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.

Decoding Real Growth: From Margin Compression to Sustainable Success

The risk of margin compression is putting community financial institutions under pressure like never before. With interest expenses outpacing operational costs and consumers expecting lower loan rates, it’s clear the status quo is no longer sustainable. The institutions that yield success will be those that master the success formula: increasing loan yields, optimizing deposit costs and retaining existing consumers.

• 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

Prevent Check Fraud: Mitigating Losses with Alternative Payment Methods

Check fraud is on the rise. According to Nasdaq's Global Financial Crime Report, check fraud losses were nearly $21 billion in 2023. Learn how fraud losses can be mitigated by offering your business customers more secure payment methods instead of writing checks. Electronic payments are fast and secure, saving your customers and your bank time and money. 

• Karen Grahn, Senior Vice President, Credit Card Division, ServisFirst Bank

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Opening General Session

Welcome to New York

• Clare Cusack, President and CEO, New York Bankers Association

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

The View from Congress: Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY)

First elected in 2016, Rep. Tenney is a member of the House Ways & Means Committee and a former member of the House Financial Services Committee. She’ll offer her latest take on Republican chances to hold the House with the election just days away, and she’ll preview the major debate over tax policy in the next Congress.

• Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY)
• Moderator: Kirsten Sutton, Executive Vice President, Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs, 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 Greene, 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 & Trust 
• Ricky B. W. Davis, Senior Vice President, Chief Privacy Officer and Cyber Security Counsel, Synchrony 
• Jaime 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.

• Matt Raskin, Managing Director, Deutsche Bank 
• Mark Cabana, Managing Director, Head of US Rates Strategy, BofA Securities 
• Moderator: Warren Hrung, Senior Vice President, Head of Banking and Financial Services Research, American Bankers Association 

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 three largest 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
• Christopher E. Richards, First Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Services Officer, The Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank 
• Moderator: Nancy Schneier, Founder and CRO, 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 and CEO, Council of Federal Home Loan Banks 
• John Klebba, Chairman and CEO, Legends 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

Enabling Small Businesses to Win: Trends and Opportunities

The opportunity has never been greater for financial institutions to grow their market share – but mindsets, strategies and product offerings must evolve. This session will cover the current small business banking landscape, what banking solutions and digital capabilities are most critical for small businesses, and what financial institutions should be considering as they evolve their small business strategies.  

• Matt Wilcox, President, Digital Payment Solutions, Fiserv
• Katie Whalen, Senior Vice President, Head of SMB FI and Global Strategy for Merchant, Fiserv 

Financial Wellness Solutions for Banks: Setting Up Your Key Talent for Success 

Key employees want to see in tangible ways – preferably financially driven – that a bank recognizes and appreciates their efforts in making their company a success. In this session, NFP will discuss financial wellness strategies that can give your bank a serious recruiting and retention advantage.  

• Brian Rodgers, Vice President, Business Development, NFP
• Mike Alberque, Vice President, Business Development, NFP
• Moderator: Sam Lisker, Executive Vice President, Business Intelligence and Innovation, American Bankers Association

Unlock the Value of Traditional and Generative AI in the Financial Industry 

In this session, explore the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. We will delve into the latest breakthroughs in generative AI with a special emphasis on the revolutionary field of large language models and their applications. Discover how AI can augment and optimize business processes, unlock new opportunities and drive growth, helping you stay ahead of the curve. 

• Amir Bahmanyari, AI, Data Solutions Architect, Dell Technologies

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.

Check Fraud Prevention Strategies

Delve into check fraud trends, from criminals creating fake businesses to Treasury check fraud and more. First American Bank & Trust Company will share its mitigation strategies and innovative approaches for identifying and stopping check fraud. You’ll also learn about new tools from ABA that will help train frontline and back-office staff to identify altered and counterfeit checks.

• Sam Drennen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, First American Bank & Trust Company 
• Paul Benda, Executive Vice President, Risk, Fraud and Cybersecurity, American Bankers Association

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

CEO and Board Succession: A Case Study of Fulton Bank

Leadership and board succession are critical elements of good governance, and lead to high performing banks. Hear how Fulton Financial Corp., a $32B asset multistate banking and wealth management institution, has fostered decades of internal CEO and executive succession while maintaining culture and growing the company. 

• Curt Myers, Chairman and CEO, Fulton Financial Corporation 
• Moderator: Alan J. Kaplan, Founder and CEO, Kaplan Partners 

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
• Moderator: Ryan Jackson, Vice President, Innovation Strategy, American Bankers Association

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

Sticking it to the Scammers

ABA Chief Communications Officer Peter Cook and special guests provide an update on ABA’s new #BanksNeverAskThat and #PracticeSafeChecks public awareness campaigns. Find out how your bank can join with the rest of the industry to help bank customers spot scams before they do any damage. 

• Peter Cook, Chief Communications Officer, American Bankers Association 

ABA Chair Address

• Julieann M. Thurlow, ABA Chair, President and CEO, Reading Cooperative Bank

Emerging Leader Awards

After the Storm: Banks Respond to Hurricanes Milton and Helene  

State bankers association leaders from Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee provide an update on recovery efforts after historic hurricanes and share how the banking industry has stepped up in response.

• Colin Barrett, President and CEO, Tennessee Bankers Association 
• Peter Gwaltney, President and CEO, North Carolina Bankers Association 
• Kathy Kraninger, President and CEO, Florida Bankers Association
• Moderator: Peter Cook, Chief Communications Officer, American Bankers Association

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

WaFd Bank CEO Brent 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

Develop a Strategy Around SBA Lending

SBA lending levels have hit a record – reaching close to $30 billion in lending this year. They are an effective tool in providing small businesses with better access to capital, but there are barriers to entry. This session will outline steps to develop a profitable, compliant and efficient process for successful implementation.

• J.M. “Chuck” Evans, Executive Director, Lenders Cooperative

Monetize Through Modernization

In this fireside chat, hear about TS Banking Group's decision to modernize its core and front-end systems with Temenos, highlighting factors such as scalability, open ecosystems, faster product development, adaptation to economic changes, and efforts to stay competitive in a digital landscape while engaging younger customers like Gen Z and Millennials.

• Julian Caldwell, CIO, TS Banking Group
• Kristina Hill, Senior Vice President, Temenos

8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

General Session

Annual Business Meeting

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

Policy & Advocacy Outlook

With the election just days away, what’s the outlook for banking policy in 2025 and beyond? ABA’s top policy experts share the very latest on the legislative, regulatory and legal issues facing the industry and how banker advocacy can shape the future. 

• Hugh Carney, Executive Vice President, Financial Institutions Policy and Regulatory Affairs, American Bankers Association 
• Ginny O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Regulatory Compliance and Policy, American Bankers Association 
• Jess Sharp, Executive Vice President, Advocacy and Innovation, American Bankers Association 
• Kirsten Sutton, Executive Vice President, Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs, American Bankers Association 
• Moderator: Naomi Camper, Chief Policy Officer, 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.
• Jaime Manriquez, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, CISO, Santa Cruz County Bank
• Moderator: DJ 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
• Jared Taylor, Vice President, Relationship Manager, Bank of Utah
• 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 and Customer Markets, Risk and Compliance, American Bankers Association

Changing Expectations in SMB Banking and How Banks Can Win through Innovation

Hear innovation best practices in the SMB segment and how to consider fintech partners as banks broaden the aperture of what SMBs need and want.

• Stephen Dow, CEO and Co-founder, Monit
• Paul Margarites, Executive Vertical Owner and Head of Digital Channels, TD Bank
• Moderator: Brooke Ybarra, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Strategy, 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 (CEEO), 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 Program: Part 1

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.

Trending Threats to Branch Assets

As banking moves beyond the standalone branch and into shared public spaces or remote locations, bank assets and customers can become targets for criminals. Join experts from the ABA Bank Security Committee as they address some of the industry threats with a focus on ATM crime and workplace violence.  

• Rick Kohlenbeck, CPP, Senior Manager, Retails and ATM Security Operations, Capital One 
• Niels J. McKinnon, Senior Vice President, Director of Physical Security, U.S. Bank 
• Moderator: Heather Wyson, Vice President, Cyber and Physical Security, American Bankers Association 

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
• Shuki Licht, Vice President, Head of Innovation and AI Technology, HealthEquity

Gold Rush or Coming Bust? The M&A Outlook for 2025

After a powerful wave of M&A in 2021 and 2022, bank mergers are moving along at a reduced clip in 2024. Could 2025 bring a boom not seen since the 1990s? As the banking agencies consider changes, what will the outlook for M&A look like in the year ahead? Our panel brings together a banker active in acquisitions, a legal practitioner in bank M&A and an expert analyst of the M&A landscape to provide you with the best perspective on combinations in 2025. 

• William S. Burns, Senior Executive Vice President and CFO, ConnectOne Bank 
• Paul Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Bank Slate
• Edward G. Olifer, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
• Moderator: Evan Sparks, Senior Vice President, Member Communications, American Bankers Association

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 CEO, CBL State Savings Bank 
• Saleem Iqbal, President and CEO, 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.

• 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 and Trust Co. 

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Emerging Leaders Program: Part 2

Leading for Today and Tomorrow

Hear from bank CEOs about how they have navigated their careers, and hear about the lessons they have learned in being nimble, forward-thinking and collaborative while leading their banks into the future.

• Kenneth Kelly, ABA Vice Chair, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, First Independence Bank 
• Carissa Rodeheaver, ABA Treasurer and Chairman, President and CEO, First United Bank & Trust 
• Moderator: Noel Hansen, ABA Emerging Leaders Council Chair and SVP, Commercial Banking, Alpine Banks of Colorado 

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

Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)

Currently in his second term, Rep. Torres serves on the House Committee on Financial Services, the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance and the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion. The Congressman will share his current legislative priorities and offer his outlook for the Committee’s agenda next year if Democrats win the House. 

• Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY)
• Moderator: Clare Cusack, President and CEO, New York Bankers Association

Addressing the Housing Supply Crisis in NYC and Beyond

The housing affordability crisis is compounded by a growing housing shortage – an acute problem in New York City. Federal Home Loan Banks and community partners are collaborating to find comprehensive solutions across the country. In this session, learn approaches and proven practices for tackling housing shortages and meeting local housing needs in your community. 

• Lopa Kolluri, Head of Affordable Housing Lending, CRE, M&T Bank 
• Peter Grof, Community Investment Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York 
• David A. Rowe, Chief Administrative Officer, CAMBA Inc. and CAMBA Housing Ventures, Inc.
• Moderator: Joe Pigg, SVP and Senior Counsel, ESG and Mortgage Finance, American Bankers Association

On the Frontlines of the Fraud Fight

Hear first-hand experiences about different fraud trends, from the large scale text-based bank impersonation scam that Jonesburg State Bank recently went through, to the challenges and strategies to stop customers from sending money to scammers, to the various check fraud schemes being committed, and how these banks are trying to fight back and some of the tools ABA is working on to help. 

• Sam Drennen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, First American Bank & Trust Company 
• Dan Robb, President and CEO, Jonesburg State Bank 
• Moderator: Paul Benda, Executive Vice President, Risk, Fraud and Cybersecurity, American Bankers Association

The View from the U.S. Treasury

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen shares her latest thoughts on the state of the U.S. economy, the important role banks of all sizes play in supporting growth and more. After her prepared remarks, ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols joins Sec. Yellen to discuss the economic outlook, banking policy issues and her historic tenure as Treasury Secretary.

• The Honorable Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Treasury 
• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

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

Sing Harlem!

Sing Harlem! has grown to be a highly respected and influential force in the New York gospel scene, producing not only great vocalists, but top-notch global citizens. All proceeds from Sing Harlem! events and performances benefit the Mama Foundation for the Arts’ music training programs, which are provided to the Harlem community tuition-free.

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!