Emerging Leaders Conference
The conference designed by Emerging Leaders, for Emerging Leaders.
This conference is designed for emerging banking leaders and members of the Virginia Bankers Association Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL) group. This conference will give Emerging Bank Leaders the opportunity to share ideas and network with peers from across the state. You do not have to be an EBL member to attend.
If you are a bank professional looking to gain new skills and interested in growing and progressing within your banking career, this is the event for you. Every year, attendees hear from leadership speakers and learn ways to engage with the banking industry as they network with individuals from all across Virginia and Maryland.
Conference Agenda
| Thursday, October 8 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 9:45 am |
Welcome and Announcements 2026 Emerging Bank Leaders Chair Kari Van Wassen, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. |
| 9:45 – 10:15 am |
Industry Update Tristan Macdonald, VP, Government and Member Relations, Virginia Bankers Association, and Evan Richards, VP, Government and Member Relations, Maryland Bankers Association |
| 10:15 – 10:30 am |
Networking Break |
| 10:30 – 11:30 am |
Economic Update and Community Development Insights Daniel Davis, Group Vice President for Regional Economics, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond |
| 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
Leadership Panel
|
| 12:30 – 1:15 pm |
Lunch |
| 1:15 – 2:15 pm |
Leading the AI Revolution: Practical Lessons for Emerging Leaders Piali Ghose, Vice President, Director of Artificial Intelligence, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way organizations operate, make decisions, and create value—but what does that mean for the next generation of leaders?
Join Piali Ghose, Vice President and Director of Artificial Intelligence at Chain Bridge Bank, N.A., for an engaging and practical discussion on how AI is being approached and implemented within the banking industry today. Drawing from her experience leading AI initiatives, Piali will share real-world insights on opportunities, challenges, governance, and the skills leaders need to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Designed specifically for emerging leaders, this interactive session will explore how to embrace AI strategically, build AI fluency, and position yourself to lead through continuous technological change. Attendees will leave with actionable takeaways, a clearer understanding of AI’s impact on the workplace, and practical steps they can take now to prepare for the future.
Through audience participation and Q&A, this conversation will move beyond the buzzwords to focus on what matters most: how leaders can harness AI responsibly, effectively, and with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
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| 2:15– 3:15 pm |
The Leader You Bring Into the Room: Leading Yourself Before You Lead Others Dorothy Welch, EVP/Director of Program Management, First Bank, Virginia Before we can lead others effectively, we must first understand ourselves: what motivates us, what drains or energizes us, and what drives our behavior under pressure.
Many emerging leaders feel pressure to prove themselves, have the answers, and avoid mistakes. While that pressure can fuel achievement, it can also lead to over-functioning, self-doubt, reactivity, and leadership that feels more like performing than leading.
This session explores how self-awareness, mindset, and energy shape the way we show up, make decisions, and influence others. Participants will examine the internal beliefs and motivations driving their leadership, recognize when they are reacting rather than leading intentionally, and build the self-trust needed to lead with greater confidence, presence, and authenticity.
Topics may include:
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| 3:15 – 3:30 pm |
Networking Break |
| 3:30 – 4:30 pm |
Unlocking Your Spark!
Join Noel, Jennifer and Kari as they present their Spark! presentations; a format where speakers get five minutes and 20 slides to make their point, enlighten and entertain. Their sessions will be full of passion and meaningful moments that will be entertaining, inspiring and fun to see and hear.
After the presentations, during a fireside chat, the speakers will share how leaning into opportunities has helped them grow and thrive in their careers, maybe even despite some initial hesitancy they had in saying “yes” to many of them. Through personal stories, practical strategies and candid discussions, they will share how they rebuilt energy and motivation for their work and created healthier approaches to success. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, fresh perspectives and encouragement to help you rediscover your spark and thrive both personally and professionally. |
| 5:00 – 6:00 pm |
Networking Reception |
| 6:00 pm |
Adjourn for the Day |
| Friday, October 9 | |
|---|---|
| 7:45 – 9:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 10:00 am |
Mental Wellness as Leadership Currency: Leading with Empathy and Accountability Angela Lightfoot, Executive Leadership & Mental Health Wellness Coach, Ms. Angela Coaches Emerging leaders will examine how their mental and emotional wellness affects communication, decision-making, leadership presence, and workplace culture. They will also explore how to lead people with compassion while maintaining clear expectations, healthy boundaries, and consistent accountability. |
| 10:00 – 10:30 am | Fighting Fraud at Every Level: More Details to Be Announced! |
| 10:30 – 10:45 am | Networking Break |
| 10:45 – 11:45 am |
The Case of the Curious Leader: Why the Best Leaders Ask More and Tell Less Thomas Greek, Founder, Thomas Greek Coaching, LLC Leaders often feel that they must have all the answers. This “Expertise Trap” leaves even the most dedicated leaders facing decision fatigue while unintentionally creating bottlenecked teams.
What if your greatest leadership superpower isn’t your expertise, but your intentional curiosity? In this engaging and actionable keynote, you’ll step into the shoes of a great detective—entering every leadership challenge with a blank notebook and an open mind. Learn how shifting from an “Expert” to an “Explorer” mindset can instantly unleash team autonomy, uncover hidden insights, and lighten the heavy burden of having to fix everything yourself.
Key Takeaways:
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| 11:45 am |
Closing Remarks & Adjourn |
Registration Information
| Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|
| $625 |
$1,125 |
| License | Up to 10 Attendees |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | Click here to see the benefits of a license purchase. |
MBA/VBA Event Policies
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the MBA/VBA Event Policies and the Privacy Policy.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations will be charged a $25.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 72 business hours before the event will be charged a $75.00 administrative fee plus any additional fees associated with the training. Substitutions are allowed prior to the beginning of the event.
Special Needs & Americans with Disabilities Notice
Please share any specific needs that should be considered as we plan for the conference (i.e. hearing impaired, sight impaired, etc). Please contact Chandler Owdom with any details.
Speaker Information
Daniel Davis
Group Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Daniel Davis is group vice president for regional economics at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. In this role within the Research department, Davis oversees teams that work to understand and support the economies of communities across the Richmond Fed’s region. Additionally, he serves as director of the Center for Rural Economies, which is dedicated to addressing the unique economic challenges and opportunities facing small towns and rural communities.
Davis has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally on a range of topics, including workforce dynamics, financial services, economic mobility, and rural and urban development. He is the co-editor of three books: Investing in Rural Prosperity; Harvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities; and Economic Mobility: Research & Ideas on Strengthening Families, Communities & the Economy.
Before joining the Richmond Fed in 2025, Davis worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis, and the State of Illinois. He holds graduate degrees from the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, and Washington University in St. Louis and undergraduate degrees from Southern Illinois University and Southeastern Illinois College.
Piali Ghose
VP, Director of Artificial Intelligence, Chain Bridge Bank
Piali Ghose is an AI and digital transformation executive with over 20 years of experience delivering secure, compliant technology solutions across highly regulated industries, including financial services and the federal sector. As VP, Director of Artificial Intelligence at Chain Bridge Bank, she leads enterprise AI strategy and governance, focusing on responsible adoption that strengthens risk management, enhances customer experience, and drives operational efficiency. Her expertise spans model risk management, AI governance, and regulatory frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, building on senior leadership roles in her 14 years at Microsoft and other Fortune companies where she led business-aligned technology solutions and AI innovation portfolios. She is passionate about helping organizations balance AI innovation with sound governance and long-term sustainability.
Thomas Greek
Founder, Thomas Greek Coaching, LLC
With over 25 years of leadership experience, Thomas strives to motivate others to show up as their best selves at work and in life.
Thomas has served as an executive in varying roles for more than two decades. He directed Learning & Development at Navy Federal Credit Union, a Fortune 100 Best Place to Work and the world’s largest institution of its kind. Throughout his career, he has designed and headed award-winning talent programs and has expertise in strategic planning, succession planning, and in developing C-Suite and other Senior Leaders. He is committed to his community and volunteers on several non-profit boards.
Thomas is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. He studied Philosophy at George Mason University. Thomas has successfully helped hundreds of leaders achieve their goals by co-creating meaningful and sustainable changes in their lives.
Noel Hansen
SVP, Commercial Banking Sales Manager, Alpine Bank
Noel Hansen has been a leader at Alpine Bank for 25 years, and her strategic initiatives have aided the organization in upholding its longstanding core values of Independence, Integrity, Community, Compassion and Loyalty.
As a senior vice president/commercial banking sales manager at Alpine Bank, Noel leads a team of treasury management professionals that help businesses streamline operations of collecting, distributing, and managing cash flow. Noel has held many positions during her career at the bank—most notable are her roles as regional marketing director and branch manager of the Frisco location.
Outside of her role at the bank, Noel has volunteered and consulted with numerous local nonprofits, including the Summit Prevention Alliance, Town of Dillon Economic Development Committee, High Country Conservation Center, Bristlecone Foundation, and Advocates for Victims of Assault, St. Anthony Summit Hospital Board of Trustees and Chaired the Hospital Foundation. Most recently she has served on the ABA Government Relations Council, Colorado Bankers Association Advisory member, and is the Immediate Past Chair of the ABA’s Emerging Leaders Council.
In 2014, Noel piloted a financial literacy program for 5th graders at Frisco Elementary with a nonprofit agency, Youth Entity. That program expanded the following year districtwide and is still going strong today serving 5th and 8th grade scholars. In 2016, Noel helped create a first of its kind partnership between private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Her work paired Clean Energy Collective (a local solar developer), the Family Intercultural Resource Center, and Alpine Bank together to provide solar renewable energy resources for low-income families. This project has received national recognition by the Independent Community Bankers Association and state recognition by former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.
Noel is a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management at Southern Methodist University as well as the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado in Boulder. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in communications and public relations from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Noel and her husband Peder, a school librarian, reside in Breckenridge, CO with their 14-year-old daughter, Ellie. Together, they enjoy travelling, seeing the world through the eyes of their daughter and the people they meet along the way, and all the outdoor activities living in a resort community has to offer, including hiking, Nordic skiing and biking.
Jennifer Huffman
Senior Vice President, Mgr-Solutions Banking, Atlantic Union Bank
Jennifer Huffman is an accomplished American businesswoman and Senior Vice President of Solutions Banking at Atlantic Union Bank, the largest regional bank headquartered in the lower Mid‑Atlantic. Recognized as a Power Broker, Jennifer is a highly sought‑after speaker and respected thought leader whose influence extends well beyond banking, with appearances on national stages. Her professional honors include being named one of Lynchburg Business Magazine’s Top 20 Under 40 (2022), receiving the Emerging Leader Award from the American Bankers Association (2023), being honored as Citizen of the Year by the Salem Roanoke Chamber of Commerce (2024), Faces of Lynchburg and 50 Most Influential People in Greater Lynchburg (2026) and 100 Women of Color Virginia (2026) among other distinctions. Jennifer is deeply committed to community impact and industry leadership. Her roles include Leadership Council Member at Atlantic Union Bank; Program Chair Emeritus of Atlantic Union Bank’s Women’s Inclusion Network; Board Chair for HumanKind; Vice Chair and Investor Relations Chair for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance; Vice Chair of the Lynchburg Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities; President of the Central Virginia Foundation for Economic Education & Improvement; and External Affairs Chair for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. She also serves with the American Heart Association Roanoke Executive Board, is a Past Chair and 2025 Women of Impact Nominee for Southwest Virginia and supports the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg and the City of Roanoke’s Hope & Home Task Force. Nationally, Jennifer serves on the American Bankers Association’s Black Bankers Open Committee as Executive Sponsor, advancing career development, peer connection, and mentorship for bankers across the industry.
Angela Lightfoot
Executive Leadership & Mental Health Wellness Coach, Ms. Angela Coaches
Angela Lightfoot is a transformational speaker, leadership coach, and mental health wellness professional who believes how we care for ourselves, manage what we carry, and show up for others shapes how we lead across work, home, community, and life.
As founder of Ms. Angela Coaches, LLC, Angela creates experiences that make people laugh, reflect, take a deep breath, and admit, “Whew, I needed that.” Her leadership work spans higher education and corporate spaces. With a background in psychology, higher education leadership, workplace culture, and trauma-informed coaching, she brings knowledge, authenticity, humor, and heart into every room. Angela makes difficult conversations approachable while challenging people to examine burnout, boundaries, emotional wellness, and the weight of leadership.
Kari E. Van Wassen, CAMS, CAFP
VP & BSA, Security & OFAC Officer, Chain Bridge Bank, NA
Kari Van Wassen is Vice President, BSA Officer, and Security Officer at Chain Bridge Bank, N.A., and the 2026 Chair of the Virginia Bankers Association’s Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL). After a serious on-duty car accident ended her law enforcement career, she began working as a part-time teller at a local credit union and discovered a passion for BSA and compliance. Drawing on her criminal justice background, she built a successful career focused on protecting customers, supporting organizational compliance, and helping safeguard the banking system.
An active leader within the Virginia banking community, Kari has participated in numerous VBA programs, such as graduating from the Management Development Program and the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management (now the Mid-Atlantic School of Banking). She is passionate about professional development, mentorship, and helping emerging bankers build confidence and meaningful industry connections. As EBL Chair, she is committed to fostering opportunities for future banking leaders while encouraging curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change in a rapidly evolving industry.
Dorothy Welch
EVP/Director of Program Management, First Bank, Virginia
Dorothy Welch is an accomplished financial executive and leadership coach with more than 25 years of experience helping people and organizations grow. Throughout her banking career, she has led across retail banking, loan administration, strategy, talent, marketing, and operations, earning a reputation for connecting vision to execution and turning complex goals into meaningful results.
As Executive Vice President and Director of Program Management at First Bank, Dorothy leads enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen accountability, organizational alignment, and strategic execution. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in authenticity, purpose, and resilience, qualities she has brought to previous roles as Chief Experience Officer, Chief Talent Officer, and Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagement.
Dorothy holds an MBA from Eastern Mennonite University and a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. She is a graduate of The Executive Program at UVA Darden, the Darden Bank Executive Leadership Program, the Virginia Bankers Association Executive Leadership Institute, and the Graduate School of Banking at Wisconsin Human Resource Management School. She also serves on the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation Board.
In addition to her executive role, Dorothy is a Certified Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner. Through her private coaching practice, she helps leaders navigate change with confidence, lead with greater authenticity, and create success that feels as meaningful personally as it does professionally.
Hotel Information
Richmond Marriott
500 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia, 23219
Toll Free: +1-800-228-9290
We have reserved a block of rooms at the Richmond Marriott at the rate of $195/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. To take advantage of the negotiated rate, click here and secure your reservation on or before Wednesday, September 16.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring at this event? Click here to see available options. View our complete 2026 Sponsor Brochure here. Questions? Contact Amy Binns.