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