Nearly 90 bankers and industry partners joined us in Roanoke for the 2025 Leadership Conference on November 13-14. This annual event is designed for emerging banking leaders and gives attendees the opportunity to share ideas and network with peers from across Maryland and Virginia. 

A Special Thank You to the 2025 EBL Chair Jennifer Gegner, C&F Bank!

Thank you to Jennifer Gegner, C&F Bank, for serving as EBL chair over the last year and for presiding over this year’s event. You can learn more about Jennifer in her Virginia Banking Monthly Q&A here.

Leadership Conference Noted & Quoted

Pictures From the Event

Session and Speaker Information

Industry Update
Bruce Whitehurst, Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association and Virginia Bankers Association

Economic Outlook 
Chris Low, FHN Financial

All Levels, All In – A Bank Leadership Panel

• Zach McGill, First National Bank
• Taylor Quicke, Citizens Bank & Trust Co.
• Dorothy Welch, First Bank, Virginia
• Moderated By 2025 VBA Emerging Bank Leaders Chair, Jennifer Gegner, C&F Bank

Escaping Imposter Syndrome – Finding Freedom to Lead with Confidence
Ned Pauley, The Signify Group

Courageous Communication Workshop
Melissa Laughon, Catch Your Limit Consulting

Leadership Lessons for Emerging Leaders from America’s Top Performing Banks
Mary Beth Sullivan & Ally Akins, Capital Performance Group

Washington Update
Frank Pigulski, American Bankers Association

Embrace Fear & Fail Forward
Jacob Brown, Speaker, Coach & Author

Thank You to Our Sponsors!