Program | Annual Convention

7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Power Breakfasts

Join us for breakfast and connect with colleagues from across the country. Learn about innovative new products and services that can take your bank to the next level.

Breakfast will be served from 7:15 AM to 7:45 AM outside of the morning sessions.

Half the Cost, Double the Deposits: Crack the Code of Real Growth

High-yield CDs and borrowings may bring in deposit dollars, but they also come with a near-unsustainable cost of funds, high attrition, rate shoppers, ongoing liquidity struggles, constant repricing and more. That’s not real growth. That’s phantom growth. It’s time for a new approach! Come learn how your institution can create real growth.

• Alisha Crafton, Chief Growth Officer, Kasasa 

Rise and Shine: Digital Growth Recipes for Banks

Join us for a power-packed breakfast and discover where your bank lies on the “Digital Progression Path.” Learn how to evolve your digital ecosystem, build deeper customer relationships, and maximize efficiencies with MeridianLink’s caffeinated solutions. Fuel your morning with insights! 

• Devesh Khare, Chief Product Officer, MeridianLink 

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Opening General Session

Opening Remarks

• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

In Conversation: Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman

As CEO and Chair of Nasdaq, Adena Friedman has a front row seat to the future of the financial system. She sits down with ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols to discuss the latest on the economy and the financial system, Nasdaq’s strong support for banks and her journey to the C-suite.

• Adena T. Friedman, Chair and CEO, Nasdaq, Inc.
• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

Nasdaq Opening Bell Ceremony

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Break in The Hub

The Hub is your ultimate destination to mix and mingle with peers and industry providers, see what’s new in banking and have a little bit of fun!

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

General Session

The Road Ahead for America’s Banks: JPMorganChase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon  

America’s best known banker, JPMorganChase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon, joins ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols to discuss challenges and opportunities facing America’s banks, his outlook for the economy, and the importance of maintaining a diverse and vibrant banking sector.

• Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorganChase
• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Knowledge Sessions

These sessions allow you to focus on the issues that matter most to you, and network with senior banking leaders who feel the same. Choose from sessions in innovation, profitability, leadership and talent management, and customer experience.

Do Payments Have a Generation Gap?

Banking customers of every age want services that are free, perfect and instant. Learn how consumer preferences play out in the payments space, based on data from Federal Reserve surveys of U.S. adults.

• Claire Green, Center Director, Payments Forum, Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta 
• Moderator: Stephen Kenneally, Senior Vice President, Payments, American Bankers Association

Enhancing Cybersecurity and Resiliency

As threats evolve, regulatory requirements increase. Banks learn about changing cyber threats, and discover how regulators are defining governance and incident notification. Learn how to mitigate a failure of a critical providers, such as the CrowdStrike incident, and hear about ways banks are maturing operational resilience programs to maintain critical operations. 

• Joyce Flinn, Vice President, Information Security and Disaster Recovery Officer, First United Bank and Trust 
• Ricky B. W. Davis, Senior Vice President, Chief Privacy Officer and Cyber Security Counsel, Synchrony 
• Jamie Manriquez, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, CISO, Santa Cruz County Bank 
• Sezaneh Seymour, Vice President and Head of Regulatory Risk and Policy, Coalition, Inc.  
• Moderator: John Carlson, Senior Vice President, Cybersecurity Regulation and Resilience, American Bankers Association

Navigating Today’s Interest Rate Environment

The panel will examine the performance of the Federal Reserve's policy strategy that was unveiled in 2020. Panelists will then discuss their forecast for interest rates over the coming year and give their thoughts on the changes that might be in store as the Fed begins the next review of its monetary policy strategy later this year.

Harnessing Fintech for Digital Growth in Community Banks 

Gain a comprehensive approach to managing fintech and bank vendor relationships for optimal results and hear ways to harness strong executive support for this endeavor. Learn how to select a fintech with proven experience in integrating directly to core banking platforms used by community banks, featuring the top three core providers. 

• Mathew Hein, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, Firstrust Bank 
• Steven Schieffelin, Senior Vice President, Head of the IT Business Relationship Management Group, Dime Community Bank
• Ashley Eknaian, Chief Digital Officer, Eastern Bank 
• Moderator: Nancy Schneier, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer, Vikar Technologies, Inc. 

Important Advocacy for Keeping the Federal Home Loan Banks as Bank Partners 

FHLBs are facing some of the greatest scrutiny of their nearly century long history. Their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is considering changes to the FHLB mission of providing liquidity for bank lending and affordable housing. Join in as industry experts discuss why and how bankers can – and must – engage in direct advocacy to preserve and protect these vital bank partners.

• Ryan Donovan, President, Council of Federal Home Loan Banks
• Gordon Zimmerman, President and CEO, Citizens Bank
• Moderator: Joe Pigg, SVP and Senior Counsel, ESG and Mortgage Finance, American Bankers Association 

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Power Lunches

Join us for lunch and connect with colleagues from across the country. Learn about innovative new products and services that can take your bank to the next level.

Strategies in Competitive Pricing, Credit Methods and Streamlined Evaluations

Delve into the three critical pillars of excellence in the lending industry: price, credit and speed. Learn the unique art of underwriting with efficiency and precision, meeting the high expectations of top earners who value both time and financial integrity. Attendees will gain valuable insights into effective credit assessment techniques, approaches to expedite the lending process without compromising quality and more through real-world examples, research findings and survey results. 

• April Brissette, Executive Vice President, Administrative and Operational Risk and Former Chief Credit Officer, BHG Financial

Embracing Innovation in Credit Portfolio Management: Automation and Augmentation

Intelligent automation in credit portfolio management signifies a foundational shift, enabling banks to transition from reactive to proactive credit risk management. By integrating advanced analytics and centralized data, organizations can make strategic decisions that enhance client relationships and drive growth. In this session, learn best practices for using real-time data to make informed decisions, and explore strategies for identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities for sustainable growth.

• Michael Chung, Senior Manager, Product Management, Ncino

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Guest Program

Guests or spouses who are not in financial services or banking-related occupations are eligible for this special rate and program. Registration includes conference sessions, the exclusive guest program, meal functions, social events and entrance to The Hub.

1:30 PM – 2:15 PM

Knowledge Sessions

These sessions allow you to focus on the issues that matter most to you, and network with senior banking leaders who feel the same. Choose from sessions in innovation, profitability, leadership and talent management, and customer experience.

Leading Life on Life

In this session, learn the four principles that help company leaders create clarity and connection within their organizations. Discover a method guaranteed to significantly boost team engagement – ultimately leading to higher retention rates, stronger cultures and more profits.

• T. Neil Stevens, President and CEO, Oconee State Bank
• Caleb Stevens, Vice President and Marketing Manager, SouthState Bank – Correspondent Division

From the NYSE to Main Street: A Conversation with Sharon Bowen and Wendy Cai Lee 

Join an enlightening conversation focused on how mentors, sponsors and allies shaped their careers. Hear different perspectives on leadership style, boards’ roles in ensuring top talent and strategies to overcome challenges. 

• Sharon Bowen, Chairman, NYSE
• Moderator: Wendy Cai-Lee, Founder and CEO, Piermont Bank

BaaS/Bank-Fintech Partnerships: Beware the New Regulatory Environment 

Bank/fintech partnership is a diverse landscape. Hear rules around brokered deposits and pass-through deposit insurance, and how banks can use partnerships to generate revenue and increase profitability in an increasingly strict regulatory environment. Gain insights into the various forms of collaborations between banks and fintech companies, and what works and what doesn’t in light of regulatory considerations. 

• Samantha Kirby, Partner, Goodwin  
• William Stern, Partner, Goodwin
• Chris Mastrangelo, Chief Compliance Officer, Grasshopper Bank 

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Break in The Hub

The Hub is your ultimate destination to mix and mingle with peers and industry providers, see what’s new in banking and have a little bit of fun!

3:15 PM – 5:00 PM

General Session

Emerging Leader Awards

Keeping America Safe in a Dangerous World

Over a distinguished four decade military career, former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark A. Milley defended the nation from a growing and evolving set of threats and advised Presidents on how to keep America safe.  Since retiring in September 2023, he has continued to share his insights on national security and leadership as a member of the faculty at Georgetown and Princeton, and as a senior advisor to JPMorganChase. He sits down with ABA Chief Communications Officer and former Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook to discuss current global threats that could impact the US economy and the banking sector.

• General Mark A. Milley, 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2019-2023), Former Military Advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council, 39th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Forces Command 
• Peter Cook, Chief Communications Officer, American Bankers Association

Transformational Leadership Lessons

In this fireside chat, WaFd Bank CEO Beardall will share the latest on his efforts to transform Seattle-based WaFd into a digital-first, purpose driven bank, his incredible recovery following a 2023 plane crash and his inspiring message for leaders rooted in gratitude, hard work and love.

• Brent Beardall, Chief Executive Officer, WaFd Bank 
• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Evening Reception in The Hub

7:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Power Breakfasts

Join us for breakfast and connect with colleagues from across the country. Learn about innovative new products and services that can take your bank to the next level.

Breakfast will be served from 7:15 AM to 7:45 AM outside of the morning sessions.

Maximize Revenue and Deepen Client Relationships: Strategies for Modern Banks

In this session, discover the strategies your bank needs to get and stay ahead. Delve into a comprehensive solution suite which includes merchant services into comprehensive business banking offerings. Learn how to fortify client loyalty by mitigating merchant processing vulnerabilities and harness the power of digital transformation by modernizing solutions to gain a competitive advantage. 

• David Statzer, Vice President, National Accounts Team and Strategic Markets, Elavon 
• Lorie Worden, Assistant Vice President, FI Acquisitions, Merchant Payment Services, Elavon 

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

General Session

Community Commitment Awards

2024 Election Outlook

Mike Allen, co-founder of Axios, and one of Washington’s most trusted and respected journalists sits down with ABA Chief Executive Officer Rob Nichols to discuss the latest in the race for the White House and control of Congress.

• Mike Allen, Co-founder, Axios
• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Break in The Hub

The Hub is your ultimate destination to mix and mingle with peers and industry providers, see what’s new in banking and have a little bit of fun!

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Knowledge Sessions

These sessions allow you to focus on the issues that matter most to you, and network with senior banking leaders who feel the same. Choose from sessions in innovation, profitability, leadership and talent management, and customer experience.

Aligning Your Corporate Strategy with Your Core Technology

How flexible is your core? Aligning your corporate strategy with your core technology strategy is essential for operational success – and that requires a focus on technologies such as middleware and APIs. Join members of the ABA Core Platforms Committee as they share results from their Core Flexibility Assessment and get strategies you can implement today for success!

• Trey Maust, CPA, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, Lewis & Clark Bank
• Kimberly Kirk, Executive Vice President and COO, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. 
• Jamie Manriquez, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, CISO, Santa Cruz County Bank
• Moderator: Donald J. Seeterlin, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, Chesapeake Bank 

Recruit the Right Talent for Now

This summer, ABA surveyed the industry to better understand the changing landscape of skills needed at the bank. This session will explore the outcomes of the Banking Industry Employment Trends and Skills survey, provide examples of how banks are recruiting talent from colleges and universities and explain how ABA is working with the academic community to train future bankers.

• Erin Fowler, Director of Talent Selection and Recruitment, Vice President, United Bank 
• Kristen L. Ziegler, SHRM-SCP, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Bank of Missouri  
• Moderator: Jamie Beaulieu, Senior Vice President, Executive Education and CEO Programs, American Bankers Association 

Chief Risk Officer Report for CEOs

This panel discussion will provide insight into how CROs are managing enterprise-wide challenges and using tools such as scenario analysis, monitoring of early indicators and crisis-response capabilities in managing and monitoring risk areas. 

• Kristina M. Schaefer, Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel, First Bank & Trust
• Nick Baxter, Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, First National Bank of Omaha
• Jason Schugel, Chief Risk Officer, Ally Bank
• Moderator: Ryan Rasske, Senior Vice President, Risk & Customer Markets, Risk & Compliance, American Bankers Association 

Marketing Mutuality  

Consumers don’t know what sets mutual banks apart. If they did, mutual banks would be better able to retain, grow and win new business. In this session, hear from a panel of mutual bank executives who are seeking to change what the public understands about mutual banks. Panelists will discuss a marketing campaign available to all mutual banks, its impetus and benefits, and how to get involved.

• Lori Dufficy, Chief Experience and Engagement Officer, Chelsea Groton Bank 
• Gregg Tewksbury, President and CEO, New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp 
• David Barksdale, Chief Executive Officer, Piedmont Federal Bank
• Moderator: Joe Pigg, SVP and Senior Counsel, ESG and Mortgage Finance, American Bankers Association 

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Emerging Leaders

Closing The Generational Gap

For the first time in history, there are four or more generations in the workplace – whose differences can create frustration, tension and breakdowns in communication. Walk away from this session understanding the general characteristics of each generation, why these characteristics are as they are, and how they show up at work. Discover techniques for communicating more effectively between generations and embrace generational diversity as an organizational strength.

• Raven Solomon, Keynote Speaker, Author and Strategist, Raven Solomon Enterprises

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Knowledge Sessions

These sessions allow you to focus on the issues that matter most to you, and network with senior banking leaders who feel the same. Choose from sessions in innovation, profitability, leadership and talent management, and customer experience. 

Accelerating Adoption of Generative AI in Banking 

While there is a lot of excitement in the generative AI market, there is understandable skepticism driven by some of the limitations of LLMs and concerns around risk and compliance. In this session, learn from the perspective of early adopters, and discover how this can spark competitive advantage and what it says about the future of our industry. 

• Sandeep Mangaraj, Managing Director, Fintech, Microsoft

The Power of Collaboration: Insights from ABA’s Community Bankers Council

This session will highlight how the CBC fosters collaboration among community banks. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the council’s initiatives, which support the growth and resilience of community banks. Learn how the CBC's collective expertise can help you navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities and drive success in your banking institution.

• Jennifer T. Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBL State Savings Bank 
• Jeremy Callais, President, Peoples Bank of East Tennessee 
• Saleem Iqbal, President and Chief Executive Officer, HAB Bank 
• Jon Sisk, Regional President, Santa Cruz County Bank 
• Moderator: Kandace Beamon, Vice President, Community Banking, American Bankers Association 

Successful Core Platform Conversions

Are you facing challenges navigating your existing core? Have you considered a core conversion, but heard too many horror stories? Are you in the midst of a conversion? The ABA Core Platforms Committee can help. Join us for an open discussion of strategies and success stories featured in our latest resource, Bankers’ Perspectives – A Three-Part Guide to Successful Core Platform Conversions.

• Greg Petersen, Senior Vice President and CIO, Community Bank & Trust
• Kathryn Megraw, Senior Vice President and CIO, Webster Five Cents Savings Bank 
• Bryan D. Bruns, President and CEO, Lake Central Bank 
• Moderator: Kimberly Kirk, Executive Vice President and COO, Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. 

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

Banker Xchange Lunches

Join us for lunch and connect with colleagues from across the country. Learn about innovative new products and services that can take your bank to the next level. 

1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

General Session

Never, Ever Give Up

In her 20s, Hall of Fame swimmer Diana Nyad planned to swim the 110-mile ocean crossing between Cuba and Florida, but suffered severe jellyfish attacks. At age 60 she finally succeeded – inspiring the feature film “NYAD,” now on Netflix. In this moving conversation, Diana shares the key steps we need to take to accomplish our goals, and why it’s never too late.

• Diana Nyad, World Champion Athlete, World Renowned Inspirational Speaker and Author

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Closing Reception: See You in Charlotte!

Join us to say a fond farewell to New York and celebrate the location of our 2025 event...Charlotte!