On October 8-9, 80 emerging banking professionals from across Virginia and Maryland came together in Richmond for the Emerging Leaders Conference, a day-and-a-half experience focused on leadership growth, industry insight, and meaningful peer connections.

Led by 2026 Emerging Bank Leaders Chair Kari Van Wassen, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A., attendees explored topics shaping both their careers and the future of banking, including economic trends, artificial intelligence, fraud prevention, mental wellness, community impact, and authentic leadership.

Pictures From the Event

Session and Speaker Information

Industry Update

• Tristan Macdonald, VP, Government & Member Relations, Virginia Bankers Association
• Evan Richards, VP, Government & Member Relations, Maryland Bankers Association

Economic Outlook and Community Development Insights
Daniel Davis, Group Vice President for Regional Economics, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Leading Forward: Perspectives on Career Growth, Community Impact & the Future of Banking

• Eric Crawford, SVP, Chief Banking Officer, The Bank of Southside Virginia
• CJ Joyner, 1st VP, Regional Sales & Service Manager, EagleBank
• Linda R. Melton, VP, Community Outreach Officer, Fair and Responsible Banking, Fulton Bank
• Moderated By Kari Van Wassen, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A.

Leading the AI Revolution: Practical Lessons for Emerging Leaders
Piali Ghose, VP, Director of Artificial Intelligence, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A.

The Leader You Bring Into the Room: Leading Yourself Before You Lead Others
Dorothy Welch, EVP, Director of Program Management, First Bank, Virginia

Unlocking Your Spark!

• Noel Hansen, SVP, Commercial Banking Sales Manager, Alpine Bank
• Jennifer Huffman, SVP, Mgr-Solutions Banking, Atlantic Union Bank
• Kari Van Wassen, VP, BSA Officer and Security Officer, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A.
• Moderated By Chandler Owdom, SVP, Communications & Strategy, VBA

Mental Wellness as Leadership Currency: Leading with Empathy and Accountability​
Angela Lightfoot, Executive Leadership & Mental Health Wellness Coach, Ms. Angela Coaches

Fighting Fraud at Every Level: Protecting Clients, Growing Deposits, Driving Results​

• Molly Crawford, First VP, Director of Treasury Solutions, C&F Bank
• Amanda Litchfield, Regional Marketing Exec, C&F Bank
• Mike Renner, AVP, Fraud Prevention Supervisor, C&F Bank
• Moderated By Jennifer Gegner, VP, Treasury Consultant Team Lead, C&F Bank

The Case of the Curious Leader: Why the Best Leaders Ask More and Tell Less
Thomas Greek, Founder, Thomas Greek Coaching, LLC

Thank You to Our Sponsors!