2025 Burgers with Bruce Recap
April-May 2025

Post Gabby Bond

Nearly 175 bankers joined us for our 2025 Burgers with Bruce series. Each event included an industry update from Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association & VBA President and CEO, Bruce Whitehurst, followed by a “Leadership Dialogues” panel that consisted of three bankers from each EBL region.

Program Highlights

✨ The 2025 Industry and Association Update highlighted the evolving landscape of banking, focusing on both the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Key concerns included fraud and cybersecurity, talent retention, economic uncertainty, and the growing impact of AI.

On the opportunity front, AI adoption, customer relationship growth, and potential regulatory relief were emphasized.

Attendees also received updates from Washington, covering topics such as the impact of tariffs on the industry, tax reform, stablecoin regulation, cannabis banking, and credit card interest rate caps.

 The event transitioned into an engaging panel discussion, moderated by Bruce, featuring three accomplished banking professionals sharing their career journey, their bank’s response to industry hot topics such as AI and fraud, as well as their leadership and career development path.

✅ Participants were reminded of the importance of staying current, embracing change, and contributing meaningfully to both their organizations and the banking industry.

Thank You to the 2025 Panelists & Event Emcees

  • Alexandria: April 16
    Joe Collum, Burke & Herbert Bank
    David Evinger, Chain Bridge Bank
    Katrina Pike, Bank of Clarke
    Emcee – Darren Tully, Capital Bank
  • Richmond: April 21
    Kelly Beazley, Bank of America
    Kevin Hill, Chesapeake Bank
    Taylor Quicke, Citizens Bank & Trust
    Emcee – Jennifer Gegner, C&F Bank
  • Harrisonburg: May 14 
    Chris Biby, United Bank
    Barton Black, F&M Bank
    Tracy Jenkins, First Bank, Virginia
    Emcee – Jordan Dean, Pendleton Community Bank
  • Norfolk: May 15
    Jennifer Grant, TowneBank
    Alvin Payne, JPMorgan Chase Bank
    Laura Wright, Old Point National Bank
    Emcee – Kari Van Wassen, Chain Bridge Bank
  • Lynchburg: May 19
    Rosa Coffey, Bank of Botetourt
    Michelle Gaydica, First National Bank
    Jennifer Huffman, Atlantic Union Bank
    Emcee – Zach McGill, First National Bank
  • Abingdon: May 20
    Kate Belcher, Skyline National Bank
    Amy Mellinger, Powell Valley National Bank
    Vanessa Wynn, Lee Bank & Trust 
    Emcee – David Cahill, First Bank & Trust

Pictures from Burgers with Bruce