Integrity, ownership, and curiosity are three words that describe Rich Gieseler's leadership style. "I find it imperative to be transparent, open, and honest as a leader and to explain ‘the Why.’ By being forthright, I strive to create a climate of accountability and defined expectations.”

As Executive Vice President and the Florida Regional President of M&T Bank, Rich leads a team of 89 M&T Bank employees across the state of Florida. He has a passion for business, problem solving and innovation. Never one to settle, he challenges himself and his team to be their best. He encourages his team to see beyond what’s present to what’s possible, encouraging them to identify challenges while promoting creative solutions.  “I love the ability to paint a vision for the future and then work backward to find out how we can collectively define a path to achieve that goal. I'm rarely satisfied with the status quo and know that organizations can always propel themselves upward through continuous improvement."

His drive to grow personally and professionally led him to join the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. "As a new member in the Palm Beach County community in 2019, leaders I engaged with at the Business Development Board, Chambers of Commerce, and community organizations suggested that I consider joining the Economic Council to become more directly connected to the executive business leaders in county.  I also felt this would help to introduce M&T Bank and help me learn about the pressing business issues facing Palm Beach County.”

One of those issues he’s identified is recruiting and hiring talent. "Affordable housing for support workers is a real problem. Living here is expensive, and workforce housing does not provide sufficient relief to low-to-middle income families.  Layer on skyrocketing insurance premiums, and quality housing is not attainable.”  Rich knows this first-hand as he has five adult children that find themselves struggling to make ends meet caused by increasing housing costs.  Despite these challenges, he believes the county can maintain a strong economy while making housing more affordable for support employees so critical to our businesses. “Palm Beach County should explore private-public initiatives utilizing municipal funding mechanisms that promote shared ownership of affordable housing assets.”

Making a difference is where Rich excels. He has been on the Council for two years and says it’s benefited him and M&T.   "In every community we serve, we have a responsibility to be an active member driving business forward via our team's engagement, charitable support, or the business solutions we help create. Additionally, as the most distant location for my northeastern-based bank, I continue to learn about the history of Florida, its growth and forward direction, and how we address key issues in our local southeast Florida community. This provides a solid foundation for sharing my insights inside my organization."

After earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Rich served in various leadership positions, attaining the rank of Captain while focusing on developing aviation combat training plans while caring for the health and welfare of soldiers for the US Army Aviation and Department of Defense. In 1999, he then began his career in banking, earning his MBA at the Wharton School prior to joining M&T Bank in 2007. Reflecting on the past, he'd advise his younger self to trust his instincts in finding new growth opportunities.  “Don’t be afraid to take risks. Believe in yourself. You can do this! Worry less about what other people think and more about what I think.” That approach continues to shape his actions today. “My 'north star' is simply - Do The Right Thing - Always, a simple guide that has led to sound decision-making and leading by example, professionally and personally.”