Strategic advisor, market developer, and executive leader of high-growth ventures.

Jerry Banks is the founding Principal of American Academic Capital, a platform of capital, financial services, and charitable funding solutions in service of elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. He concurrently serves as Principal of Rowena Corporation that since 1986 has provided strategic advice, market development and investment services to clients in the fields of real estate, finance, healthcare, & entrepreneurial endeavors.

Early in his career, Banks spent several years in the commercial mortgage banking industry. For more than 30 years since, Banks has been instrumental in the success of many enterprises, including: leading Aetna Life Insurance Company’s Community Redevelopment Program in New Orleans; facilitating NCNB/NationsBank/Bank of America’s Florida branch bank strategy; development of the award winning Hunter’s Creek master-planned community in Orlando; the growth of Action Ice, (now part of Reddy Ice); creation of Thirsty Brand Beverages (now owned by Macy's, Inc.); and the founding of Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando’s Medical City.

Since 2007, Banks has been a member of The Nemours Foundation’s Florida Board of Managers where he plays an integral role in the organization’s governance. Nemours is one of the United States’ largest pediatric healthcare systems. Its mission is to provide leadership in improving the health of children through research, family-centered care, and programs not readily available, with one high standard of quality and distinction, regardless of the recipient's financial status.

A member of the Board of Governors for Florida State University’s College of Business since1989, Banks has been instrumental in both fundraising success and leadership transitions. He held a seat on the board’s executive committee for ten years from 1998 to 2008 and led the Board as its Chairman from 2004 to 2006.

Banks is a current member of the CEO Council of the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research. The Institute facilitates commercialization of technology and intellectual property emanating from State of Florida funded institutions and organizations.

Banks is not only a highly skilled businessman, but also a well-regarded citizen for his public involvement. Jerry has shared his leadership, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience serving as Chairman of the Newman Centers of Central Florida, Chairman of St. Margaret Mary Catholic School’s Board of Education and a member of Bishop Moore High School’s Board of Education. In recognition of his leadership, accomplishments and contributions to the public good, Jerry Banks is a recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award of the National Catholic Education Association.

Banks is also a former member of the Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Sports, an organization benefiting educational institutions and charities in the Central Florida community through its foundation. While on the board, Banks was directly responsible for the organization’s affairs with its title sponsor and building relationships with the University of Nebraska and the University of Oklahoma that successfully brought their esteemed football teams to play in Orlando’s New Year’s Day Florida Citrus Bowl game.

Banks received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Florida State University and completed postgraduate studies in philosophy and theology at St. Meinrad College.