Curriculum | Commercial Lending School - Advanced

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Credit Risk Management Tools and Techniques

Credit risk management is key to making profitable and prudent loans, which in turn, is driven by a bank’s credit culture. Banks with value-driven credit cultures enjoy good asset quality and higher than average shareholder value. This session explains how to implement and maintain a values-driven credit culture in practical, logical steps.

• Martin 'Dev' Strischek, Principal, Devon Risk Advisory Group, LLC

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Break

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Credit Risk Management Tools and Technique (Cont'd)

Credit risk management is key to making profitable and prudent loans, which in turn, is driven by a bank’s credit culture. Banks with value-driven credit cultures enjoy good asset quality and higher than average shareholder value. This session explains how to implement and maintain a values-driven credit culture in practical, logical steps.

• Martin 'Dev' Strischek, Principal Devon Risk Advisory Group, LLC

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM

CRE Risk Management

This session examines the components of an effective risk management system for CRE loans. Learn how to better identify and deal with CRE concentrations, strategies for developing industry data and references, and following the various regulations for appraisals and environmental due diligence. Prior to this session, participants are encouraged to download and review the August 2013 Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Commercial Real Estate Lending Handbook.

• Richard Hamm, Owner, Advantage Consulting & Training

1:50 PM – 2:00 PM

Break

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

CRE Risk Management (Cont'd)

This session examines the components of an effective risk management system for CRE loans. Learn how to better identify and deal with CRE concentrations, strategies for developing industry data and references, and following the various regulations for appraisals and environmental due diligence. Prior to this session, participants are encouraged to download and review the August 2013 Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Commercial Real Estate Lending Handbook.

• Richard Hamm, Owner, Advantage Consulting & Training

3:00 PM  4:00 PM

Avoiding Lender Liability Issues

Consumer-based lender liability claims against banks are becoming more common. In this session, learn to think like a lawyer to spot potential red flags, which could lead to a lender liability lawsuit. Learn the best defenses to defeat and avoid legal pitfalls via current case law and legislation.

• Tricia DeLeon, Litigator, Holland & Knight LLP

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Credit Risk Management: Case Studies and Report Out/Review

In this session, participate in a case study that teaches you to apply the techniques and tools learned in the Credit Risk Management course to solve credit risk problems.

• Martin 'Dev' Strischek, Principal, Devon Risk Advisory Group, LLC

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Break

11:00 AM – 12:10 PM

Global Debt & Contingent Liability Analysis

This course is aimed at helping managers ensure that analysts and lenders are accurate and consistent in calculating global cash flow (GCF). A manager’s guide for monitoring the accuracy of the GCF is also included.

• Martin 'Dev' Strischek, Principal Devon Risk Advisory Group, LLC

12:10 PM – 1:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM

Strategic Loan Pricing

It is more important than ever to take a strategic approach to loan pricing. This session will cover two big issues that influence pricing, and more. See a demonstration of how to measure loan profitability and calculate the required rate on a loan, and have time to discuss various models used in your bank.

• Richard Hamm, Owner Advantage Consulting & Training

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Break

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Problem Loan Management

This session focuses on how to avoid problem loans, recognize early warning signals and their causes, and the major factors to consider in managing problem loans. Engage in case studies that will assist you in identifying these issues, and managing troubled assets.

• Kevin Nickodem, Retired Commercial Banker and Credit Facilitator

4:00 – 5:00 PM

Interactive Best Practices Discussion

Join us for an engaging and dynamic round table discussion focused on sharing best practices. This course features an informal and free-flowing conversation led by an experienced facilitator who will share relevant stories and experiences.

Participants will have the opportunity to network and exchange insights in a collaborative setting. Our unique "Spilled Milk" session allows attendees to openly discuss what worked well and what could have been done differently, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

• Kevin Nickodem, Former Commercial Banker and Credit Facilitator (retired)

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:45 AM

CRE Construction Lending

Unlike other commercial and consumer loan types, construction loans and their value are created by the disbursement of loan proceeds over time—and when the project is complete. This session navigates the entire process from front-end due diligence and loan documentation, to best practices for the administration of the disbursement of loan proceeds.

• Joseph Javitz, Executive Vice President/Chief Credit Officer, ConnectOne Bank

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM

Break

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Portfolio Stress Testing

Strongly encouraged by bank regulators, stress testing is a forward-looking quantitative assessment of potential economic events that could adversely affect the quality of a loan portfolio, earnings performance and capital adequacy. In this session, learn more about stress testing, and how it has evolved into an integral part of a bank’s credit risk management framework.

• Rob Newberry, Senior Advisor, Abrigo

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch and Class Photo

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

A Conversation with Federal Regulators – Emerging Issues for Lending Portfolios

The session is a panel discussion with representatives of the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and OCC. Each panelist has a strong credit background, knowledge in regulatory lending emerging issues, and current or recent bank examination experience.

• Moderator: David Rodarte, AVP, Credit Analyst Assistant Manager, Austin Bank
• Lorenzo Garza, Vice President of Banking Supervision, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas
• Joseph Hoge, Commercial Credit Lead Expert for the South and Southeast regions of Community Bank Supervision, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
• Kevin Cole, Senior Examination Specialist, FDIC – Atlanta Regional Office

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Break

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM

Electives

Profitability: Bank Financial Analysis and Asset/Liability Management

Understanding the components of a balance sheet, and how they drive the income statement, is critical to understanding how commercial lending affects bank performance. Management reporting, including Asset-Liability Management (ALCO) and profitability reporting, are used internally to manage risks, measure progress and drive decision-making. In this course, learn to identify profit drivers that result in positive financial performance and how to develop a strategy that focuses on strategic objectives that drive long-term success.

• Jeff Marsico, Founding Shareholder, The Kafafian Group

Deep Dive into C&I Lending

This elective applies key Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Lending concepts through real-world business cases in small group settings. Students focus on identifying cash flow and liquidity challenges to enhance their credit analysis and deliver greater value to clients. The course also covers working capital analysis to assess funding needs, the application of UCA cash flow methods for loan evaluations, and the principles of source and use of funds. Participants will gain access to resources, including a cash flow early warning checklist, a 5-minute cash flow statement analysis, and an Excel template for evaluating the monetary implications of inefficiencies in the cash conversion cycle.

• Michael Wear, President, 39 Acres Corporation

Navigating Commercial Real Estate Lending

This elective course is designed for professionals in the commercial lending industry who want to deepen their understanding of current trends and best practices in commercial real estate (CRE) lending. The course will cover hot topics in the market, key appraisal considerations, and the intricacies of perfecting liens. Through an interactive Q&A format, participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and network with peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Joseph Javitz, Executive Vice President/Chief Credit Officer, ConnectOne Bank

Small Business Administration Lender Training: Marketing, Loan Origination and Post-Closing  

The session is designed for financial institutions that have an interest in becoming a Small Business Administration (SBA) lender or increasing SBA lending activity. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of effective marketing strategies, loan origination best practices and essential post-closing procedures to ensure compliance and maximize loan performance.

• Rosemarie Drake, Deputy District Director, SBA
• Jeffrey Patterson, Deputy Director of Rural Affairs, SBA

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM

Break

4:00 PM – 5:30 

Electives

Profitability: Bank Financial Analysis and Asset/Liability Management

Understanding the components of a balance sheet, and how they drive the income statement, is critical to understanding how commercial lending affects bank performance. Management reporting, including Asset-Liability Management (ALCO) and profitability reporting, are used internally to manage risks, measure progress and drive decision-making. In this course, learn to identify profit drivers that result in positive financial performance and how to develop a strategy that focuses on strategic objectives that drive long-term success.

• Jeff Marsico, Founding Shareholder, The Kafafian Group

An Intermediate Guide to Hotel Underwriting and Financing

This session features a robust primer on hotel underwriting, providing the tools and techniques to identify and understand hotel loans’ credit risks. Students will learn best practices for documenting loans, including key information from the franchisor, franchisee and borrower. The session will equip attendees to engage in high-level discussions, structure loan requests, and bridge the gap between initial conversations and detailed underwriting.

• John Blanton, Senior Vice President, Peoples Bank

Current Industry Updates

This comprehensive panel discussion brings together leading subject matter experts in commercial lending compliance to address the latest regulatory changes and their implications for financial institutions. Participants will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), understand the nuances of AI applications in commercial lending and the panel will delve into best practices for underwriting and managing participation loans.

• Moderator: Suzanne Cumming, AVP/Branch Manager/Consumer and Commercial Lender, United Bank
• Derrick Jackson, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, First Savings Bank
• Rob Newberry, Senior Advisor, Abrigo
• Charles LeFevre, Principal Consultant, Big Easy Advisors

Deep Dive into C&I Lending

This elective applies key Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Lending concepts through real-world business cases in small group settings. Students focus on identifying cash flow and liquidity challenges to enhance their credit analysis and deliver greater value to clients. The course also covers working capital analysis to assess funding needs, the application of UCA cash flow methods for loan evaluations, and the principles of source and use of funds. Participants will gain access to resources, including a cash flow early warning checklist, a 5-minute cash flow statement analysis, and an Excel template for evaluating the monetary implications of inefficiencies in the cash conversion cycle.

• Michael Wear, President, 39 Acres Corporation

Navigating Commercial Real Estate Lending

This elective course is designed for professionals in the commercial lending industry who want to deepen their understanding of current trends and best practices in commercial real estate (CRE) lending. The course will cover hot topics in the market, key appraisal considerations, and the intricacies of perfecting liens. Through an interactive Q&A format, participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts and network with peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Joseph Javitz, Executive Vice President/Chief Credit Officer, BCB Community Bank

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Appraisals and Evaluations

In this session, delve into regulatory requirements and expectations for real estate loan policies, appraiser independence, appraisals and evaluations, reviews and more. Learn through facilitated discussion and reviewing pertinent case studies.

• Suzy Gardner, Senior Examination Specialist and former Special Assistant to the Chairman of the FDIC, Division of Risk Management Supervision, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Break

9:45 AM – 11:45 AM

CRE Valuation Management

This session focuses on a common sense approach when considering whether an appraisal provides a credible value conclusion. Learn through facilitated discussion and reviewing pertinent case studies.

• Suzy Gardner, Senior Examination Specialist and former Special Assistant to the Chairman of the FDIC, Division of Risk Management Supervision, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM

Lunch

12:45 PM – 2:15 PM

Introduction to Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy law is a complex and ever-changing subject. Lenders and credit analysts need to be aware of how the Bankruptcy Code works and how to protect and preserve their rights under the law. This content will be an overview that will help lenders manage bankruptcy procedures and improve lending. Discussions will include Chapter 7s, Chapter 13s, Chapter 11s and Chapter 12s.

• Brandon Tomjack, Partner, Baird Holm LLP

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM

Break

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Fraud: Methods, Detection and Prevention

The session covers the different types of financial crime and fraud schemes typically encountered by financial institutions, particularly those methodologies that utilize lending products. Learn to spot red flags, and report them. Discuss schemes involving bank insiders, with a focus on potential signs of collusion between bank clients and lenders.

• Michael Bacon, Founder and Managing Partner, Rezolvrizk LLC
• James Hitchcock, Vice President, Fraud Mitigation, American Bankers Association

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Tacos and Karaoke

Get ready for an exciting evening filled with delicious tacos and epic karaoke performances. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or a karaoke superstar, this event is the perfect opportunity to mingle with students from both schools, have fun, and showcase your hidden talents.

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Developing Leadership Practices

This course focuses on developing leadership skills through the Situational Leadership Framework, guiding participants in adapting their leadership style to different contexts. Integrating key concepts from Transformational, Transactional, Servant, and Authentic Leadership theories, participants will learn to identify situational variables and apply the most effective leadership behaviors to individual and team settings.

• Dr. David Notgrass, Professor of Management in the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business, Tarleton State University

9:15 AM – 9:30 AM

Break

9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Developing Leadership Practices

This course focuses on developing leadership skills through the Situational Leadership Framework, guiding participants in adapting their leadership style to different contexts. Integrating key concepts from Transformational, Transactional, Servant, and Authentic Leadership theories, participants will learn to identify situational variables and apply the most effective leadership behaviors to individual and team settings.

• Dr. David Notgrass, Professor of Management in the Dr. Sam Pack College of Business, Tarleton State University

11:30 AM

School Concludes

Please do not make travel plans to depart before the session ends at 11:30 AM. If you elect to depart early, we cannot grant a program certificate.