Agenda

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration
Sponsored by:  Smith Consulting Group

8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
Day One Welcome
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
Bank Director welcomes all attendees to this year’s Bank C-Suite Summit in our hometown of Nashville, TN.

8:05 AM – 8:35 AM
The State of Our Industry
Bill Burgess, Managing Director & Co-Head of Financial Services Investment Banking, Piper Sandler & Co.
In this session, hear the current state of the banking industry and the underlying factors driving change and creating opportunities for banks today.

8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
Harnessing Your Strategic Plan
Anne Arvia, Principal, Cornerstone Advisors
Kyle Manny, Partner, Plante Moran
Mac Thompson, President & Founder, White Clay
Moderated by:  Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
Crafting and implementing an effective strategic plan for your bank involves thoughtful consideration, careful analysis and a deep understanding of your bank’s internal processes, market dynamics and competitive landscape. This session focuses on identifying and aligning your bank’s key objectives with its overall mission, vision and values.

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Peer Exchanges: Session 1
A highlight of the Bank Director events, during the Summit banker participants are divided by similar titles, roles and responsibilities to candidly discuss and debate various topics and issues facing banks today. All peer exchanges are led by an industry advisor and are conducted in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

Peer Exchange Topic 1: Technology Focus 

• Digital Strategy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Talent: Building Your Team 
• Making the Right Investment
• Integration Challenges
• Risk Considerations
• Due Diligence Best Practices

Peer Exchange Topic 2: Human Resources & Talent Focus

• Talent
• Compensation
• Succession Planning
• Developing the Next Talent Pool
• Incentive Compensation – does it align with your strategic plan?
• Creating Your Growth Plan:  What’s Next?

Peer Exchange Topic 3:  Marketing Focus

• Data
• Products/Services
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• CRM
• Niche Banking
• Branding
• Competition

Peer Exchange Topic 4: Balance Sheet and Risk Management Focus

• Growth Initiatives & Strategy
• Growing Organically
• Competitive Threats
• Making the Right Investments
• Risk Management
• Technology Budget: Impact on the Bank
• IT Risks
• Regulation
  
• Credit Risk

10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
Managing the Risks and the Balance Sheet
Daniel Ahn, Co-Founder & CEO, Delfi Labs Inc
David Still, Managing Director, IntraFi
Moderated by:  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
From interest rate risk to unrealized losses and risk oversight, uncover industry insights and expertise about innovative strategies for mitigating risk and managing the balance sheet in today’s dynamic banking environment. This session provides valuable perspectives from industry observers.

11:10 AM – 11:40 AM
Banking Trends & Challenges
Mark Kanaly, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
Casey Merolla, President, Community Financial Institutions, Strategic Resource Management, Inc.
Hunter Woolley, EVP, Business Development, Americas, Mastercard
Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Senior executives must understand the nuances of a dynamic banking industry by focusing on the latest trends and the challenges faced by financial institutions of all asset sizes.  This panel discussion explores the increasing adoption of digital banking solutions, the impact of technological advancements and the changing consumer expectations while addressing the challenges posed by vendor management, regulatory compliance and the rising competition in the digital space.

11:50 AM – 12:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1:   Driving Growth While Strengthening Bank Performance
Mark Kanaly, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
In today’s ever-changing financial landscape, bank executives play a crucial role in driving growth and improving profitability. This session examines essential strategies and best practices for optimizing financial performance, managing risk and navigating regulatory challenges.

Breakout 2: Succession Strategy Unpacked: Building Your Leadership Pipeline
Dr. Julie Bell, Director, Leadership Advisory, Chartwell Partners
This session gives you valuable strategies and insights into identifying and developing future leaders within your organization. Also, delve into best practices and practical approaches to succession planning, equipping you with the knowledge to ensure a seamless transition of talent within your bank. Whether you want to build a robust talent pipeline or enhance your current succession planning process, this session provides the tools and expertise to drive your organization’s success.

Breakout 3: Embracing Marketing for Strategic Bank Growth
Dan Marks, President, Infusion Marketing Group
Many banks view marketing as a necessary expense rather than a strategic investment. However, in today’s competitive financial landscape, effective marketing is essential for driving growth, building brand loyalty and attracting new customers. This session dispels the myths surrounding marketing and demonstrates its power as a strategic tool for banks. sustainable growth in today’s dynamic environment.

Breakout 4:  The Qualities of a Leader
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
What makes a good leader, and what qualities do you need to be a great one? This session focuses on the many characteristics of a leader and which qualities are non-negotiable. Learn what you can do to build on your own leadership qualities.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Networking Lunch

1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: Addressing Today’s Top Banking Risks
Josh Juergensen, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Dustin Morris, Manager, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Bank executives face many challenges in a changing financial world. This presentation focuses on the main risks in banking, such as credit risk, digital risk and M&A and discusses how these risks affect decision-making and operations. Attendees gain insights on managing risks effectively, finding innovative solutions and taking steps to build resilience. Key points include understanding credit risk assessment techniques, dealing with digital transformation issues and using M&A opportunities to promote growth.

Breakout 2: Talent Development & Retention
Dara Klein, Managing Director, Kaplan Partners
Susan Nicholson, EVP, Chief Human Resources Officer, S&T Bank
Renee Pecor, Chief People Officer, Mascoma Bank
Explore strategies for attracting top talent, fostering employee development and curating an environment that encourages long-term retention. This session highlights two bank human resources leaders who share their experiences navigating the complex dynamics around retention and talent management as keys to supporting your bank’s continued growth and success.

Breakout 3: Using Data Strategically
Barry Adcock, Financial Performance Strategist, Quantalytix, Inc.
Striking the right balance between growing market share and improving margins and profitability is challenging and not without risk. How can you leverage your bank’s data to enhance sales initiatives, boost performance and manage risk more effectively? Traditional data warehouses and data lakes can be costly to build and complex to maintain and navigate. In this session, we explore practical, modern strategies to aggregate, organize and visualize your data – empowering your team to make smarter, more targeted decisions.

Breakout 4: Leading Through Influence
Steve Mellor, Founder & Head Performance Partner, GrowthReady
Critical skills and strategies are needed to lead with integrity, including effective communication, building trust and inspiring others to action. Attendees gain practical insights into becoming more impactful and influential leaders to drive positive change within their teams and organizations.

2:20 PM – 2:50 PM
Strategies for Growth: Point/Counterpoint Debate
John Behringer, Partner, Risk Consulting, RSM US LLP
Kathleen Craig, Founder & CEO, Plinqit
Tim Daley, Principal Digital Strategist, Q2
Moderated by:  Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
A favorite of Bank Director conference attendees, this session pits industry experts against each other to debate the most controversial issues in strategic growth. You don’t want to miss this heated – and informative – session!

2:50 PM – 3:20 PM
Building the Best Team
Thomas Broughton, President & CEO, ServisFirst Bank
Jude Melville, Chairman & CEO, b1BANK
Jeff Sinnott, President & CEO, Vantage Bank
Moderated by:  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
How do you create a high-performing team that drives results and fosters a positive work environment?   In this session, hear from a panel of bankers who focus on strategies for understanding individual strengths, fostering effective communication, promoting collaboration and establishing trust within the team.

3:20 PM – 3:40 PM
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by:  Linedata

3:40 PM – 4:55 PM
Peer Exchanges:  Session 2
Building on the first round of peer exchanges, banker participants return to their same peer groups and attend the second round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders.

4:55 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
Sponsored by:  HC3

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored by:  Quantalytix, Inc.

8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
Day Two Welcome
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
As we begin day two of the Summit, Michelle and Laura reveal key findings from this year’s Bank Director research and what is top of mind for most bank boards based on respondent feedback.

8:05 AM – 8:35 AM
Regulatory Update & Impact On The Bank
Sarah Billington, Attorney, Howard & Howard
Timothy Gronewold, Attorney, Howard & Howard
What are the latest regulatory updates and how do they impact our industry?  During this session, learn about recent regulatory changes and how they influence bank operations, risk management and overall performance.

8:45 AM – 9:25 AM
Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1:  Strategically Balancing Executive Compensation & Benefits
Mike Blanchard, CEO, Blanchard Consulting Group
Matt Brei, President, Blanchard Consulting Group
executive compensation and benefits, including executive salary structures, incentive programs, perks and benefits packages. Gain insights into practical strategies that you can implement to align executive compensation with business goals and regulatory guidelines while ensuring competitiveness and fairness.

Breakout 2:  Developing the Best Brand
Jim Pannos, President, Pannos Marketing
Understand how the power of a strong brand is critical for your bank’s continued success. In this session, learn the key strategies behind the building, message development and marketing of a solid brand identity. Additionally, we discuss the importance of maintaining brand consistency across all areas of your bank and external marketing channels.

Breakout 3:   Maximizing Strategic Growth With Data and AI
Donald Permezel, Global Lead – Data & AI, nCino
Financial institutions are sitting on vast reserves of untapped data that hold immense potential. However, without a strong data strategy, much of this data remains unused, limiting its impact. This session explores how a solid foundation in data strategy is essential for unlocking the power of artificial intelligence and driving strategic growth. Discover cutting-edge AI strategies to modernize customer experiences, improve decision-making, and fuel innovation, and leave with practical tools designed to maximize your institution’s success and position you for profitable growth.

Breakout 4: Creative or Reactive: Which Is Your Leadership Style?
Joanna Williams, Leadership Development Consultant, Williams Leadership Solutions
Many leaders are in reactive mode, a leadership style that focuses on solving problems and hampers effective leadership. Find out why this approach doesn’t work long-term, how a creative style differs and how to transition.

9:25 AM – 9:40 AM
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by:  TruStage

9:40 AM – 10:55 AM
Peer Exchanges:  Session 3
Banker participants return to their previous peer exchange groups for the third round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders.

11:05 AM – 11:35 AM
Unraveling the Bank’s Technology Budget:  Understanding Its Impact
John Macaluso, Chief Operations Officer, Smith Consulting Group
Given the digital strategies and amount of money spent by the largest financial institutions, community bank executives need to understand exactly how and where innovative technologies can help win and keep loyal customers, improve operational efficiency and enhance their overall cyber-security measures. By extension, decisions also include how much they might need to spend – and how to address the growing digital skills gap that might prove to be the Achilles heel of any well-thought-out plan.

11:35 AM – 12:15 PM
Lessons Learned:  From the Branch to the Boardroom
Pamela Caraccioli, President & CEO, Fulton Savings Bank
John McDearman, CEO, Wilson Bank & Trust
Mike Sutton, SVP, Head of Retail Banking, Nicolet National Bank
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Hear from a panel of bank leaders who discuss current banking trends, challenges and opportunities they have faced over their tenure.  They share valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating from the branch to the boardroom.  From innovative technologies to emerging business models, expect to gain valuable perspectives that can shape your bank’s approach for the future.

12:15 PM – 12:20 PM
Closing Remarks
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director