Workshop Overview
Since 1991, Bank Director has been the preeminent source for board members of financial institutions. Board members who have chosen to stay on top of industry trends and changes – and who seek excellence in their role as directors – have had the tools to do so through Bank Director magazine, conferences, virtual and in-person peer forums and the industry-leading BankDirector.com online resources.
In response to mounting pressures on the financial community, Bank Director is expanding its educational resources to include certification. The Bank Director Certification Program is the preeminent director designation available to those currently serving, or wanting to serve, on a bank’s board.
Please note: Participants may attend the Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I, without completing Bank Director’s Certification Program.
Workshop Sessions Include:
• Attributes of a Healthy Board Culture
• Role of the Board
• Bank Regulation
• Role of the Independent Director
• Elevating Board & Director Performance
• Principles of Sound Banking
• Understanding Key Financial Metrics in Banking
As part of the Bank Director Certification Workshop, participants must attend the in-person Workshop or engage in the sessions through Bank Director’s online learning management system. More details and information on the annual program can be found here on BankDirector.com.
For more information on the Corporate Governance Workshop or our Bank Director Certification Program, please contact our bank services department directly at [email protected] or 877-764-4681.
Registration Information
The rate includes all Corporate Governance Workshop activities, materials, meals and beverages at the event site. The price does not include travel or hotel accommodations.
Registration Rate
Individual Rate: $1,395
Bank Director Certification Program Members
If you are participating in Bank Director’s Certification Program, your registration rate is included in your membership. To register your attendance for the in person Workshop, please contact our Bank Services Department at 615-777-8461 or [email protected].
Discounted Hotel Rate
There is a discounted hotel room rate available for conference attendees at the JW Marriott Chicago until April 5, 2027 or until all rooms are reserved. To reserve a room, click here or contact the hotel directly at 312-660-8200 and mention “Bank Director” to receive the discounted rate of $334/night for a standard room. Rooms are limited, so please book early!
Payments & Cancellation
Conference registration fees include admittance to all conference activities and access to the conference materials. Payment will be accepted by check, American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. If paying by check, please make payable to DirectorCorps, Inc. and include the attendee’s name(s) and/or a copy of the registration form and mail to:
Conferences
Bank Director
201 Summit View Drive, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027
Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after August 10, 2026 will be subject to a $500 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after August 31, 2026; however, substitute participants are welcomed. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants. Download and review our event’s code of conduct.
For more information regarding registration, refunds, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact our events department at 877-397-7595 or [email protected].
Agenda
Bank Director’s Editor-at-Large developed the curriculum for the Bank Director Certification Program and the Bank Director Workshop. Participants receive training materials and a syllabus to support the on-site learning activities during this in-person course.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
Sponsored by: COCC
To kick off the Corporate Governance Workshop and C-Suite Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Welcome
Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
Bank Director’s Editor-at-Large, Jack Milligan, sets the tone and leads the sessions for Bank Director’s Corporate Governance Workshop. The curriculum materials are introduced and distributed to ensure there is an engaging learning environment for the day’s sessions that follows.
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
Role of the Board
Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
Strong and engaged boards are instrumental in their bank’s success. During this session we cover the following topics: CEO succession planning, monitoring the bank’s financial performance, risk governance (including cybersecurity and the adoption of sound governance practices) and the differing roles of management and the board.
10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
The Attributes of a Healthy Board Culture
Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
This session dives into the attributes that define a strong governance culture which includes independence, transparency, accountability, diversity and alignment around a common set of objectives.
10:50 AM – 11:05 AM
Refreshment Break
11:05 AM – 12:20 PM
Peer Collaboration I
During this session, workshop attendees participate with their peers in a collaborative discussion and decision making process centered on a set of challenging corporate governance scenarios that will be provided to each table.
12:20 PM – 1:20 PM
Workshop Lunch
Take time to meet with your peers during this workshop lunch.
1:20 PM – 2:10 PM
Elevating Board & Director Performance
Jackie Wall, Vice President, Bank Director
How does the board hold itself and each individual director accountable for the quality of their engagement? During this portion of the agenda, we discuss the importance of board evaluations as well as board composition and director refreshment, skills matrices, setting performance expectations for directors, board and individual director surveys – and how to use the results.
2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
Regulation
Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
Banking is a highly regulated industry, and it’s crucial that directors understand the expectation that state and federal banking regulators have for boards of directors. Topics covered during this part of the Workshop agenda include an overview of the dual banking system, some of the most important regulations and a strategy for proactively managing the regulatory relationship.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Refreshment Break
3:15 PM – 4:25 PM
Peer Collaboration II
During this session, workshop attendees participate with their peers in a collaborative discussion and decision making process centered on a set of challenging corporate governance scenarios that will be provided to each table.
4:25 PM – 4:30 PM
Wrap Up Day One
Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
5:05 PM – 6:05 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Breakfast
7:30 AM – 7:35 AM
Welcome Back
Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
7:35 AM – 8:25 AM
Responsibilities of the Independent Director
Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
The qualities that each individual director brings to the process of board governance has a tremendous impact on its effectiveness. These characteristics include personal integrity, the ability to exercise sound judgment, intellectual curiosity, valuable knowledge or skill sets, the ability to work well with others and a commitment to ongoing training and education. This session dives into these characteristics and discusses your role as a bank director.
8:25 AM – 9:15 AM
Understanding the Financial Metrics of Banking
Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
Banking is the very definition of a numbers-driven business, and it is through the numbers that directors will monitor the performance of their institution. During this session, we will review the key financial metrics relating to capitalization, credit quality, liquidity and profitability that directors need to understand. Examples include the Tier 1 capital ratio, the nonperforming asset ratio, return on equity and the efficiency ratio.
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Refreshment Break
9:30 AM – 10:20 AM
Principles of Sound Banking
Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
Banking is a highly leveraged business, even at the higher capitalization levels that have been in effect since the financial crisis, and the margin for error is small. We will review some of the principles of sound banking including ample capitalization, a stable deposit base, a strong credit culture and a rigorous risk management program. We will also review some of the most common missteps that have historically led to bank failures.
10:20 AM – 11:20 AM
Peer Collaboration III
During this session, workshop attendees participate with their peers in a collaborative discussion and decision making process centered on a set of challenging corporate governance scenarios that will be provided to each table.
11:20 AM – 11:30 AM
Concluding Remarks
Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
About the Venue
The JW Marriott Chicago is a landmark luxury family hotel in downtown Chicago. Take advantage of a central location on Chicago’s famous Loop – near Union Station, West Loop restaurants, the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, the Field Museum and Soldier Field. Treat yourself to luxury amenities at the hotel in downtown Chicago like an on-site spa, indoor swimming pool, modern fitness center and large soaking tubs in each room. Sample the authentic cuisine and specialty cocktails at the restaurant and lounge. Then retreat to a spectacular hotel room or suite inspired by Pullman’s iconic luxury railcars.
Discounted Hotel Rate
There is a discounted hotel room rate available for conference attendees at the JW Marriott Chicago until Wednesday, April 5, 2027, or until all rooms are reserved. To reserve a room, click here or contact the hotel directly at 312-660-8200 and mention “Bank Director” to receive the discounted rate of $334/night for a standard room. Rooms are limited, so please book early!
For more information regarding registration, refunds, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact our events department at 877-397-7595 or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I?
Who should attend the Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I?
Those currently serving or wanting to serve on a bank’s board. Members of Bank Director’s Director Certification Program must complete the Corporate Governance Workshop – Course I either virtually or in person. To enhance the learning experience, in-person participants receive printed course curriculum and materials during the session.
Why should I attend the Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I?
Why should I attend the Corporate Governance Workshop: Course I?
The Corporate Governance Workshop is designed for those currently serving or wanting to serve on a bank’s board. During the workshop, Bank Director covers critical areas individuals must understand in order to be an effective board member. Completion of Course I is required for those who want to participate in Course II of the Director Certification Program.
How much does this workshop cost and what does the fee cover?
How much does this workshop cost and what does the fee cover?
For non-program members the individual registration rate is $1,395. For Bank Director Certification Program members, the registration fee is included in your program membership. For more information, please contact our Bank Services Department at [email protected] or 615-777-8461. These fees include all workshop activities, materials and meals at the event site. This price does not include travel or hotel accommodations.
What if I need to cancel my reservation for the conference?
What if I need to cancel my reservation for the conference?
Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after March 8, 2027, will be subject to a $300 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after March 29, 2027; however, substitute participants are welcome. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants.
Can I receive a certificate of attendance?
Can I receive a certificate of attendance?
You may receive a certificate of participation in the Workshop, however, to become Bank Director Certified, participants must participate in the annual Bank Director Certification Program. For more information, please contact our Bank Services Department at [email protected] or 615-777-8461.
Is CPE credit available for this conference?
Is CPE credit available for this conference?
DirectorCorps, Inc., the parent company of Bank Director, is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.
Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org. Visit their information page for CPE learning objectives, program levels, prerequisites, recommended credits and complaint resolutions.
All of Bank Director’s education programs are classified as “Basic” program level with no pre-requisites or advance preparation required for participation in these events. All events fall under “Group-Live” delivery method. At the event, attendees will be required to keep a timesheet and attendance at sessions will be monitored in order for attendees to receive the appropriate number of credits and a certificate of completion following the event.
For questions about the program and about the number of credits awarded for this event, please contact Bank Director’s conference department at [email protected] or 877-397-7595.