Katie Barnes is chief human resources officer at BHG Financial.  She oversees the strategy and direction of BHG’s People Development (PD) department and advocates for employees’ personal and professional development.

Ms. Barnes’ strategic vision and approach to organizational development have played a vital role in building the PD department and creating BHG’s dynamic workforce, adding stability through the company’s period of accelerated growth.

She helped to create an environment that attracts top talent while ensuring BHG maintains its high standard of core values focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  This positive culture was critical during the company’s shift to a hybrid and remote workforce.

As a result of Ms. Barnes’ efforts, BHG’s award-winning culture is recognized regionally and nationally by publications such as Fortune, Inc., American Banker, and the South Florida and Central New York Business Journals every year.

Dr. Julie Bell is director of leadership advisory at Chartwell Partners.  The firm’s suite of leadership advisory services include succession planning, executive assessments, board advisory, and executive coaching.  Dr. Bell brings a 25-year track record of partnering with organizations and individuals in their quest to maximize performance. 

As an entrepreneur in her early career, Dr. Bell worked with a variety of individuals, teams, and organizations to improve their mindset through principles she developed to help her clients deliver their best performance when it matters most.  She is routinely featured as the keynote speaker at many conferences, offsites, and leadership development events.

Emily McCormick is Vice President of Editorial & Research for Bank Director. Emily oversees research projects, from in-depth reports to Bank Director’s annual surveys on M&A, risk, compensation, governance and technology. She also manages content for the Bank Services Program, including Bank Director’s Online Training Series. In addition to speaking and moderating discussions at Bank Director’s in-person and virtual events, Emily writes and edits for Bank Director magazine, BankDirector.com and Bank Director’s weekly newsletter, The Slant. She started her career in the circulation department at the Knoxville News-Sentinel and graduated summa cum laude from The University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and International Business.