Connect & Protect Experience
An Event for Marketing, Human Resources, Retail Banking, Training, Security, Enterprise Risk Management, Operations and Technology, and Compliance Professionals
The Connect|Protect Experience is an event for marketing, HR, retail banking, training, security, ERM, operations and technology and compliance professionals that will uncover new ideas, trends and developments in banking.
Conference Agenda*
wednesday, March 25, 2026
| 3:00 PM | Conference Registration Opens | ||||
| 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Connect|Protect Idea Hack-a-Thon: Turning Concepts Into Action | ||||
| 5:30 – 6:30 PM | Welcome Reception Sponsored by Works24 |
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| Dinner on your own. Enjoy the evening! | |||||
Thursday March 26, 2025 |
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| 7:30 – 8:30 AM | Registration & Continental Breakfast | ||||
| 8:30 – 8:45 AM | Welcome | Announcements | Sponsor Introductions | ||||
| 8:45-9:45 AM |
Opening Keynote: How Community Banks Can Compete in the Age of AI Stacey Bryant | Cornerstone Advisors 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 | ||||
| 9:50 – 10:35 AM | Exhibitor Solutions Showcase | ||||
| 10:35 – 10:55 AM | Networking Break | ||||
| 10:55 – 11:55 AM | Breakout Sessions
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| 11:55 AM – 12:45 PM | Lunch | ||||
| 12:45 – 1:45 PM | Breakout Sessions
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| 1:45 - 2:05 PM |
Networking Break | ||||
| 2:05 - 3:05 PM |
Breakout Sessions
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| 3:05 - 3:25 PM |
Networking Break | ||||
| 3:25 - 4:25 PM |
Breakout Sessions
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| 4:25 - 4:45 PM |
Networking Break | ||||
| 4:45 - 5:15 PM |
Industry Update Bruce Whitehurst | Virginia Bankers Association & Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association | ||||
| 5:15 - 6:30 PM |
Reception 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 | ||||
| 8:45 – 10:00 AM | Banker Roundtable Sessions
* Please note: This session is for bankers only. |
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| 10:00 – 10:30 AM | Networking Break | Exhibitor Giveaways | ||||
| 10:30 – 11:30 AM | Closing Keynote – Oppositioning: One Surprising Strategy for Innovation and Differentiation David Rendall | ||||
| 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 | James Paul Jones 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)
Olga Voytenko | Russell Investments
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
Check Fraud (Retail, Security)
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)
Cody Delzer | 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 & 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)
Cody Delzer | 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.
Cody Delzer is the Principal Consultant at SBS CyberSecurity (SBS), a company dedicated to helping organizations identify and understand cybersecurity risks to make more informed and proactive decisions. He is also an instructor for the SBS Institute, leading the Certified Banking Cybersecurity Manager (CBCM) course.
Cody maintains Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) certifications. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer and Network Security from Dakota State University.
Cody has over 14 years of risk management, audit, and consulting experience in the financial services industry, specializing in IT and IT security, systems operations, and information assurance. He joined the SBS team in 2011 and has transitioned into a senior leadership role as the Principal Consultant.
Cody is passionate about sharing his cybersecurity knowledge and supporting his clients as they strive for increased cyber maturity. On top of being an instructor for the SBS Institute certification program, he speaks at conferences, authors blog posts and articles, hosts webinars, and conducts training.
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.
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.
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.
Registration Information
| Registration Rates | Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $695 | $1,195 |
| License up 10 people | $6,000 | $6,500 |
| License up to 20 people | $8,500 | $9,000 |
Hotel Information
Hotel Roanoke
110 Shenandoah Ave NE
Roanoke, VA 24016
The association has reserved a block of rooms at the Hotel Roanoke at the rate of $209/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Click here to make your reservation by the cut-off date, March 3, 2026.
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 $12.00/day.
*Parking rates subject to change.
Sponsorship/Exhibiting Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring and/or exhibiting at the 2026 Connect/Protect Experience? Click here to see available options. For our complete 2026 Sponsor Brochure, click here. Contact Amy Binns.