Board of Directors

Honorable David A. Straz, Jr.
Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Liberia
Commissioner, Florida Transportation Commission

Upon his graduation from Marquette University in 1965 with a degree in finance, he quickly moved into a leadership position in banking management. He went on to build banking organizations in Wisconsin and Florida which he sold to US Bank and Bank of America. In 2003 he sold Tampa's largest and oldest independent bank, Southern Exchange Bank, to First National Bank of Florida.

In 1984 Marquette University dedicated its College of Business Administration building, David A. Straz, Jr. Hall, and in 2002 its newest residence hall was dedicated the David A Straz, Jr. Tower. In 1999 he was named Marquette University Alumnus of the Year and received a Commendation from the Governor of Wisconsin for dedication to education and the visual and performing arts. In 1995 Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin, dedicated the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for Natural and Social Sciences. In 2000 Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo dedicated the David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Hospital.

Active in supporting higher education and the visual and performing arts, he is past Chairman of the Board of Marquette University and Chairman elect of the University of Tampa. He received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from Carthage College in 1993. He is Chairman of the Lowry Park Zoo Foundation in Tampa, and also serves as a director of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the Les Aspin Center for Government, and the First National Bank of Florida. He's a member of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

David is married to Catherine Louisa Lowry. They collect French Impressionist paintings, Dresden China, and European antiques. In 2000 the couple received the Kairos Award from Haggerty Museum of Art, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for their distinguished role in fine arts.

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