2025 Burgers with Bruce Recap
April-May 2025
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