Agenda

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast

8:30 AM – 8:40 AM
Day One Welcome
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Gregg Tewksbury, President & CEO, New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp
Bank Director and Mutuals Matter kick off Day One of the Summit by welcoming attendees to Boston.

8:40 AM – 9:20 AM
A Message from Washington
Gain critical intelligence on the legislative and regulatory shifts reshaping our industry. This session breaks down the latest directives from Capitol Hill and federal agencies. Discover how Washington’s agenda impacts your board’s governance, compliance strategy and the preservation of the mutual charter.

9:20 AM – 10:00 AM
The 5 Biggest Challenges Facing Bank Boards Today
Whether it’s the drive for deposits and interest rate inflection, competition from neo-banks and fintech companies in payments and lending, or devising a strategy to scale, the challenges facing bank CEOs and their boards, specifically for mutuals, have rarely been more complex. This opening session frames the issues facing banks today and provides context for the general session topics on this agenda. 

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Refreshment Break

10:15 AM – 10:55 AM
The State of Our Industry: Finding Your Place In A Consolidating Industry
Join us as we dissect the evolving banking landscape. We dive into emerging trends, economic forecasts and strategic approaches to navigate uncertainty and capitalize on opportunities.

10:55 AM – 11:35 AM
Securing Your Legacy
Shift your board’s mindset from maintaining the status quo to pursuing strategic dominance. Explore actionable strategies to leverage the mutual advantage for growth, innovation and deeper member value. During this session, participants hear how to secure your institution’s independence and legacy by playing offense in a consolidating, competitive marketplace.

11:35 AM – 12:35 PM
Networking Lunch
Hosted by:  Mutuals Matter

12:35 PM – 1:15 PM
Strategic Capital Deployment: Maximizing the Mutual Advantage
Unlock the full potential of your balance sheet. With retained earnings as your primary resource, deployment decisions are critical. Learn frameworks to balance regulatory safety with bold investments in technology and talent. Master the art of using capital to drive member value and ensure generational relevance.

1:15 PM – 1:50 PM
Why Do Mutuals Matter?
Your ownership structure is a powerful competitive advantage. Learn to craft a compelling narrative that distinguishes you from stock-owned rivals. Discover how to translate the “mutual difference” into market share, customer loyalty and a brand identity that resonates with purpose-driven consumers.

1:50 PM – 2:05 PM
Refreshment Break

2:05 PM – 3:15 PM
Peer Collaboration
This session allows small groups to come together to discuss ideas and share experiences. A suggested list of topics will be provided to each table.

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Refreshment Break

3:30 PM – 4:10 PM
Seamless Transition: The Critical Role of Succession Planning
A strong succession plan is vital for the long-term success of any bank. This session discusses the importance of board involvement in succession planning and the board’s role in selecting and mentoring future leaders. We explore the impact of regulatory changes and emerging trends on succession planning.

4:10 PM – 5:00 PM
Building a Strong Bank:  What CEOs Want – and Expect – From Their Boards
Bank Director sits down with banking pioneers to discuss their innovative decision strategies and how they have built the bank they lead today.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
As we conclude the first day of the Summit, join your peers for a well-deserved time of networking.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day Two Welcome
Bank Director welcomes attendees to Day Two of the Summit. 

8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
A CEO’s Playbook: Realizing the Mutual Growth Potential
Charley Cummings, CEO, Walden Mutual Bank
Go behind the scenes of the first de novo mutual in a generation. Charley Cummings, CEO of Walden Mutual Bank, shares specific strategies – from culture shifts to strategic expansion – that fueled the institution’s rise. Gain a practical roadmap for aligning board and management to ignite sustainable growth while honoring your cooperative mission.

9:05 AM – 9:40 AM
The Importance of the Audit Committee (Even If You’re Not On It)
The audit committee is charged with retaining and supervising the bank’s external auditing firm and overseeing both external and internal auditing. This session reviews the audit committee’s duties and discusses best practices that keep the committee running effectively.

9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
Board & Executive: Modern Mutual Compensation
Competing for talent without stock options requires strategic creativity. Explore effective compensation frameworks specific to mutuals, including phantom equity and performance-based incentives. Learn to design packages that attract top-tier leadership, align rewards with long-term member value and withstand regulatory scrutiny.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Refreshment Break

10:30 AM – 11:05 AM
The Collaborative Advantage: Unlocking Shared Success
Overcome scale challenges without sacrificing independence. Explore high-impact collaboration models, from shared technology platforms to operational alliances. Discover how partnering with peer institutions drives efficiency and innovation, enabling your mutual to compete with industry giants while preserving your distinct community identity.

11:05 AM – 11:55 AM
Putting It All Together: What’s Now & What’s Next
We conclude the Summit with a panel of your peers, discussing the opportunities and challenges they face with their institutions. We dive into the critical role of strategic planning in driving organizational success, discuss why boards should play a strong role in the strategic planning process and show how they can shape a clear, actionable vision that aligns with the organization’s mission and objectives.

11:55 AM – 12:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Gregg Tewksbury, President & CEO, New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp