About Christine Jennings

Christine Jennings has been a member of the Sarasota Community for 23 years. And she has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Christine worked her way up from bank teller to president of the bank she founded at a time when women executives were rare. On her way to the top of the banking world, Christine served in numerous leadership positions with various banks before serving as President, CEO, Chairman of the Board and Director of Sarasota Bank.

Christine was born and raised in New Boston, Ohio, the daughter of a Steelworker. Her father was a disabled WWII veteran and a minister and her mother ran a beauty parlor out of her own home. Christine learned the value of hard work and a strong work ethic from her parents. At 17, Christine got a job as a bank teller where the decision making skills and self discipline her parents taught her helped her succeed.

In 1984 Christine moved to Sarasota and has been actively involved in the community ever since. She has worked with families and neighbors to help them achieve their dreams. Christine has served in leadership roles in a number of civic and charitable groups over the years including serving as President of the Sarasota Downtown Association, President of the Sarasota Film Festival, Board Member of the Community AIDS Network and Board Member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Sarasota County among others. Christine was appointed as Chair of the Real Property-Lease Procurement Task force by former Governor Lawton Chiles.

She has received numerous awards from the groups including the United Negro College Fund, the National Council of Jewish Women and the National Association of Fundraising Executives. She also received numerous appointments over the years to various boards and task forces.

Christine Jennings retired from the banking industry in 2004 and resides in Sarasota, Florida. She is running for Congress as a Democrat, seeking Florida's 13th Congressional District seat currently occupied by Vern Buchanan.