Program | Conference for Community Bankers

7:15 AM – 8:00 AM

Federal Home Loan Bank Forum

• Ryan Donovan, President, Council of Federal Home Loan Banks
• Kris Williams, President, FHLBank of Des Moines
• Jeff Kuzbel, President, FHLBank of Topeka 
• David Paulson, President, FHLBank of Pittsburgh

8:00 AM – 10:15 AM

General Session

Welcome 

• Jennifer Jones, Chair, ABA Community Bankers Council, President, and CEO, CBL State Savings Bank

ABA Chair’s Remarks 

• John Asbury, ABA Chair, CEO, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corporation

The View from the Fed

Federal Reserve Board Governor Michelle Bowman, a former community banker, is returning to the Conference for Community Bankers to share her perspective on the economy, the regulatory outlook and more.

Transforming Tradition: The Future of Community Banking

Customer expectations are evolving, and so is the economic and regulatory landscape. In this session, learn how community banks can thrive by adapting to technological change, and working to attract and retain a next-gen workforce. Get strategies to meet ever-changing demands and find new ways to innovate as we look ahead to the future of community banking. 

Make Culture Your Competitive Advantage

Today’s standout organizations know that culture – your employer brand and your company brand – can be the differentiator in the competition for top talent. Hear from the architect of LinkedIn’s dynamic culture and learn how they’ve gained competitive industry advantages. 

• Steve Cadigan, Talent Strategist and Culture Expert, Cadigan Talent Ventures, LinkedIn’s First Chief HR Officer

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM

Coffee Break in The Hub
Sponsored by interLINK

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Guest Brunch

READY IS A LIE

Be inspired to push beyond the paralysis of perfectionism and embrace the power of taking action before feeling fully prepared. This session will equip you with practical strategies to overcome self-doubt, reframe fear as an opportunity for growth and take decisive steps toward your goals.  

• Arika Pierce Williams, CEO, Piercing Strategies  

11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

Educational and Peer Exchange Sessions
Peer Exchange Sessions Sponsored by Forvis Mazars 

Peer Exchanges

• CEO Exchange: $1Billion and More in Assets 
• CEO Exchange: $500 Million–$999 Million in Assets 
• CEO Exchange: Up to $500 Million in Assets 
• CFO Peer Exchange 
• Board Members 
• Card Payments Panel Discussion

Topic: Operations  
Hot Topics in Payments

Join us for an engaging and insightful session on the latest trends and developments in credit card and debit card payments. This session will cover a range of pressing topics, from emerging technologies and regulatory changes to new security measures and consumer behavior shifts. You'll hear from industry experts who will share their perspectives on the future of payments and offer practical advice for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.   

• Steve Sievert, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management, Discover 
• Emily Leach, VP of Community Accounts - Mid-Atlantic, Visa 
• Chantal Ricketts, Vice President of Product Development, Mastercard 
• Moderator: Steve Kenneally, Senior Vice President, Payments, American Bankers Association  

Topic: CRE Lending 
Be Prepared for CRE Turbulence 

Interest rate normalization has interjected vast uncertainty into the CRE marketplace – encountering a heightened level of loan maturities. These uncertainties have created headwinds to economic activity and refinancings. This session will examine market changes to consider for your bank’s credit risk management and performance of various asset classes. 

• Brian Bailey, Subject Matter Expert & Senior Policy Advisor, Commercial Real Estate, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta   

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Power Lunches (RSVP Recommended)

Unleashing NII: The future of banking loyalty and engagement

Join this session to get actionable strategies for driving engagement and building consumer loyalty through innovative, non-interest income solutions. Learn how institutions like yours can embrace forward-thinking approaches to deliver value and create sustainable revenue streams. 

• Gabriel Krajicek, Chief Executive Officer, Kasasa

Enabling Small Businesses to Win: Trends and Opportunities

The opportunity has never been greater for financial institutions to grow their market share – but mindsets, strategies and product offerings must evolve. This session will cover the current small business banking landscape, what banking solutions and digital capabilities are most critical for small businesses, and what financial institutions should be considering as they evolve their small business strategies.

• Tim Ruhe, Head of SMB Payments, Fiserv 
• AJ Levin, Senior Director, SMB Market Strategy & Commercialization, Fiserv  

Investing in Leadership: Strategies to retain and elevate your top talent

This session explores proven strategies for investing in leadership development to empower your high-potential employees, foster loyalty and drive organizational success. Join us to discover actionable insights to help you retain and elevate your most valuable assets — your people. 

• Trey Deupree, Senior Consultant, NFP Executive Benefits

Enhancing Customer Acquisition Through Fintech Partnerships

Younger generations expect more innovative products, and banks need to fully develop those products to acquire them as customers. In this session, learn how financial institutions can effectively engage Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and their parents, by partnering with fintech companies to create engaging financial education tools, seamless and convenient digital experiences and personalization offerings.  

• Matt Wolf, SVP, Business Development, Greenlight Financial Technology 
• Jay Prokupek, Chief Digital Officer, Bank of Ann Arbor 

Consumer Lending 2.0: The Playbook for Finding and Unlocking Hidden Value

Consumer lending is evolving, and so should your strategies. This session will dive into innovative approaches to uncovering hidden value in consumer lending portfolios – including data-driven insights, enhancing operational efficiency and meeting customer expectations with personalized solutions. Gain a step-by-step playbook to position your institution for growth, build deeper customer connections and navigate the future of consumer lending with confidence.

• Carl Moritz, Head of Enterprise Business Development, Amount 

Minimize Emerging Risk: The SBA 7(a) Portfolio in 2025

In 2024 the SBA program had record levels of 7(a) lending reaching over $32 billion. Understanding risk before borrowers become past due – being proactive in portfolio management – is key to minimizing losses. In this session, get performance data based on both industry and geographic trends. Learn specific steps managers can take to minimize stress and subsequent 7(a) delinquencies and defaults. 

• David Tinsley, Head of SBA LSP Services, Lenders Cooperative  

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM

Dessert in The Hub
Sponsored by Crowe

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Educational Sessions

Topic: Board Governance 
Leave Nothing Unspoken: Risk Appetite  

The worst risks are reactive rather than proactive and can lead to de-risking for fear of breaching unspoken guardrails. Learn about a clear risk appetite statement that gives management permission to operate within parameters – empowering boards and bank leadership to make decisions to balance risk versus avoid it. 

• Jeff Marsico, President, Kafafian Group

Topic: Human Capital 
Cultivate Leadership and Growth: The ERG Advantage

In this session, learn how top-performing Employee Resource Groups foster inclusion while equipping members with critical leadership skills. ERG leaders will share their successful initiatives, and detail growth opportunities for bankers.

• Tishania Gist, Vice President and Manager of DEIB and Culture Engagement, Atlantic Union Bank
• Patricia Johnston, Senior Vice President, Loan Servicing, FirstBank
• Eva Ogden, Senior Vice President and Regional DEI Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners
• Arniesa Wilson, Executive Coordinator and Chair, Black Employee Network Resource Group, American Bankers Association 

Topic: Operations
Practice Proactive Resiliency

Maintaining operational continuity during natural disasters, severe weather, cyber incidents and IT disruptions is crucial to preserve the integrity of the nation’s payment system and to reinforce customer trust in the banking system. Having robust business resumption and contingency plans enable both the board and management to navigate emergencies effectively. Learn about proactive resilience planning that includes robust crisis management plans. 

• Tracy Hall, Senior Manager, Business Continuity, Crowe
• Trevor Quinlan, Senior Manager, Internal Audit Technology, Crowe LLP 

Topic: Profitability and Finance
Avoid the Common Pitfalls of Bank M&A 

In this session, our panel of experts will delve into the dynamic market landscape shaping mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector. From transaction and diligence processes to legal considerations to valuation dynamics, we'll explore the key considerations and emerging trends that are influencing the future of bank M&A transactions. Gain valuable insights into best practices to successfully navigate this complex terrain.

• Wyatt Jenkins, Director, Forvis Mazars Capital Advisors, LLC 
• Nancy Foringer, Managing Director, Forvis Mazars Forensics & Valuation  
• Leonard Essig, Practice Group Leader, Securities, Capital Markets and Investments, Lewis Rice 

Topic: Technology 
Unleash Artificial Intelligence: A New Era in Banking

Ignore AI and fall behind. Banks that weave AI into their offerings will perform better than those that don’t. If that trend continues, banks will grow customer trust and lifetime customer value. AI has the potential to unleash dramatic cost savings, improve lead generation, risk management and new product development. In this session, learn about the future of core banking vendors, open banking and more AI strategies.

• Virginia Heyburn, Director of Research, Insights and Advocacy, Engage fi 

Topic: CRE Lending
Understanding Debt Yield, NOI and CAP Rates as Tools for Commercial Lending

This session will focus on the importance of adjusting and reviewing underwriting changes. We’ll discuss why debt yield, net operating income and capitalization rate components are important to use as underwriting/risk factors.   

• Jim Taylor, Senior Vice President, First Security Bancorp
• W. Andrew Holden, CCIM, Division President, Park National Bank 

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

Educational and CEO Peer Exchange Sessions

Topic: Board Governance 
Address Current Banking Challenges: The Board’s Role 

Effective leaders need to challenge conventional ways of thinking and empower their teams to identify their role in achieving business objectives. It is crucial for leadership to be agile and diverse to navigate the financial services industry. Get an overview of emerging industry challenges and how diverse boards can address them effectively.

• Jennifer Docherty, Co-Founder, Board Chair, Bank On Women 
• Virginia Varela, Head of Community Banking for SoFi Bank, N.A, Senior Advisor at Klaros Group, and Board Member, Bank on Women, Inc.

Topic: Human Capital 
Up-Skill Employees in the Age of Digital Transformation

While most banks have significantly invested in digital transformation for the benefit of customers, they are still struggling with how to best up-skill and re-skill their employees.  This panel will share how banks can implement digital solutions to increase the effectiveness of their employees, increase employee engagement and retention and drive performance.  

• James Bywater, Senior Vice President, North America, SeeEverything
• Kassy Wilson, Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Senior Manager, Carter Bank
• Christine Hobrough, Community Banking President, Old National Bank 

Topic: Technology 
Engage in a Real-Time Core Conversion Clinic  

Join members of the ABA Core Platforms Committee for an interactive discussion designed to inspire ideas and provide actionable insights. Hear from committee members as they share expert advice, best practices and real-world experiences. Get your challenges tackled and your questions answered, as you learn strategies to enhance or replace your core provider landscape.

• Brian Stevens, COO, Bank of Utah 
• Bryan D. Bruns, President and Chief Executive Officer, Lake Central Bank 
• Kimberly Kirk, EVP and Chief Operations Officer, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. 
• Shana Allen, CISSP, Chief Information Officer, 1st Security Bank 
• Steven Schieffelin, SVP/IT Business Relationship Mgt, Dime Community Bank  

Topic: Profitability and Finance
Reimagine ALCO 

The Fed pivot has begun. What comes next? Will economic forces keep the Fed from cutting rates as aggressively as the market anticipates? Regardless of the outcome, we have reached a pivot point in balance sheet management which will have a lasting effect on deposit and loan pricing.

• Joe Kennerson, Managing Director, Darling Consulting Group
• Eric Poulin, Director, Darling Consulting Group

Topic: Operations
The Future of the FHFA, GSEs and Credit Score Modernization

Learn what to expect from new leadership at the FHFA and how the change may affect the future of the GSEs. Focus on the potential release of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from conservatorship, and the critical effect on your mortgage operations regarding the sale of loans. These changes will significantly affect your future safety and soundness examinations, underwriting policies and risk management compliance. Join the discussion on what to consider for historical back testing and fair lending analysis.

• Tyler Gilday, Senior Vice President and Mortgage Operations Manager, Mascoma Bank 
• Shawn Jobe, Vice President, Software and Product Development, Credit Interlink
• Moderator: Joe Pigg, Senior Vice President, American Bankers Association

Topic: CRE Lending
How to Lend and Meet Community Reinvestment Needs Successfully

Rates are dropping, and banks are looking to grow CRE portfolio and meet the need for community development loans. Learn where these opportunities exist and how to provide affordable housing solutions in your market.  

• Jose H. Cruz, Senior Vice President, Commercial Team Leader
• Beth Klein, EVP, FirstBank
• Moderator: Stephanie M. Adkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, The Bank of Princeton

4:30 PM – 5:15 PM

Innovation Showcase
Presenting Companies are BHG, Everfi, Nasdaq, S&P, Quinte Financial and ServisFirst

This fast-paced networking session delivers hard-hitting insights from industry providers in just five minutes.

5:15 PM – 6:15 PM

Reception in The Hub

7:15 AM – 8:00 AM

Power Breakfasts

Competitive Ag Lending Products for Community Bankers

This session will focus on Farmer Mac’s AgXpress underwriting program, a newly expanded scorecard that makes your ag real estate loan approvals fast and efficient. Return to your bank with valuable new ideas that will assist in retaining and growing your farm and ranch relationships.

• Patrick Kerrigan, VP - Business Development, Farmer Mac
• Jodi Massanet, Senior Relationship Manager, Farmer Mac

Capturing Younger Business Customers: Four Growth Strategies

The Great Wealth Transfer will shift an estimated $84.4M from boomers to younger generations — resulting in a growing number of small businesses piloted by individuals with more modern banking expectations. Having the right products, services and technology in place can help grow your share of younger business clients. In this session, learn ways to innovative, and grow this vital segment.

• Jennifer Dimenna, SVP, Product, Apiture

Retirement Plan Best Practices

Successful plan outcomes start with effective plan design. Focus on automatic features that better meet the needs of plan participants and sponsors alike. This session focuses on best practices for designing plans geared toward achieving greater retirement readiness.

• John Schafer, VP, National Leader, Financial Institutions Channel, Pentegra

8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

General Session

ABA Leadership Speaks

• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

The View from the San Francisco Fed

San Francisco Fed President Mary C. Daly, whose district encompasses nine western states including Arizona, discusses the important role of community banks amidst an evolving landscape. After her remarks, President Daly will participate in a Q&A conversation with ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols. 

A Conversation with Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney E. Hood

Acting Comptroller of the Currency, Rodney E. Hood, just days into his new role, sits down with ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols for a fireside chat to share his perspective on key banking policy issues affecting community banks and his top priorities for 2025.

2025 and Beyond: An Economic Outlook

Gain a non-partisan analysis from expert Jeff Bush as he shares his insights on the shifting landscape in Washington and its effect on the financial industry. Jeff will break down the implications for the U.S. economy and offer strategies to help banks and business leaders prepare for and thrive. 

• Jeff Bush, Principal, The Washington Update  

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Coffee Break in The Hub

10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Guest Activity: Paws and Reflect

Take a deep breath and imagine yourself in a relaxing and regenerative Yoga class. Imagine transitioning into a pose while an adorable puppy crawls beside you. Thanks to a local Phoenix non-profit, Almost There Rescue (ATR), guests can enjoy a 30-minute Yoga class, and then additional puppy snuggle time. ATR specializes in rescuing pregnant dogs and abandoned puppies, providing them with enrichment and care, and helping them find loving, forever homes.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Educational and Peer Exchange Sessions

Topic: Profitability and Finance
Get Insights on Tax Reform

The expiration of the major portions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could be the catalyst for a major tax reform event in 2025. Join this session to hear about the potential implications for community banks and your customers.

• Joey Connor, Vice President, Tax Policy, American Bankers Association
• Justin Melvin, Vice President, Congressional Relations, American Bankers Association  

Topic: Human Capital
Navigate the Future: Leadership Insights for High-Performing Teams

In this session, get the knowledge, tools and strategies needed to foster resilience within your organization. Participants will explore the multifaceted nature of resilience in the context of community banking, examining how it affects leadership, team dynamics and overall institutional performance. 

• Arika Pierce Williams, CEO, Piercing Strategies

Topic: Technology 
Core Performance: How It Affects Innovation at Your Bank 

The 2024 ABA Core Platform Providers Survey offers valuable insights into the banker-core provider relationship. Join your peers and members of the ABA Core Platforms Committee for an in-depth analysis of the survey results and their implications. Discover actionable takeaways to stay competitive and maximize the potential of your technology investments. 

• Moderator: Russell Davis, Executive Vice President, American Bankers Association
• Kristiane Koontz, Executive Vice President, Zions Bancorporation, N.A.
• Steven Schieffelin, SVP/IT Business Relationship Mgt, Dime Community Bank
• Trey Maust, CPA, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Lewis & Clark Bank

Topic: Technology
Plan for Trustworthy and Secure GenAI Use

Along with the promises of Generative AI, there are concerns about the potential risks to organizations. If you plan to scale up your AI strategy and usage, learn how to manage risk, security and compliance. Get insights on how to incorporate AI into your organization’s risk management program in order to unlock its full potential. 

• Dave Kliemann, Cloud Risk and Controls Leader, IBM Cloud 

Topic: Operations 
Get Innovative: Get FedNow

Since its July 2023 launch, FedNow has unlocked a range of beneficial instant payment use cases and has more than 1,000 FIs participating. The Clearing House Real Time Payments network has been live since 2017 and processing one million transactions a day. While some community banks are contemplating their faster payments strategy, others have already made the leap. Hear how community banks matched their customer’s demands to the faster payments products available to develop a plan that makes sense for the bank.

• Michael Bilski, Chief Executive Officer, North American Banking Company
• Reed Luhtanen, Executive Director, Faster Payments Council  
• Moderator: Stephen Kenneally, Senior Vice President, Payments, American Bankers Association  

Topic: Board Governance
Posing a Credible Challenge Perspective: The Board's Role

A fundamental responsibility of directors, whether they're board newcomers or veterans, is to pose a credible challenge to management. Learn how directors are harnessing this discipline and carrying it with them through all facets of board service, from training to committees to the board room, and applying it to all topics that may arise, from concentrations to capital to innovation. 

• Debra Cope, Editor, ABA Director’s Briefing 
• George Hermann, Executive Chairman, Windsor Federal MHC
• Rafael DeLeon, Senior Vice President, Industry Engagement, NContracts

Mutuals Exchange

Join a facilitated discussion about the most pressing issues facing mutual banks, including ways to remove client friction, new opportunities from capital certificates and reducing costs through shared services. 

• Facilitator: Tom Long, Founding Manager, The Long Group  

Topic: CRE Lending
Latest Trends from CRE Loan Reviews and Credit Management

Today’s management of CRE is continually expanding, so engaging in an in-depth loan review is critical. Learn about recent trends in this area, and how banks can make a difference.  

• Amy Wiles, EVP, Chief Credit and Risk Officer, NBT Bank  
• Ryan Swope, Principal, National Service Leader-Loan Review, Forvis Mazars  
• Moderator: Mike Bauer, SVP & SR Credit Officer, WesBanco   

12:30 PM – 2:15 PM

Visa NFL Financial Football
Fueling Futures: A Lunch for Financial Education

Join fellow community bankers in supporting financial education, cheering on local students and mingling with NFL stars.

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Spark!

Spark! is your chance to enjoy heartfelt stories from your peers that are fast, fun and focused. These five-minute presentations will surely ignite your inner leader and inspire you in your career.

• Master of Ceremonies: Luanne Cundiff, President and CEO, First State Bank of St. Charles
• Noel Hansen, SVP, Commercial Banking Sales, Alpine Bank
• Piotrek Buciarski, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader, Summit Bank
• Todd Lewis, President and CFO, Column National Association 
• Adam Anderson, President and CEO, Bank of Commerce 

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM

Educational and Peer Exchange Sessions

Topic: Board Governance
Navigate Change in an Uncertain World 

New forces in the banking industry range from digitization to AI to the tsunami of regulatory requirements, and they all add up to a need for savvy change management. Learn how boards and management must expand their scope of inquiry, recognize vulnerabilities and opportunities and navigate change. 

• Debra Cope, Editor, ABA Directors’ Briefing 
• Rafael DeLeon, Senior Vice President, Industry Engagement, NContracts

Topic: Human Capital
Get Leadership Insights from CEOs and Emerging Leaders

Join an interactive panel discussion and open forum that addresses leadership challenges, issues and opportunities from both the CEO and emerging leader perspective. Participate in dialogue focused on leadership development, retention and succession planning. 

• Jennifer Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBL State Savings Bank, and Chair, ABA Community Bankers Council 
• Noel Hansen, SVP-Commercial Banking Sales Manager, Alpine Banks of Colorado, and ABA Emerging Leaders Council Chair  

Topic: Profitability and Finance
Focus on Growth Strategy 

Community banks must weigh the benefits and challenges of expanding independently or through acquisition. During this session, leaders from community banks will share insights on both strategies, including financial implications, regulatory environments, operational outcomes and customer experiences. They will also discuss their future growth plans and lessons learned from their experiences. 

• Jon Sisk, Regional President and Chief Banking Officer, West Coast Community Bank
• James Christensen, President and CEO, Gateway Bank 
• Moderator: Trey Maust, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Lewis and Clark Bank  

Topic: Operations 
Educate Customers and Communities about Fraud

Criminals are targeting people of all ages, and losses have risen exponentially across America. Combating fraud requires a multipronged strategy, and consumer education is a critical component. Join this session to hear from American Riviera Bank, the ABA Foundation, the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust and the FINRA Foundation to learn about scam prevention efforts and how to tailor your bank’s messaging to ensure that your educational interventions can reduce susceptibility to fraud.

• Robert Mascio, FINRA Investor Education Foundation 
• Melissa Trumpower Lanning, BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust 
• Laurel Sykes, American Riviera Bank 
• Moderator: Sam Kunjukunju, Vice President, Consumer Education, American Bankers Association

Plan for Trustworthy and Secure GenAI Use

If you plan to scale up your AI strategy and use, learn how to manage risk, security and compliance. In this session, get insights on how to incorporate AI into your organization’s risk management program to unlock its full potential. 

• Dave Kliemann, Cloud Risk and Controls Leader, IBM Cloud
• Paul Ho-Sing-Loy, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, MidWestOne Bank

Peer Exchanges

• CFO Exchange
• Mitigate Portfolio Risk with Strategic Loan and Covenant Management  

4:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Closing General Session

Future Proofing Your Core Strategy

Are you prepared to position your core and your core provider relationship for the future? In this session, we’ll use survey data to debunk the myth that all cores are the same. Focus on why your bank’s tech strategy must align with its business strategy, and what you can do to prepare for what’s coming as the core provider landscape evolves over the next few years.

• Trey Maust, Chair, ABA Core Platforms Committee and Executive Chairman & Co-Founder, Lewis and Clark Bank
• Kristiane Koontz, Ex-Officio, ABA Core Platforms Committee and EVP and Director of Banking Transformation, Zions Bancorporation, NA
• Moderator: Peter Cook, Chief of Communications, American Bankers Association

Master the Chemistry of Change

Whether you’re maneuvering a significant change – such as a merger, acquisition or restructure, dealing with the complexities of digital transformation or balancing time management and resource allocation, your mindset matters. In this session, become empowered to self-assess your change emotions and redirect anxiety and fears into moments of opportunity. Get steps to cultivate a growth mindset to thrive – and be a champion of change.

• Cassandra Worthy, Founder & CEO, Change Enthusiasm Global
  

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

A Toast to Community Banking Reception
Sponsored by the Council of Federal Home Loan Banks