STUART, Fla. – Feb. 18, 2020 – Seacoast Bank, one of the largest community banks headquartered in Florida, announced it has received a score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s premier benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. Seacoast joins the ranks of more than 680 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.
“It is impossible to serve all the communities where Seacoast operates without an engaged and diverse workforce,” said Dan Chappell, chief human resources officer, Seacoast Bank. “I’m grateful to all our associates whose culture of kindness and full embrace of diversity earned us this recognition. They make Seacoast a better place to work.”
“The impact of the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index over its 18-year history is profound. In this time, the corporate community has worked with us to adopt LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits, establishing the Corporate Equality Index as a primary driving force for LGBTQ workplace inclusion in America and across the globe,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “These companies know that protecting their LGBTQ employees and customers from discrimination is not just the right thing to do -- it is also the best business decision.”
The results of this year’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) showcase how U.S.-based companies are not only promoting LGBTQ-friendly workplace policies nationally, but also helping advance the cause of LGBTQ inclusion in workplaces abroad. Seacoast’s efforts earned a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality as measured by each of the following criteria:
According to Chappell, the driving force behind Seacoast’s accomplishments in this area its belief in fostering an environment where every associate feels comfortable and confident bringing their whole selves to work. The bank’s associate resource groups (ARGs) embody that belief. Currently, Seacoast has three ARGs and is hoping to see more emerge this year. The groups serve to support and provide resources for associates of various communities united by shared experiences and passions.
One of those is the bank’s LGBT+ associate resource group which is open to all associates whether they identify as a member of the LGBT+ community or as an ally. Throughout the year, the group participates in four pride parades and festivals throughout the major markets Seacoast serves including Orlando, St. Petersburg, Palm Beach, and Space Coast. The LGBT+ associate resource group also supports the LGBTQ community through local community events and sponsorships.
“Seacoast is a welcoming and inclusive work environment,” said Russell Mann, Seacoast Bank LGBT+ ARG leader. “I can honestly say inclusive work environments are supported within all levels of the bank which encourages people to be their authentic and whole selves. I am proud of the diversity that makes Seacoast Bank the great organization it is today.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. NMLS# 608046
