Connect & Protect Experience Attendee Portal
Please bookmark this page for easy access during the event!
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT PORTAL SPONSOR, ItURING
iTuring enables superior outcomes in deposit growth, collections, and other use cases across the customer lifecycle through its AI/ML platform purpose-built for banking. Its integrated AI platform combines a powerful predictive analytics engine with agentic and generative AI layers, enabling banks to move from insights to autonomous, real-time action. iTuring’s Net New Money solution leverages predictive machine learning models and a proprietary Price Recommendation Engine to identify high-potential customers, craft dynamic relationship-based offers, and execute personalized deposit campaigns at scale.
To learn more, visit their website.
Conference Agenda*
wednesday, March 25, 2026
| 3:00 PM | Conference Registration Opens (North Entry Foyer) | ||||
| 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Idea Hack-a-Thon: Turning Concepts Into Action* (Roanoke Ballroom CD)
This highly interactive session transforms every table into an Innovation Team tasked with solving one of today’s most urgent banking challenges—from fraud and compliance pressures to talent shortages and emerging technologies like AI. Through fast‑paced collaboration and rapid ideation, bankers will co‑create practical, high‑impact solutions community institutions can put into action right away. Get ready to think differently, challenge assumptions, and help shape the next wave of innovation in community banking. *This session is for bankers only. |
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| 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Welcome Reception (Roanoke Ballroom AB) Sponsored by Works24 |
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| Dinner on your own. Enjoy the evening! | |||||
Thursday March 26, 2026 |
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| 7:30 – 8:30 AM | Registration & Continental Breakfast (North Entry Foyer & Roanoke Ballroom AB) | ||||
| 8:30 – 8:45 AM | Welcome | Announcements | Sponsor Introductions (Roanoke Ballroom CD) | ||||
| 8:45-9:45 AM |
Opening Keynote: How Community Banks Can Compete in the Age of AI (Roanoke Ballroom CD) AI is no longer experimental — it’s embedded in the infrastructure of modern banking. Megabanks are scaling enterprise AI, challengers are building AI-native models, and fintechs are using automation and generative tools to move faster than ever. |
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| 9:45 – 9:50 AM | Stretch/Transition to Exhibitor Solutions Showcase (Roanoke Ballroom CD) | ||||
| 9:50 – 10:35 AM | Exhibitor Solutions Showcase (Roanoke Ballroom CD) | ||||
| 10:35 – 10:55 AM | Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Roanoke Ballroom AB) | ||||
| 10:55 – 11:55 AM | Breakout Sessions
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| 11:55 AM – 12:45 PM |
Lunch (Roanoke Ballroom CD) |
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| 12:45 – 1:45 PM | Breakout Sessions
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| 1:45 - 2:05 PM |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Roanoke Ballroom AB) | ||||
| 2:05 - 3:05 PM |
Breakout Sessions
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| 3:05 - 3:25 PM |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Roanoke Ballroom AB) | ||||
| 3:25 - 4:25 PM |
Breakout Sessions
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| 4:25 - 4:45 PM |
Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Roanoke Ballroom AB) | ||||
| 4:45 - 5:15 PM |
Industry Update (Roanoke Ballroom CD) Bruce Whitehurst | Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association & Virginia Bankers Association |
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| 5:15 - 6:30 PM |
Reception (Roanoke Ballroom AB) Sponsored by ABM AI |
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| Dinner on your own. Enjoy the evening! | |||||
Friday, March 27, 2026 |
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| 8:00 - 8:45 AM |
Continental Breakfast with the Exhibitors (Roanoke Ballroom AB) Sponsored by HC3 |
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| 8:45 – 10:00 AM | Banker Roundtable Sessions*
* Please note: The roundtable sessions are for bankers only. |
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| 10:00 – 10:20 AM | Networking Break in the Exhibit Hall (Roanoke Ballroom AB) | ||||
| 10:20 – 10:30 AM | Exhibitor Prize Drawings (Roanoke Ballroom CD) | ||||
| 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Closing Keynote – Oppositioning: One Surprising Strategy for Innovation and Differentiation (Roanoke Ballroom CD) David Rendall | The Freak Factory Sponsored by PWCampbell |
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| What can tiny houses, Spartan races, knuckleball pitchers, unibrows, Snapchat, and Minecraft teach us about creativity, innovation, and differentiation? We all know that innovation and differentiation are essential, but developing and implementing truly unique ideas seems very difficult, and most fail to become more creative and distinctive. The solution is surprisingly simple. An unusual method for finding unconventional ideas that will dramatically improve your ability to stand out and produce an endless supply of original breakthroughs. You’ll go from unconventional to unforgettable to unstoppable. |
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*Session topics and speakers are subject to change.
Breakout Session Descriptions
March 26 – 10:55-11:55 a.m.
Better Conversations. Better Results. (Retail, Training)
Chris DiLorenzo | The James Paul Group
Frontline bankers often resist selling because they don’t want to feel pushy, scripted, or “salesy.” In this interactive breakout session, you’ll learn how banks can grow relationships and results by selling through service, not pressure. We’ll introduce a simple, yet powerful, service-driven conversation framework that helps bankers confidently uncover needs, educate customers on what is best for them, and confidently offer solutions in a way that feels natural and authentic. This session reframes selling as curiosity, listening, and helping — skills your teams already value. If your teams care deeply about serving their customers, but hesitate to ask questions or recommend additional solutions, this session is designed for you.
Key Takeaways
Attendees will leave being able to:
- Reframe “selling” as a service-driven conversation, not product pushing
- Use a proven framework to guide natural, customer-focused interactions
- Coach frontline staff on how to recommend solutions without sounding scripted or salesy
- Apply simple, observable behaviors that can be reinforced immediately in branches
- Equip teams with language that builds confidence and trust with customers
AI Onboarding Best Practices for Culture, Core Systems, and Competitive Advantage (Operations, Technology)
Stacey Bryant | Cornerstone Advisors
Community banks don’t have an AI problem; they have an onboarding problem. As artificial intelligence rapidly moves from hype to operational reality, many community banks are struggling with the same questions: How do we bring our people along? How do we make AI work with (or around) legacy systems? And how do we compete with fintechs and peer institutions already seeing results?
In this 45-minute session, Cornerstone Advisors break down AI onboarding best practices specifically for community banks, drawing on real-world data, examples from competing institutions, and lessons learned from failed and successful AI initiatives. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for aligning culture, technology, and strategy so AI becomes a competitive advantage—not another stalled initiative.
This session is designed for bank executives, technology leaders, and business-line heads who want practical direction, not buzzwords.
Cannabis and Banking in Virginia (Compliance)
Andrew Lock | Deep Ellum LLC
In this session you will learn about the differences between cannabis, hemp and intoxicating hemp products. You will also learn about both Federal and Virginia laws as it relates to each. Finally, the session will cover risks to banks, BSA/AML implications and other considerations. Key takeaways will be the difference between cannabis, hemp and intoxicating hemp products, the legality and risks associated with banking each category, and some key considerations with respect to banking companies in this industry.
Fraud Trends (Risk, Security)
Todd Harris | Roanoke County Police Department
This presentation will cover fraud trends in Virginia & Maryland that financial institutions should be aware of. This will include check thefts and counterfeiting, bank fraud department impersonation, synthetic identities, account takeover, and a variety of scams.
Bank Marketing in the Age of AI (Marketing)
Joe Kubek | ABM AI
This session will explore a number of use cases and trends in the marketing industry, both as a whole and with a focus on community and regional banking. We will explore the number of AI tools and models available to marketing departments, how those tools stack up against one another, and industry trends we are seeing from across the AI landscape.
HR Legal Hot Topics (Human Resources)
Todd Leeson | Gentry Locke
This session will focus on the latest trends and developments in the area of workplace employment law. We will discuss any new Federal and State employment laws and initiatives, especially those likely to arise out of the 2026 Virginia General Assembly. I will provide practical recommendations on steps employers can take to minimize their legal risks.
March 26 – 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Deskless by Design: How to Build Learning into Every Shift (Training)
JD Dillon | LearnGeek
Frontline roles in financial services leave little room for traditional training, yet employees are expected to manage complex products, shifting regulations, and heightened customer expectations every shift. This session examines why legacy training methods fall short and how leading organizations embed learning, reinforcement, and performance support directly into the flow of work. We’ll explore practical ways to deliver short, relevant learning moments without disrupting operations. We’ll highlight how AI-enabled assistance and insight-driven coaching personalize support in real time. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to boost capability, reduce risk, and improve performance across every shift.
Third Party Risk Management (Compliance, Risk)
Andrew Jordan | Wolf & Company, P.C.
This session will provide an overview of Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) and its critical role in strengthening operational resilience within financial institutions. We will cover evolving regulatory expectations, common third-party risk exposures, and leading practices for risk assessment, due diligence, contract governance, and ongoing monitoring. The discussion will also highlight practical approaches to aligning TPRM with enterprise risk management, cybersecurity, business continuity, and vendor performance oversight. Real-world examples will illustrate how institutions can scale TPRM programs effectively while maintaining efficiency and accountability.
Your Bank’s Digital Footprint: What Ops, Technology, and Complance Need to Know (and Prove) (Operations, Technology)
Tim Dively & A.J. Eschle | CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
A bank’s digital footprint is more than its website and online banking. It includes every internet-facing asset, integration, third-party connection, data exposure, and customer interaction that creates operational, cybersecurity, and compliance risk. In this interactive session, we will map a real customer journey, identify common footprint blind spots, and translate “what exists” into “what you can control and evidence” for exams and audits. Expect practical examples from an IT/Ops/Security lens and an auditor’s perspective on documentation and proof.
Learning objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Define a bank’s digital footprint in practical categories (channels, data, integrations, third parties, and operational processes)
- Identify common digital footprint blind spots that drive incidents, findings, and customer harm (unowned assets, unclear data flows, weak vendor visibility)
- Assess risk at the footprint level by linking assets and data flows to operational, cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance obligations
- Translate key risks into a control and evidence approach that stands up to internal audit, external audit, and regulatory exams
- Prioritize a short list of actionable next steps to strengthen ownership, controls, and monitoring of the bank’s footprint
Mail Theft and Check Fraud Trends Sean McCafferty | U.S. Postal Inspection Service (Retail, Security)
This presentation will cover current mail theft and check fraud trends in the United States.
Using Storytelling in Marketing (Marketing)
Kristan Hill | HC3
Engaging your audience goes far beyond selling a product – it’s about creating a compelling narrative that resonates on an emotional level. HC3’s Director of Marketing, Kristan Hill will explore the power of storytelling in marketing. Learn how positioning your audience at the center of the narrative can deepen connections, build trust, and inspire action. This session will show you how to transform your marketing approach by putting the customer at the heart of your story—ensuring they not only identify with your brand but also become loyal advocates.
Beyond the Annual Review: Building Performance Systems That Actually Drive Results (Human Resources)
Dr. Shayna Cooke | Dominion Payroll
Performance management is one of the most misunderstood—and underutilized—systems inside organizations. In this session, we’ll move beyond outdated annual reviews to explore how modern performance practices can drive clarity, accountability, growth, and retention. We’ll examine what effective performance systems look like in practice, including goal-setting, feedback rhythms, manager capability, and alignment to business outcomes. Participants will leave with practical frameworks and tangible ideas they can adapt immediately within their own organizations.
March 26 – 2:05-3:05 p.m.
Cyber Risk Insurance Considerations (Risk)
Damian Schwartz | Kaufman Rossin
Critical Considerations for Bankers:
- Coverage Scope and Depth – Understand precisely what is covered: data restoration, business interruption, regulatory fines, third-party liabilities. Ambiguities in policy language can lead to costly disputes.
- Exclusions and Limitations – Many policies exclude certain attack vectors or acts deemed “state-sponsored.” These exclusions must be scrutinized in light of the evolving threat landscape.
- Integration with Risk Management – Cyber insurance should complement, not substitute, a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Regulators increasingly expect demonstrable alignment between risk transfer mechanisms and operational safeguards.
Incident Response Playbooks — Your Blueprint for Cyber Resilience (Security, Technology)
Jon Waldman | SBS CyberSecurity
No business is immune to today’s rising tide of cyber threats — but having a strong incident response plan (IRP) can make all the difference. This presentation covers the essential components of an IRP, how to build and refine your plan over time, and the lessons we’ve learned from years of hands-on response experience. Whether building your first plan or evolving an existing one, this discussion will provide actionable guidance.
This session will cover:
- The current cybersecurity landscape
- IRP basics and regulatory guidance
- Threat identification and assessments
- Escalation procedures and KPIs
- Incident response playbooks
- Incident response testing and reporting
Compliance Legal Update (Compliance)
DeMarion Johnston | Virginia Bankers Association & Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association and Liz Mattis | Atlantic Union Bank
DeMarion and Liz will discuss recent changes to Maryland and Virginia laws that affect banking, including legislation passed in the 2026 Session of the Virginia General Assembly. They will also cover federal and state requirements for banks related to elder financial exploitation.
Bank on Reporting: A Culture First Defense Against AI Phishing (Operations)
Jeremy Herr | Abrigo
Phishing has become significantly harder for employees to detect, driven by a shift from traditionally flawed, grammatically incorrect scams to AI‑generated messages that are clean, convincing, and highly personalized. Today, phishing is responsible for 34% of all breaches, and the average cost of a phishing‑related breach has risen to $5.01 million—one of the highest across all attack categories.
In the banking sector—where trust, identity, and financial integrity are prime targets—the combination of AI‑driven deception and deepfake‑enabled impersonation represents an unprecedented escalation. Testing programs must not only educate but actively train employees to recognize and report emerging attack vectors. Building a culture of confident, routine reporting is now one of the most effective defenses against rapidly evolving AI‑enabled phishing campaigns.
Advances in generative and agentic AI have transformed social engineering from a manual, opportunistic activity into a fully automated, industrialized threat. We’ll show how agentic AI and automated social engineering are reshaping risk—and how banks can strengthen awareness through smarter education, testing, rewards, and reporting. Join us for practical strategies you can immediately bring back to your teams to boost phishing defenses.
From Brand Belief to Brand Power: How Bank Marketers Build Brands That Drive Value (Marketing)
Amber Farley | FMS
Every bank has a brand — by design or by default. For today’s bank marketers, the challenge isn’t understanding what a brand is, but knowing how to manage it strategically, protect it internally, and use it to drive long-term value. In this session, we’ll explore what it truly means to lead a brand inside a financial institution, how to sharpen and strengthen brand clarity, and how to activate that brand across internal culture, customer experience, and the marketplace. Attendees will walk away with practical frameworks, real-world examples, and a clearer understanding of how brand intelligence can help guide decisions, build alignment, and create meaningful differentiation.
Career Pathing & Succession Planning at All Levels in the Bank (Retail, HR, Training)
Kate Shattuck | Korn Ferry
Career Pathing and Succession Planning have become must‑have capabilities for banks that want to attract, develop, and retain top talent—especially in a market where skills are scarce, competition is intense, and expectations from employees (particularly early‑ and mid‑career professionals) have fundamentally changed. Learn the fundamentals of each, how you can amplify these programs in your organization, and how you can personally leverage these opportunities in your career.
March 26 – 3:25-4:25 p.m.
Training Design on a Shoestring (Training)
Brian Washburn | Endurance Learning
It would be nice to have unlimited resources to design and develop training programs, but unfortunately, none of us actually have access to unlimited resources. We need to do the best we can with what we have, and this workshop will offer you some fresh ideas on how to maximize your existing training efforts and budget. Based on the Build/Borrow/Buy structure of his book, Instructional Design on a Shoestring, Brian will offer a variety of strategies to build low-cost training programs, he’ll offer some inspiration for how to borrow from existing resources, and he’ll offer some low-cost ways you can supplement your current training design toolkit.
The Fraudacity of Cybercriminals (Operations, Security,Technology)
Jon Waldman | SBS CyberSecurity
In this engaging session, we delve into the ever-evolving world of financial fraud, focusing on the top scams that individuals and businesses need to be aware of in 2026. We will explore the latest tactics used by fraudsters, leveraging both technology and psychological manipulation. From deceptive deepfakes to stolen identities to old-school check fraud, we will dissect the threats and provide practical strategies to safeguard your financial well-being. Join us to stay informed, protect your assets, and outsmart the scammers!
Regulatory Whiplash – Bank Compliance in the Trump Era (Compliance)
Michelle Strickland | TCA
The past year has been a whirlwind for financial institutions and in turn, compliance professionals. Prior administrations rules repealed, enforcement actions dropped, guidance repealed and the CFPB’s existence on the chopping block. The message sent may be heard as “compliance is no longer important” or unnecessary. This messaging may make it difficult for compliance officers to continue the efforts of managing an effective Compliance Management System. This session will provide attendees with perspective and guidance on how to keep their CMS on track and focus on risks relevant to your institution.
ERM Soup to Nuts for the Community Bank (Risk)
Monica Bolin | Ncontracts
This foundational session guides community bank risk management professionals through building and maintaining an effective Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program. Attendees will learn the complete ERM framework, including risk identification, control assignment and assessment, governance structures, and reporting expectations tailored specifically for community bank environments. The presentation provides practical, actionable strategies that participants can immediately apply to strengthen their institution’s risk management capabilities.
Key Learning Areas:
- Core components of a comprehensive ERM framework for community banks
- Practical risk assessment techniques
- Establishing effective governance structures and risk appetite statements
- Integrating ERM into strategic planning and daily operations
Modernizing Retail, Marketing, and Revenue Operations (Retail, Marketing)
Ally Akins | Capital Performance Group
In this session, discover how marketing, sales, and customer service can converge to attract and retain lifetime customers. Explore the value of utilizing data to prioritize customer profitability, create quality customer experiences, and retain customers for life. Attendees of this interactive session will discuss and learn:
- How marketing, sales, and customer service can come together to maximize the lifetime value of customers and continue to attract these customers
- The measurable impact of delivering personalized, consistent experiences for customers across channels
- How to use data to track and enhance the profitability and value of customers
Creating a Caring Culture: An Approach to Improving Workplace Mental Health (Human Resources)
Laurie Milligan & Pam Connelly | VBA Benefits Corp.
In this session, you will explore national mental health trends and conditions, as well as the ways in which your bank may be affected—both directly and indirectly—by employees experiencing mental health challenges. You will also be introduced to a comprehensive framework designed to foster a mentally healthy workplace culture by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to the services and support your employees need.
Meet the Speakers
Ally Akins is a Principal and Co-Lead of the Sales and Marketing Practice at Capital Performance Group, LLC, where she advises financial services organizations on growth strategy, marketing effectiveness, and revenue optimization. She works closely with senior leadership teams to design and implement strategies that drive measurable business outcomes.
Ally has extensive experience leading client engagements focused on marketing strategy and planning, product and service redesign, sales enablement, performance marketing, and strategic planning. She is responsible for owning key client relationships, expanding existing engagements, originating new client relationships, and contributing to the development of scalable marketing-focused products and services.
As Co-Lead of the Sales and Marketing Practice, Ally plays a central role in shaping the firm’s marketing consulting capabilities, translating client needs and market insights into repeatable offerings that support long-term growth. She is also actively involved in mentoring and developing analysts and consultants, helping build a high-performing, collaborative team.
Ally frequently serves as a subject-matter expert on marketing and growth strategy, contributing to thought leadership, speaking engagements, and media-related initiatives on behalf of Capital Performance Group.
She holds degrees in Marketing and Government and Politics from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
She can be reached at aakins@capitalperform.com or 301-300-7361. Connect with Ally on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/allyakins/.
Monica Bolin is the Manager, Enterprise Risk Management at Ncontracts. Over the last 30+ years, Monica has gained extensive experience in financial institution management and consulting, particularly in risk management, third-party risk, loan review, commercial lending, credit administration, internal audit/compliance, and loan operations. She was the Chief Risk Officer at a publicly-traded institution. In that role, she was responsible for ERM, assessing the adequacy of risk assessments and internal controls; regulatory compliance management program reviews; the ongoing management of internal and external loan review processes; post-closing loan reviews; and all internal audit programs. Additional responsibilities included oversight of all internal and external audits and reviews/monitoring of all recommendations (findings management), board report preparation, strategic planning, ALCO, Asset Monitoring, appraisal reviews, preparing quarterly Audit Committee packets, Director Loan Committee participant, and member of Compliance, Vendor Management, and IT Committees. Prior to her CRO role, Ms. Bolin was Senior Vice President of Credit Administration, responsible for all loan operations, including loan servicing, documentation, and loan compliance. She monitored and updated all loan-related policies and performed all internal loan reviews.
Stacey Bryant is the Director of Client Development at Cornerstone Advisors, where she partners with bank leaders to uncover challenges and bring their strategic goals to life. With nearly 20 years of experience in community banking, credit unions, and fintech, Stacey understands the balance between meeting operational demands and serving the real needs of customers, especially those who are underserved. At Cornerstone, Stacey helps banks transform the foundation of their vendor relationships. She and her team create contract roadmaps that align with each bank’s strategic plan and use proprietary benchmarking tools and peer data to secure the best pricing and performance. These savings allow banks to reinvest in transformational initiatives that scale their people, processes, and technology—while staying true to their mission. Stacey brings curiosity, diverse perspective, and practical expertise to her role. She helps banks reimagine their relevance in a fast-changing financial landscape, translating mission into margin and ensuring lasting impact for customers along with the brand relevancy of community banking.
Pam Connelly currently serves as Senior Director of Benefit Plan Analysis for the Virginia Bankers Association Benefits Corporation. Prior to joining the VBA in 2012, Pam worked as an employee benefits consultant which provided a strong foundation in overseeing plan administration of multiple benefit programs. Her primary duties include the administration of the self-funded medical plan with monthly review of claims paid data; calculating conventional premium for minimum premium employers; providing IBNR estimates; as well as consulting on plan design and contribution strategies. She also serves as the coordinator for well-being initiatives and health-related point solutions provided by the Benefits Corp. She enjoys collaborating with employers to build well-being strategies that enhance employee health; improve productivity and mitigate future high-cost claims.
Dr. Shayna Cooke, is a Chief People Officer, organizational strategist, and leadership architect with a track record of scaling people systems in high-growth environments. She currently serves as Chief People Officer at Dominion Payroll, where she oversees People & Culture, Learning & Development, HR Services, Marketing, AI governance, and leadership development initiatives across a rapidly expanding, multi-state organization.
With a background that bridges education, operations, and executive leadership, Shayna is known for building practical, human-centered frameworks that align people strategy with business performance. Her work spans leadership development, performance management, compensation architecture, M&A integration, and responsible AI adoption—always with a focus on clarity, accountability, and sustainable growth.
As a speaker and facilitator, Shayna brings a grounded, systems-thinking approach to conversations about leadership, the future of work, and AI in business. She is especially passionate about helping leaders move from theory to execution—designing structures that enable people to do their best work while keeping empathy and trust at the center.
JD Dillon began his career on the frontline, managing movie theaters and theme parks. With 25 years of experience across operations, talent, and marketing with companies like Disney, AMC, Kaplan, and Axonify, he’s a trusted authority on performance enablement and a passionate advocate for improving the employee experience. A popular keynote speaker, prolific creator, and author of The Modern Learning Ecosystem and The Frontline Enablement Playbook, JD advises organizations on frontline performance strategy, ecosystem architecture, and AI-enabled solutions that power real work every day. Learn more about his latest projects at jddillon.com.
Chris DiLorenzo is President and Co-Founder of The James Paul Group, where he helps banks build strong leaders, engaged teams, and exceptional customer experiences.
With more than 24 years of experience, Chris works with financial institutions to turn strategy into action through exceptional leadership, sales, customer service, and assessment solutions.
He is a frequent speaker for banking associations nationwide, a University of Georgia graduate, and a former pitcher in the Kansas City Royals organization.
Tim Dively leads the digital service line for the financial services practice at CLA. As a former community bank executive, Tim offers a fresh and practical perspective on guiding financial institutions through their unique digital transformation journey. With a strong foundation in organizational change management, he helps clients drive meaningful results by enhancing systems, improving processes, leveraging data-driven insights, and upholding the highest standards of cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. Tim’s approach ensures that banks can seamlessly balance relationship-driven banking with the power of innovative digital tools, equipping them to thrive in an evolving financial landscape.
A.J. Eschle is a Principal based in Arlington, Virginia, with 19 years at the firm serving clients across audit, consulting, and advisory capacities. He brings broad experience advising banking and financial services organizations on complex financial, strategic, and governance matters. A.J. works closely with leadership teams and external stakeholders to deliver practical, value‑driven outcomes in an evolving regulatory and market environment.
Amber Farley, Partner & EVP of Brand Development at FMS, is a well-known and respected teacher, presenter, consultant and thought leader on bank branding, marketing and leadership strategies for banks around the country. She strategizes ways to help banks be purpose-driven, inspirational and more relevant to today’s customer—including both internal and external customers, and regularly presents and teaches at national banking schools, banking conferences, and other statewide banking institutions.
Detective Todd Harris has served in law enforcement for over 12 years, including the past 9 years with the Roanoke County Police Department. He began his career in patrol before transitioning to the role of Accreditation & Recruitment Manager, where he oversaw the department’s recruiting and hiring process, led the CALEA reaccreditation efforts, and contributed to policy development and review.
Since 2023, Detective Harris has been assigned to the Investigations Division, where he primarily investigates complex financial crimes. His experience also includes major violent crime investigations, such as robberies, malicious woundings, homicides, sexual assaults, and crimes against children.
Detective Harris is an active member of the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators and collaborates regularly with investigators from both law enforcement agencies and the private sector nationwide.
Jeremy Herr is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) with a career dedicated to securing network infrastructure and leading modern security operations. As the Director of Security Operations at Abrigo, he oversees a multidisciplinary team of data defenders specializing in Cybersecurity, Cloud Security Engineering and Vulnerability Management, a dedicated Compliance Analyst, in the corporate IT Services organization. Together, his team focuses on protecting data, strengthening brand trust, enabling a secure hybrid workforce, and supporting the company’s mission and recurring revenue.
A strong advocate for the human layer in defense‑in‑depth, Jeremy champions a culture where employees are recognized and rewarded for reporting suspicious activity. He also emphasizes the critical role of the IT Service Desk in operationalizing controls that align to regulatory expectations and industry best practices.
Jeremy is passionate about mentoring aspiring security and IT professionals and believes growing cybersecurity talent from within is essential to addressing the industry’s ongoing skills shortage.
Kristan Hill is Director of Marketing at HC3 and a marketing storyteller with 20 years of experience helping brands connect with audiences through clear, compelling narratives. She speaks on using storytelling to humanize marketing, align strategy, and drive meaningful engagement.
DeMarion Johnston serves as General Counsel for D.C. Bankers Association, Maryland Bankers Association, Virginia Bankers Association, and Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association. As chief legal officer, she provides strategic leadership on legal strategy, corporate governance, risk management, business operations, regulatory compliance, and legislative affairs. Her career has spanned more than 25 years in banking and non-banking financial‑services, including previously serving as Associate General Counsel in the Office of General Counsel of the Virginia State Corporation Commission. In this role she advised and represented the Commission and its divisions, primarily the Bureau of Financial Institutions, Bureau of Insurance, and Office of the Clerk, and represented Commission staff in adjudicatory litigation and regulatory proceedings. DeMarion has also worked in the private practice of law and with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. She holds a Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School, and is admitted to practice law in Washington D.C., Virginia and before the Supreme Court of the U. S.
Andrew Jordan is a Technology Advisory Manager at Wolf and Company, P.C. Andrew helps oversee engagements over a variety of industries including the financial, educational, commercial, and healthcare sectors. During the engagements, Andrew is responsible for coordination, overseeing of seniors and staff, and executing IT audit services for the client. Andrew has seven years of experience in the technology advisory field. His experience includes IT audits, HIPAA security reviews, Network Infrastructure, Third Party Risk Management, and various security framework reviews such as NIST CSF, Microsoft CIS, and ISO 27001. His specialties include network security reviews, IT general controls, risk management, business continuity management and application security.
Joe Kubek is the lead engineer at ABM and has been working with cloud technologies and more specifically, Microsoft, for nearly 10 years. He has had the chance to be mentored by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable Microsoft engineers in the ecosystem. During his free time, Joe can be found taking care of chickens on the farm, playing his drumset, or teaching his kids how to drift in Mario Kart.
Todd Leeson is the Chair of Gentry Locke’s employment law group. He represents Virginia employers in employment and labor law matters. He regularly litigates employment claims in Virginia courts and before agencies including the EEOC, NLRB, DOL, and the corresponding Virginia agencies. Todd regularly drafts, enforces, and litigates non-compete agreements and executive employment contracts.
Todd is rated “AV/Preeminent” by Martindale-Hubbell, is repeatedly named one of the Best Lawyers in America in Labor & Employment Law, and has regularly been named to various lists, including Virginia Legal Elite. As recent examples, Virginia Lawyers Weekly named Todd a “Go-To Lawyer for Employment Law, and in 2022 Best Lawyers in America named Todd the “Lawyer of the Year” (Labor law-management) in Roanoke. Todd was also honored by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in 2021 as a “Leader in the Law.”
Andrew Lock is a 30+ year banker and the former Chief Credit and Chief Risk Officer of Monarch Bank as well as the former Chief Risk Officer of Towne Bank. After leaving Towne Bank he became involved in the country’s largest outdoor cannabis grow operation, which was ultimately sold to the industry’s largest participant. Since that time Andy has consulted with both plant touching and non-plant touching companies in the cannabis space, as well as commercial banks. Andy was also chairman of the Virginia Beach Cannabis Advisory Task Force, which advises the City Council on cannabis related issues.
Liz Mattis is Assistant General Counsel and Senior Vice President in the Legal Department at Atlantic Union Bank. In her role, she provides legal advice and counsel to commercial lending, special assets, private banking and trust, and treasury management.
With over 15 years of experience in creditors’ rights, Elizabeth is a subject-matter expert in commercial lending and special assets. Her value lies in her deep knowledge of commercial lending and special assets, her approachable manner, and her commitment and dedication to helping her business partners achieve their goals while mitigating risk in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
Throughout her legal career, Elizabeth has been committed to adding value and helping her clients achieve their goals. Before joining Atlantic Union Bank, Elizabeth worked in-house at Sandy Spring Bank in Olney, Maryland, where she served as Deputy General Counsel and supported all operational areas of the bank and MUFG Union Bank, N.A. in Los Angeles, California, where she provided legal advice and counsel to commercial lending, special assets, and credit administration and policy.
Elizabeth honed her skills representing financial institutions working as an associate and partner at a boutique creditors’ rights law firm in Costa Mesa, California. She also developed critical litigation skills early in her career working at a large, international law firm in Los Angeles, California.
Elizabeth obtained a B.A. from Pomona College in Claremont, California and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Sean McCafferty is a U.S. Postal Inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), the law enforcement and investigative arm of the United States Postal Service (“USPS”). Inspector McCafferty has been assigned to the USPIS Roanoke, VA domicile since 2013. Inspector McCafferty has extensive experience with criminal investigations involving the U.S. Mail and USPS, including but not limited to mail theft/identity theft, mail fraud, narcotics/weapons trafficking, and hazardous mail. Inspector McCafferty graduated from Miami (OH) University with a BS in Finance and continued his education at Eastern Kentucky University where he earned a MS in Criminal Justice.
Laurie H. Milligan, CEBS, serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of VBA Benefits Corporation, a subsidiary of the Virginia Bankers Association, the trade association for community banks in Virginia. She oversees the operations and marketing of the group employee benefit programs offered to member banks, leveraging economies of scale to deliver competitive benefit packages. These include a multiple-employer health plan covering over 4,700 employees, group disability, life, and supplemental health benefits, as well as three retirement programs with combined assets exceeding $700 million.
Before joining VBA in 2012, Laurie spent more than 20 years as an employee benefits consultant, advising national employers on health and welfare plan design, alternative funding strategies, contribution models, and well-being initiatives.
David Rendall has spoken to audiences on every inhabited continent during the last fifteen years. His clients include the US Air Force, Australian Government, and Fortune 50 companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, United Health Group, Fannie Mae, and State Farm.
Prior to becoming a Certified Speaking Professional, he was a Leadership Professor,
Stand-up Comedian, and Nonprofit Executive. In between presentations, David competes in ultramarathons and Ironman triathlons.
David has a Doctor of Management Degree in Organizational Leadership, as well as a
Graduate Degree in Psychology. He is the author of four books:
- The Four Factors of Effective Leadership
- The Freak Factor
- The Freak Factor for Kids
- Pink Goldfish 2.0
Damian Schwartz is a director in the Risk Advisory Services practice, where he brings over two decades of experience to clients. His focus includes cybersecurity strategy, investigation, response, compliance and training.
Prior to joining the firm, Damian served as a Senior Special Agent in the United States Secret Service New York Field Office’s Electronic Crime’s Task Force. In that role, he managed a highly technical team of Federal Agents on a multi-agency task force investigating large-scale cyber investigations including phishing and spear phishing schemes, identity theft, bank fraud, and data breaches of financial institutions and private sector organizations.
Kate Shattuck is a powerhouse leader and Managing Partner at Korn Ferry, the world’s top talent and organizational consulting firm. She specializes in shaping dynamic leadership teams at the C-suite and board levels. Known for her expert communication and energetic ability to inspire, Kate is a master at blending profit with purpose. She’s both a people leader and hands-on consultant, certified in CEO Succession. She brings deep expertise in Consumer & Commercial Banking and Asset Management. A US Army veteran, Kate is dedicated to service, volunteering in her community and an advocate for emerging leaders, underdogs and caregivers. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, MPA from Harvard Kennedy School and is a West Point graduate.
Michelle Strickland brings a wealth of commercial, consumer and residential loan compliance to her position at TCA, Thomas Compliance Associates, Inc.
Like many senior compliance officers, Ms. Strickland began her banking career on the teller line, but her early career also included consumer, residential and secondary market loan processing. Her next step up was as a systems administrator for six bank branches; Ms. Strickland’s responsibilities included customizing the bank’s loan origination systems.
Ms. Strickland’s most recent experience, at a large Indiana bank, included responsibility for three operational areas: loan servicing; commercial loan processing and documentation; and residential and consumer loan processing and documentation. Her duties included the preparation of Risk Assessments on loan operations functional areas, vendor relationships, pipeline reports and, of course, regulatory compliance.
Ms. Strickland joined TCA in late 2013.
Jon Waldman is a co-founder and President of SBS CyberSecurity and the SBS Institute. Over the past 20 years, Jon has helped hundreds of organizations identify and understand cybersecurity risks to allow them to make better and more informed business decisions. Jon is incredibly passionate about cybersecurity training and education, which lead him to be a driving force in the development of the SBS Institute. The Institute is uniquely designed to serve the banking industry by providing industry specific cyber education. It has grown to include ten certification courses and holds State Association partnerships in over 30 states.
Jon maintains his CISA, CRISC, and CDPSE certifications. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and his Master of Science in Information Assurance with an emphasis in Banking and Finance Security from Dakota State University, a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education designated by the NSA.
Along with being an instructor for SBS Institute courses, Jon frequently speaks on cybersecurity topics at a variety of events and trainings across the country. Additionally, he is a blog author, has had multiple articles published, and regularly hosts educational webinars. Jon strongly believes the more knowledgeable and educated we all are – Directors, employees, and customers alike – when it comes to cybersecurity, the more risk we reduce as a whole.
Brian Washburn is an author, speaker and an experienced instructional designer who has been working in the field of learning and development for more than two decades. His standing within the greater learning and development community has afforded Brian unique opportunities to exchange ideas with some of the most well-known and innovative practitioners in the field.
Brian’s work has been published in TD magazine, the monthly trade magazine for the Association of Talent Development (ATD), and he was named a Top Young Trainer by Training Magazine in 2011. Brian’s first book, What’s Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training, was published by ATD Press in June 2021. Modeled on the original periodic table of elements, the book explores a wide range of approaches to organizational training needs and new ideas and ways to organize the design of learning programs.
His second book, Instructional Design on a Shoestring, was released in January 2024. Brian holds an MA in Organizational Development from Antioch University.
Bruce T. Whitehurst serves as the President & CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association and the Virginia Bankers Association. Following a 10-year career in retail and commercial banking, Bruce joined the Virginia Bankers Association in 1993, its 100th anniversary year. He has served as president and chief executive officer of the
association since 2007 and was previously executive vice president. Bruce also serves as president and chief executive officer of the Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association, which was formed in July 2024 to combine the Maryland Bankers Association’s and VBA’s organizations and operations.
While at the VBA, Bruce has worked with member banks in a variety of areas, to include government relations, education and training, financial literacy, and partnering with banks in a number of innovative ways to help them enter new lines of business. He also speaks about and on behalf of the industry on a regular basis.
As a banking industry advocate, Bruce is active at the national level. He served on the American Bankers Association’s Regulatory Reform Task Force during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and served as an ABA Board member and chairman of the Alliance of State Bankers Associations in 2012-2013. He has also served on several other committees and councils at the national level.
Committed to serving his community, Bruce is a director of and has chaired United Methodist Family Services in Richmond, VA and the Virginia Council on Economic Education.
Bruce received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William & Mary, his MBA from the University of Richmond and is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management.
Session Materials
The password to view the session materials is ConnectProtect26.
General Session Materials
How Community Banks Can Compete in the Age of AI
Stacey will follow up with the 2026 Bank Report.
Breakout Session Materials (10:55 – 11:55 a.m.)
Better Conversations. Better Results.
Cannabis and Banking in Virginia
Breakout Session Materials (12:45 – 1:45 p.m.)
Check Washing & Check Theft Scams
Using Storytelling in Marketing
1:1 Meeting Template Conversation Guide
How To Guide For Writing a 306090 Document
Difficult Conversation Framework
Feedback Preparation Worksheet
Promotional Readiness Framework by Level
Breakout session materials (2:05 – 3:05 p.m.)
From Brand Belief to Brand Power
Career Pathing & Succession Planning at All Levels in the Bank
breakout session materials (3:25 – 4:25 p.m.)
Modernizing Bank Retail, Marketing and Revenue Operations
Training Design on a Shoestring
The Fraudacity of Cybercriminals
ERM Soup to Nuts for the Community Bank
Attendee Roster
See who is attending here!
Hotel Information (Address, Parking, Meeting Rooms)
Hotel Roanoke
110 Shenandoah Ave NE
Roanoke, VA 24016
Parking Information
Self-Parking*: Self parking is available at the hotel for $18.00/night or $6.00/day
Valet Parking*: Valet parking is available at the hotel for $28.00/night or $18.00/day.
*Parking rates subject to change.
Meeting Space
- Registration – North Entry
- General Sessions & Lunch – Roanoke Ballroom CD
- Breakout Sessions – Meeting space notated above
- Breakfast, Networking Breaks & Receptions – Roanoke Ballroom AB (Exhibit Hall)
Wi-Fi
Wireless Network: Hilton Honors
Promotional Code: ConnectProtect2026
Special Needs or Accommodations
If you have special needs that may affect your participation in this event, please contact Michele Dunn to discuss accommodations.
Roanoke Restaurant Options
Credit Information
2026 Connect|Protect CPE Credit
American Bankers Association (ABA) Professional Credits
American Bankers Association (ABA) Professional Certifications has approved Connect|Protect Experience 2026 for:
6.75 CRCM, 8 CERP, 8 CFMP, 7.25 CAFP credit. APPROVED NON-ABA CE search for training will appear as: Virginia Bankers Association | Connect|Protect Experience 2026
*Approved program may take up to 7 days after approval to appear in CE Search
The following 2026 Connect|Protect Experience sessions carry ABA Professional Credits:
General Sessions
- How Community Banks Can Compete in the Age of AI – 1.25 CRCM, CERP, CAFP, CFMP
- Industry Update – .5 CRCM, CERP, CFMP, CAFP
- Oppositioning: One Surprising Strategy for Innovation and Differentiation – 1.25 CERP, CFMP
Breakout Sessions
- AI Onboarding Best Practices for Culture, Core Systems, and Competitive Advantage – 1.25 CERP, CRCM
- Bank Marketing in the Age of AI – 1.25 CFMP
- Bank on Reporting: A Culture First Defense Against AI Phishing – 1.25 CRCM, CERP, CAFP
- Better Conversations. Better Results – 1.25 CFMP, CERP
- Cannabis and Banking in Virginia – 1.25 CRCM, CERP, CAFP
- Compliance Legal Update – 1.25 CRCM, CERP, CAFP
- Cyber Risk Insurance Considerations – 1.25 CRCM, CERP
- ERM Soup to Nuts for the Community Bank – 1.25 CRCM, CERP
- The Fraudacity of Cybercriminals – 1.25 CERP, CAFP
- Fraud Trends – 1.25 CAFP, CRCM
- From Brand Belief to Brand Power: How Bank Marketers Build Brands That Drive Value – 1.25 CFMP
- Incident Response Playbooks – Your Blueprint for Cyber Resilience – 1.25 CRCM, CERP
- Mail Theft and Check Fraud Trends – 1.25 CERP, CAFP
- Modernizing Retail, Marketing, and Revenue Operations – 1.25 CFMP, CERP
- Regulatory Whiplash – Bank Compliance in the Trump Era – 1.25 CRCM, CERP
- Third Party Risk Management – 1.25 CRCM, CERP
- Using Storytelling in Marketing – 1.25 CFMP
- Your Brand’s Digital Footprint: What Ops, Technology, and Compliance Need to Know (and Prove) – 1.25 CRCM, CERP
Attendee Instructions to self report for CE Credit
- Log into certification record at aba.csod.com
- Hover over ADD CE CREDIT select APPROVED NON-ABA CE
- Enter key word(s) from program title or sponsor name and Select program from search results: Virginia Bankers Association | Connect|Protect Experience 2025
- Click Request and when page refreshes click Mark Complete
- Send an email to certifications@aba.com and let them know which sessions you attended so they can adjust your credit totals.
ABA Professional Certifications is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of performance and ethics within the financial services industry. This statement is not an indorsement of this program or its sponsor.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
ABM AI
https://abmnow.com/
ABM AI is a cutting-edge IT firm specializing in Microsoft Modern Work and Artificial Intelligence. Their mission is to empower organizations by leveraging the latest advancements in digital workplace solutions, AI-driven insights, and automation to enhance productivity, security, and operational efficiency. ABM AI is employee-owned, ensuring exceptional service and a vested interest in the company’s success. They focus on cloud, security, and data governance to prepare customers for the Era of AI responsibly and ethically.
Bank Design & Equipment aka BD&E
Jeffrey Micklege, Vice President
jmicklege@bankdesign.net | (202) 999-8558
www.bankdesign.net
Virginia based BD&E is a trusted partner for all of your banking equipment needs. For over 35 years, they have delivered top-quality technology, service, and installation to community banks across the Mid-Atlantic.
Banzai
Luke Holloway, National Account Executive
luke@banzai.org | (385) 244-0001
banzai.org
Banzai is a Premier Financial Literacy content provider for Banks. Banzai has all the marketing tools that you need to create engaging, unique, high-quality content for your website and to partner with community organizations, non profits, schools, and social media.
VBA Endorsed Provider
Brown Edwards
Jennifer Theimer, Director
jtheimer@becpas.com | (540) 345-0936
https://becpas.com/industries/community-banking/
Brown Edwards has the expertise to help your institution improve procedures, manage risks, avoid regulatory pitfalls, and improve earnings. In the world of community banking and digital technology, institutions have to reimagine outdated practices, evaluate competitive models and support innovation to meet heightened expectations from consumers, businesses, and investors.
Compliance Alliance
info@compliancealliance.com | (888) 353-3933
https://compliancealliance.com/
An expertly-staffed hotline, federal regulatory tools, policies and procedures, and unlimited reviews for all sizes of community banks across the U.S. — the only all-inclusive banking compliance advisory. Compliance Hub’s over 1800 products and tools support 48 separate bank compliance areas –an unlimited-access Bank Compliance Library – and conforms to the most recently published federal banking rules and regulations. Whether you are building institutional exam-readiness or a bank compliance program, C/A has all the resources, access, and availability for one membership subscription. Co-owned by the Virginia Bankers Association, Maryland Bankers Association and 36 other state bankers associations across the country.
MBA Preferred Provider | VBA Endorsed Provider
Convergint Technologies LLC
Robert Chandler, Electronic Security Engineering Specialist
Robert.Chandler@convergint.com | (704) 995-2220
Jeffrey.Trimble@convergint.com | (804) 564-1372
https://www.convergint.com/
Convergint is the leader security integrator in the financial industry. They provide solutions in three important areas: physical security (safes, vaults, drive up equipment, teller equipment), electronic security (alarm systems, alarm monitoring, card access, video surveillance) and cash automation (ATMs, ITMs and cash recycling). They partner with their clients to provide technology solutions that improve branch operations and increase security.
Fiserv
Lynne Newton, Relationship Manager, Financial Institutions Group
lynne.newton@fiserv.com | (434) 774-4315
https://www.fiserv.com/
Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE: FI), a Fortune 500 company, aspires to move money and information in a way that moves the world. As a global leader in payments and financial technology, the company helps clients achieve best-in-class results through a commitment to innovation and excellence in areas including account processing and digital banking solutions; card issuer processing and network services; payments; e-commerce; merchant acquiring and processing; and the Clover® cloud-based point-of-sale and business management platform.
HC3
https://hc3.io/
HC3 is a proven statement provider serving 350+ financial institutions. Their top priority is ensuring your success through our statement design, digital delivery, and mail delivery.
iTuring
Srivalsan Ponnachath, President, COO & Cofounder
valsan@ituring.ai | (510) 953-1222
https://ituring.ai/
iTuring enables superior outcomes in deposit growth, collections, and other use cases across the customer lifecycle through its AI/ML platform purpose-built for banking. Its integrated AI platform combines a powerful predictive analytics engine with agentic and generative AI layers, enabling banks to move from insights to autonomous, real-time action. iTuring’s Net New Money solution leverages predictive machine learning models and a proprietary Price Recommendation Engine to identify high-potential customers, craft dynamic relationship-based offers, and execute personalized deposit campaigns at scale.
Ncontracts
Rashida Holmes, Senior Vice President, Partnerships & Industry Outreach
Rashida.Holmes@ncontracts.com | (888) 370-5552
https://www.ncontracts.com/
Ncontracts empowers banks, mortgage companies, fintechs, and wealth management firms to confidently manage risk including enterprise, compliance, and third-party risk in a complex, rapidly changing financial landscape. Their integrated suite of cloud-based solutions combine deep industry expertise, powerful technology, and rich data to help organizations strengthen governance, protect operations, and identify opportunities for growth. Today, nearly 5,000 financial services organizations trust Ncontracts to make risk and compliance management a strategic advantage. Ncontracts was named to the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America for the seventh consecutive year in 2025. Visit www.ncontracts.com or follow the company on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncontracts/.
VBA Endorsed Provider
PWCampbell
Marshall Jett, Vice President
marshall.jett@pwcampbell.com | (412) 737-2508
www.pwcampbell.com
PWCampbell® is an integrated services design-build company with more than 115 years of experience creating innovative, high-performing financial spaces. They deliver end-to-end solutions that align strategy, design, construction, branding, and technology—managed seamlessly under one roof. Through their Complete Facility SolutionSM, they guide clients from data-driven facilities planning through quality-assured project completion, ensuring projects stay on schedule, on budget, and aligned with business objectives—while elevating the consumer experience. A certified Women’s Business Enterprise and SOC 2 Type II compliant organization, PWCampbell is trusted as an industry leader helping clients meet today’s demands and confidently plan for what’s next.
VBA Endorsed Provider
QSI
Kris Keefauver, Account Executive
kristopher.keefauver@qsibanking.com | (520) 331-5691
www.qsibanking.com
QSI is NCR’s largest financial partner. They provide turnkey delivery of ATM and ITM solutions, including professional services. They offer custom outsourcing, remote managed services for compliance and marketing, as well as TCRs, video, alarm, and traditional bank equipment. Find out why customers love QSI service!
SQN Banking Systems
John Ravita, Director, Business Development
info@sqnbankingsystems.com | (727) 743-4230
www.sqnbankingsystems.com
SQN Banking Systems is a leading worldwide provider of fraud detection solutions for the financial industry.
TCA
Michelle Strickland, Co-President/Managing Partner
m_strickland@tcaregs.com | (219) 707-7725
www.tcaregs.com
Founded in 1991 TCA Compliance has been helping banks find the ideal strategy to address their compliance obligations efficiently, calmly, and cost effectively. As former banker’s TCA’s certified compliance professionals help financial institutions of all sizes make sense of the every changing regulatory landscape.
VBA Endorsed Provider
Vericast
Carroll Lynn Downs, Senior Account Executive
carrolllynn.downs@vericast.com | (210) 697-1221
https://www.vericast.com/
Vericast, formerly Harland Clarke, is the FI marketing performance partner. They help financial institutions drive growth, improve efficiency, increase engagement and navigate change through the power of data, technology and people. Thousands of financial institutions look to Vericast and their 150 years of financial services expertise to help them achieve more.
VBA Endorsed Provider
Verint
Jonathan Hendrix, Channel Partner Manager
jonathan.hendrix@verint.com | (470) 281-1328
https://www.verint.com/fraud-and-security-solutions/
Verint is a market leader for financial institutions requiring security, surveillance, and fraud solutions. They help financial institutions ensure compliance and improve their security operations by combining two decades of domain expertise and a focus on end-to-end solutions. Through listening to their customers, Verint has earned the trust of over 2,300 financial institutions globally.
Works24
Philip Edwards, Territory Manager
pedwards@works24.com | (919) 422-7232
www.works24.com
Founded in 1995 as Bank OnHold, Works24 provides Onhold Messaging, Digital Signage, and Overhead Music to thousands of businesses nationwide. Rebranded in 2010, they deliver innovative, user-friendly solutions with exceptional customer care, combining decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology to enhance customer engagement and elevate businesses across various industries.
YHB CPAs & Consultants
Bryan Newlin, CPA, CISA, Principal
Bryan.Newlin@yhbcpa.com | (540) 662-3417
https://yhbcpa.com
YHB’s Risk Advisory Team helps banks navigate today’s complex risk landscape. They strengthen risk management frameworks, enhance internal controls, and support operational resilience. Their specialists bring deep experience in regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, enterprise risk, and fraud prevention. With offices throughout Virginia and Maryland, YHB delivers practical, client-focused solutions that protect assets and support sustainable growth.
Peer Engagement Survey – Your Insights Matter!
We want to hear from you! Complete the MBA/VBA Peer Engagement Survey here to share your insights on:
- What peer‑to‑peer formats fit your schedule and style
- What topics and communities you value most
- How we can broaden participation and modernize connections
And Stay Tuned…
Bruce Whitehurst will share more in his Industry Update on Thursday afternoon.