusive and impactful, thereby enhancing the bank's brand image.
- Long-term Commitment: Lacy is also an active community service participant, being honored as a 2026 Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achiever, reflecting Republic Bank's longstanding commitment to service and engagement in the community.
See More
New Appointment Strengthens Bank's Commitment to Inclusion
- New Appointment: Kenya Lacy has been promoted to Associate Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity Manager at Republic Bank, leveraging her 23 years of banking experience to enhance the bank's inclusive culture and improve employee engagement and sense of belonging.
- Leadership Philosophy: Lacy's leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual belonging, believing that such a sense of belonging fosters collective success, thereby aligning the bank's overall business objectives with personal development for employees.
- Community Involvement: In her new role, Lacy will continue to support the bank's associate-led Business Resource Groups and lead company-wide community events, ensuring these efforts remain inclusive and impactful, aligned with the bank's people-first mission.
- Social Contribution: Beyond her professional achievements, Lacy is actively involved in community initiatives, being honored as a 2026 Chestnut Street YMCA Black Achiever, reflecting her passion for mentorship and service, which further reinforces the bank's commitment to community engagement.
See More
