Virginia Bankers Association

ICYMI: Registration is now open for the 2025 Leadership Conference, co-hosted by the Maryland Bankers Association! Join us in November in Roanoke to hear from leadership speakers, gain skills to grow and progress in your career, and learn ways to engage with the banking industry. Sessions at this year's conference include Escaping Imposter Syndrome: Finding Freedom to Lead with Confidence; Courageous Communication Workshop; Embracing Fear & Failing Forward; Economic Update; Bank CEO/Bank Executives Panel; and more! Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/eHKmGHpT

Amazing work from our friends at the Virginia CDFI Coalition on their SOLD OUT Summit next week. Our very own Matt Bruning will be part of the speaker lineup to discuss how the state and national political environment is shaping CDFI work. You can learn more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/evuYeQ8r

🔒 Fraud is evolving - and fast. More than one in three U.S. adults have been victimized by fraud since January 2024. Whether criminals are coming into branches in person, sending out phishing emails or employing other tactics, fraud has become a billion-dollar problem, with the Federal Trade Commission estimating fraud losses upwards of $12.5 billion in 2024 alone. That’s not just alarming - it’s a call to action. In this recent American Bankers Association Banking Journal article by VBA Past Chairman and current ABA Chair John Asbury, Atlantic Union Bank, he shares how the fight against fraud requires more than just banks. It demands a whole-of-government approach, stronger tech partnerships, and smarter consumer education. 💡 Learn how banks across the country are leading the charge - and how we can all play a role in protecting our customers and communities: https://lnkd.in/ewhWR8Gs

Don't miss next month's Elder Financial Exploitation Prevention Training, a seminar designed for any staff who may come into contact with elderly or vulnerable adults or those who review the financial documents, records, or transactions of an elderly or vulnerable adult in connection with providing financial services. In 2024, the General Assembly enacted additional laws on preventing and reporting financial exploitation of elderly or vulnerable adults, including voluntary training of bank employees. This program will fulfill the training standards outlined in Virginia law, helping banks protect their customers, staff and institution. You can learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/efhXt6A3 ICYMI: In a recent episode of American Bankers Association Fraudcast, host Paul Benda discusses strategies to protect your elder customers, including proper use of “hold” laws to delay transactions in suspected cases of exploitation. You can listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/eraSR8-8

We are so thrilled to have Tom Cherry, C&F Bank, as our Chairman this year! What a great recognition in Times Square. #vabankers

Congratulations to the 78 bankers who graduated from the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management last Friday, July 25, at the Darden School of Business at UVA.   Graduates have completed three one-week summer sessions, eight home study problems and participated in a BankExec simulation, which allowed them the opportunity to make decisions acting as senior officers of a bank. You can learn more about the school and this year's graduates here: https://lnkd.in/e7QmV-ur   Congratulations to Honor Grad, Chad Brown, Truist Bank, as well as the rest of the top 10% of the graduating class, including: Juan Pablo Romoleroux, CPA, CliftonLarsonAllen; Joseph Skibinski, C&F Bank; Veronica L. Bocock, Carter Bank; Laura Lee Cadden, First Bank, Virginia; Ashley Mizelle, PMP, CSSGB, TowneBank; Sarah Borst, Old Point National Bank; Kyle Martin, Chesapeake Bank; and Adam Taylor, First Community Bank.   A special thanks to the class of 2025 class officers for all of your hard work the last three years in service to your class and the school: President – Ashley Mizelle, PMP, CSSGB, TowneBank; Vice President – Maggie Hinkle, United Bank; Treasurer – Eboni Lee, Benchmark Community Bank; and Secretary – Rosa C., Bank of Botetourt.   We were thrilled to have our Maryland Bankers Association teammates, Ann DeVilbiss and Tisha Edwards, MSW, JD, as part of our Bank School team for part of the week. Your association staff is proud to serve our membership through this keystone part of our educational programming! #vabankers

Don't miss this fall's State Legislative Meetings! These meetings provide a platform for you and your team to interact with your state elected officials and discuss important industry issues, hear their updates, and ask them your questions. Learn more and register for the event in your area here: https://lnkd.in/e2e3fiEr

Congratulations to the 78 bankers who graduate today from the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management! Graduates have completed three one-week summer sessions, eight home study problems and participated in a BankExec simulation, which allowed them the opportunity to make decisions acting as senior officers of a bank. You can learn more about the graduates and the school here: https://lnkd.in/e7QmV-ur

Just months into his new role, M. Dean Lewis is already shaping the future of VBA member bank Taylor Bank, a $950M community bank rooted in Berlin, MD. With a strong foundation in finance and a deep connection to the local community, Lewis is driving strategic planning, modernizing operations, and preparing the bank for its next big milestone: crossing the $1B asset threshold in 2026. Read more in this ABA Banking Journal article: https://lnkd.in/eGGBYYeQ

The Virginia CDFI Coalition, of which VBA is a member, is hosting its first Virginia CDFI Summit on August 27 at Capital One’s West Creek Campus in western Richmond. The Summit is a gathering of community-minded leaders shaping the future of equitable finance across the Commonwealth with a dynamic program designed to deepen collaboration, including the opportunity to connect with potential CDFI partners throughout the Commonwealth. Registration is $50 per person with discounted pricing if your bank sends 5 or more attendees. Register for the CDFI Summit here: https://lnkd.in/ehSfxR3e