Emerging Bank Leaders
Emerging Banking Leaders (EBL)
The Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL) is a group that connects Virginia’s emerging bank leaders to engage them in the future of the banking industry. More than 620 bankers are members of the EBL, which is split into six regions within the state.
It is free to join the group, and there are no age or participation requirements. You must be an employee of a VBA member bank to join.
Is the EBL Right for You?
- Are you committed to a banking career?
- Are you interested in leadership and career development?
- Are you interested in becoming more involved in Virginia’s banking industry?
- Are you interested in meeting other bankers in Virginia?
- Are you interested in working to increase financial literacy among Virginia’s youth?
- Are you interested in becoming more involved in political grassroots efforts in Virginia and in Washington, DC on behalf of Virginia’s banking industry?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then consider joining this growing group of bankers from across Virginia!
Mission Statement
To ensure a continuum of leadership for the future of Virginia Banking.
Resources
Did you know the VBA has designed a number of resources specifically for our EBL members? Be sure to check out the most recent newsletter as well as these documents:
- You're a New EBL Member, Now What?
- Overview of EBL Objectives: Develop, Connect, Engage
- Engagement Opportunities for EBL Members
- Sign Up for the EBL Using the Form Below!
Objectives
DEVELOP. As an emerging bank leader, I develop my professional skills in order to grow and progress within my career in the banking industry. Members participate in the Leadership Conference as well as attend Regional Events. The Leadership Conference gives emerging bank leaders the opportunity to share ideas with their peers, gain valuable career insight from bank CEOs and learn from industry speakers. Sessions and speakers are chosen directly from input from EBL members. Regional Events are also held across the state.
CONNECT. As an emerging bank leader, I connect with other bank professionals from across Virginia. In addition to furthering bankers’ leadership and career development, the Regional Events are a great opportunity to get to know other bankers and to build relationships within the industry. There are many networking opportunities at the Leadership Conference, and registering for VBA Financial Literacy programs or Government Relations events provides more opportunities to meet and connect with other emerging bank leaders.
ENGAGE. As an emerging bank leader, I engage with the industry and other bankers. Helping improve the financial literacy of Virginia’s youth is a major focus of the VBA and the entire banking industry. Members of the EBL receive information on VBA Financial Literacy programs and are encouraged to participate in events like Teach Children to Save Day, Get Smart About Credit Day and the VBA Bank Day Scholarship Program. Likewise, VBA works to positively influence the legislative landscape in support of industry initiatives. Members of the EBL will receive information on VBA Government Relations programs and are encouraged to meet and foster relationships with their legislators at events such as VBA Banker Day in Richmond, the VBA/ABA Washington Summit in DC and State Legislative Meetings.
EBL Regions & Leadership
Chair
Amy T. Mellinger
SVP, Human Resources & Marketing
Powell Valley National Bank
Vice Chair
Darren T. Tully
Market President
Freedom Bank of Virginia
The EBL is split into six regions
Region 1: Northern Virginia
Region 2: Capitol (to include Fredericksburg and Northern
Neck)
Region 3: Hampton Roads/Eastern Shore
Region 4: Valley
Region 5: Central/Southside (to include Roanoke, Lynchburg,
Danville)
Region 6: Southwest Virginia
Regional Directors
Region 1: Darren Tully, Freedom Bank
Region 2: Jennifer Willner, C&F Bank
Region 3: Dale Schuurman, Blue Ridge Bank
Region 4: Jordan Dean, Pendleton Community Bank
Region 5: Mary Ann Miller, Bank of Botetourt
Region 6: James Bowen, First Bank & Trust Company
Each region holds two regional events over the course of each year. The purpose of this is to get members together more often and to ensure that members can attend events since they are closer to their respective residences. The Regional Directors are responsible for choosing the type of event, but welcome input and help with planning.
EBL Events
VBA Leadership Conference
If you are a bank professional looking to gain new skills and interested in growing and progressing within your banking career, this is the event for you. You will hear from leadership speakers and learn ways to engage with the banking industry as you network with individuals from all over the Commonwealth. The 2023 Leadership Conference will be held November 16-17, 2023 in Staunton, VA at Hotel 24 South.
Click here to view other upcoming training opportunities for Emerging Bank Leaders!
2022 VBA Leadership Conference Recap
October 27-28, 2022
More than 80 Virginia bankers joined us in Richmond 2022 VBA Leadership Conference October 27-28. This annual event is designed for emerging banking leaders and members of the Virginia Bankers Association Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL) group, giving attendees the opportunity to share ideas and network with peers from across the state.
Join the EBL Now!
The Virginia Bankers Association is looking for a wide variety of people to join the EBL. To that end, the group is open to any employee of any VBA member bank.
VBA Leadership Conference
Premier educational event for emerging bank leaders in Virginia
This conference is designed for emerging banking leaders and members of the Virginia Bankers Association Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL) group. This conference will give Emerging Bank Leaders the opportunity to share ideas and network with peers from across the state. You do not have to be an EBL member to attend.
VBA State Legislative Meetings
Each fall, the VBA holds meetings across the state with various state and federal legislators. These meetings provide an opportunity for us to review important industry issues with our representatives.
VBA Women’s Mentorship Program
Knowledge. Empowerment. Motivation. Connection
The VBA created the Women’s Mentorship Program to assist our member banks with preparing the talented women within your banks for future senior leadership positions.
VBA/ABA Washington Summit
Advance the Policy Discussion and Hear from Key Policymakers
The annual VBA/ABA Washington Summit brings together bankers from Virginia and across the country for an opportunity to be the first to hear perspectives from key policymakers; updates on financial inclusion and other industry hot topics; and the policy outlook and priorities for Congress from ABA’s experts.
Women in Banking Conference
One-day conference designed for women in the financial industry
This conference is designed for all who would like to participate in engaging and thought-provoking sessions on assisting women in finding success in the banking industry.