Emerging Leaders Conference
The conference designed by Emerging Leaders, for Emerging Leaders.
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.
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. Every year, attendees hear from leadership speakers and learn ways to engage with the banking industry as they network with individuals from all across Virginia and Maryland.
Conference Agenda
| Thursday, October 8 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:30 am | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 9:45 am |
Welcome and Announcements 2026 Emerging Bank Leaders Chair Kari Van Wassen, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. |
| 9:45 – 10:15 am |
Industry Update Tristan Macdonald, VP, Government and Member Relations, Virginia Bankers Association, and Evan Richards, VP, Government and Member Relations, Maryland Bankers Association |
| 10:15 – 10:30 am |
Networking Break |
| 10:30 – 11:30 am |
Economic Update and Community Development Insights Daniel Davis, Group Vice President for Regional Economics, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Join us for a timely discussion on how Virginia and Maryland’s economies are performing relative to national trends, with a focus on key indicators shaping the regional outlook. We’ll also explore the current state of community development across the region and highlight recent Federal Reserve resources bankers can leverage to support their institutions and communities. |
| 11:30 am – 12:30 pm |
Leading Forward: Perspectives on Career Growth, Community Impact & the Future of Banking
Leadership is not defined by a title. It is built through experiences, challenges, relationships, and a commitment to continuous growth. In this candid discussion, Eric Crawford, Linda Melton, and CJ Joyner will share insights from their unique career journeys and discuss the skills, habits, and mindsets that have helped them succeed. The conversation will explore leadership, innovation, community engagement, mentorship, and the future of banking, offering valuable perspectives for bankers at every career level. |
| 12:30 – 1:15 pm |
Lunch |
| 1:15 – 2:15 pm |
Leading the AI Revolution: Practical Lessons for Emerging Leaders Piali Ghose, Vice President, Director of Artificial Intelligence, Chain Bridge Bank, N.A. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way organizations operate, make decisions, and create value—but what does that mean for the next generation of leaders?
Join Piali Ghose, Vice President and Director of Artificial Intelligence at Chain Bridge Bank, N.A., for an engaging and practical discussion on how AI is being approached and implemented within the banking industry today. Drawing from her experience leading AI initiatives, Piali will share real-world insights on opportunities, challenges, governance, and the skills leaders need to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Designed specifically for emerging leaders, this interactive session will explore how to embrace AI strategically, build AI fluency, and position yourself to lead through continuous technological change. Attendees will leave with actionable takeaways, a clearer understanding of AI’s impact on the workplace, and practical steps they can take now to prepare for the future.
Through audience participation and Q&A, this conversation will move beyond the buzzwords to focus on what matters most: how leaders can harness AI responsibly, effectively, and with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
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| 2:15– 3:15 pm |
The Leader You Bring Into the Room: Leading Yourself Before You Lead Others Dorothy Welch, EVP/Director of Program Management, First Bank, Virginia Before we can lead others effectively, we must first understand ourselves: what motivates us, what drains or energizes us, and what drives our behavior under pressure.
Many emerging leaders feel pressure to prove themselves, have the answers, and avoid mistakes. While that pressure can fuel achievement, it can also lead to over-functioning, self-doubt, reactivity, and leadership that feels more like performing than leading.
This session explores how self-awareness, mindset, and energy shape the way we show up, make decisions, and influence others. Participants will examine the internal beliefs and motivations driving their leadership, recognize when they are reacting rather than leading intentionally, and build the self-trust needed to lead with greater confidence, presence, and authenticity.
Topics may include:
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| 3:15 – 3:30 pm |
Networking Break |
| 3:30 – 4:30 pm |
Unlocking Your Spark!
Join Noel, Jennifer and Kari as they present their Spark! presentations; a format where speakers get five minutes and 20 slides to make their point, enlighten and entertain. Their sessions will be full of passion and meaningful moments that will be entertaining, inspiring and fun to see and hear.
After the presentations, during a fireside chat, the speakers will share how leaning into opportunities has helped them grow and thrive in their careers, maybe even despite some initial hesitancy they had in saying “yes” to many of them. Through personal stories, practical strategies and candid discussions, they will share how they rebuilt energy and motivation for their work and created healthier approaches to success. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, fresh perspectives and encouragement to help you rediscover your spark and thrive both personally and professionally. |
| 5:00 – 6:00 pm |
Networking Reception |
| 6:00 pm |
Adjourn for the Day |
| Friday, October 9 | |
|---|---|
| 7:45 – 9:00 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 10:00 am |
Mental Wellness as Leadership Currency: Leading with Empathy and Accountability Angela Lightfoot, Executive Leadership & Mental Health Wellness Coach, Ms. Angela Coaches Emerging leaders will examine how their mental and emotional wellness affects communication, decision-making, leadership presence, and workplace culture. They will also explore how to lead people with compassion while maintaining clear expectations, healthy boundaries, and consistent accountability. |
| 10:00 – 10:30 am |
Fighting Fraud at Every Level: Protecting Clients, Growing Deposits, Driving Results
Fraud prevention and deposit growth are among the most critical priorities facing banks today. This session explores how financial institutions can turn these challenges into opportunities by leveraging treasury management solutions, strengthening client relationships, and proactively protecting customers from evolving fraud threats. |
| 10:30 – 10:45 am | Networking Break |
| 10:45 – 11:45 am |
The Case of the Curious Leader: Why the Best Leaders Ask More and Tell Less Keynote Session Sponsored by College Ave Thomas Greek, Founder, Thomas Greek Coaching, LLC Leaders often feel that they must have all the answers. This “Expertise Trap” leaves even the most dedicated leaders facing decision fatigue while unintentionally creating bottlenecked teams.
What if your greatest leadership superpower isn’t your expertise, but your intentional curiosity? In this engaging and actionable keynote, you’ll step into the shoes of a great detective—entering every leadership challenge with a blank notebook and an open mind. Learn how shifting from an “Expert” to an “Explorer” mindset can instantly unleash team autonomy, uncover hidden insights, and lighten the heavy burden of having to fix everything yourself.
Key Takeaways:
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| 11:45 am |
Closing Remarks & Adjourn |
Registration Information
| Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|
| $625 |
$1,125 |
| License | Up to 10 Attendees |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | Click here to see the benefits of a license purchase. |
MBA/VBA Event Policies
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the MBA/VBA Event Policies and the Privacy Policy.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations will be charged a $25.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 72 business hours before the event will be charged a $75.00 administrative fee plus any additional fees associated with the training. Substitutions are allowed prior to the beginning of the event.
Special Needs & Americans with Disabilities Notice
Please share any specific needs that should be considered as we plan for the conference (i.e. hearing impaired, sight impaired, etc). Please contact Chandler Owdom with any details.
Speaker Information
Eric Crawford
SVP, Chief Banking Officer, The Bank of Southside Virginia
Eric Crawford has more than 16 years of community banking experience and currently serves as Chief Banking Officer of the Bank of Southside Virginia (BSV), a nationally recognized community bank headquartered in Carson, Virginia.
Eric began his career in retail banking and has since held progressively broader responsibilities throughout the organization, including roles in commercial lending, credit administration, and loan operations. In his current role, he provides executive leadership for the Bank’s credit administration, business development, and relationship management functions. He is a member of BSV’s executive leadership team and regularly participates in strategic planning, board-level discussions, and regulatory examinations.
Eric earned a bachelor’s degree from Randolph-Macon College and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. He is also a graduate of the Virginia Bankers Association School of Bank Management, the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Virginia Bankers Association Executive Leadership Institute.
In his free time, Eric enjoys spending time with his wife and 11-year-old son and is an avid Virginia Tech football fan.
Molly Crawford
First VP, Director of Treasury Solutions
Molly Crawford, CTP, is First Vice President and Director of Treasury Solutions at C&F Bank, where she leads the bank’s Treasury Solutions strategy and a team dedicated to helping businesses operate more securely, efficiently, and successfully. With more than 20 years of banking experience spanning treasury management, operations, retail banking, and business development, Molly is recognized for her ability to build strong client relationships, develop high-performing teams, and drive meaningful growth through strategic treasury solutions.
Molly partners with businesses, municipalities, and community organizations to strengthen fraud controls, improve cash flow management, and leverage technology to mitigate risk. She is passionate about developing leaders who create value through trusted relationships that protect clients, build strong partnerships, support deposit growth, and drive meaningful results for their organizations.
Daniel Davis
Group Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Daniel Davis is group vice president for regional economics at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. In this role within the Research department, Davis oversees teams that work to understand and support the economies of communities across the Richmond Fed’s region. Additionally, he serves as director of the Center for Rural Economies, which is dedicated to addressing the unique economic challenges and opportunities facing small towns and rural communities.
Davis has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally on a range of topics, including workforce dynamics, financial services, economic mobility, and rural and urban development. He is the co-editor of three books: Investing in Rural Prosperity; Harvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities; and Economic Mobility: Research & Ideas on Strengthening Families, Communities & the Economy.
Before joining the Richmond Fed in 2025, Davis worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Washington University in St. Louis, and the State of Illinois. He holds graduate degrees from the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, and Washington University in St. Louis and undergraduate degrees from Southern Illinois University and Southeastern Illinois College.
Jennifer Gegner
VP, Treasury Consultant Team Lead, C&F Bank
Jenni is Vice President, Treasury Solutions Consultant Team Lead, with over 17 years of experience helping businesses optimize cash management, liquidity, and payment strategies. At C&F Bank, she partners with corporate clients to design tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiency and maximize working capital. Known for her consultative approach and commitment to client success, Jenni builds strong relationships and delivers customized strategies aligned with each client’s financial goals.
She holds a Virginia Bankers School of Management certification from UVA’s Darden School of Business and remains at the forefront of treasury trends to provide innovative, forward-thinking solutions. Passionate about financial wellness, advocacy, and education, Jenni served on the American Bankers Association Emerging Bank Leaders Council and chaired the Virginia Bankers Association Emerging Bank Leaders and its Steering Committee in 2025.
Originally from Wisconsin, Jenni has called Virginia home since 2009. Outside of work, she enjoys giving back to her community and spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their Aussie Doodle. Her favorite pastimes include hiking, biking, watching BRAVO and relaxing at the beach.
Piali Ghose
VP, Director of Artificial Intelligence, Chain Bridge Bank
Piali Ghose is an AI and digital transformation executive with over 20 years of experience delivering secure, compliant technology solutions across highly regulated industries, including financial services and the federal sector. As VP, Director of Artificial Intelligence at Chain Bridge Bank, she leads enterprise AI strategy and governance, focusing on responsible adoption that strengthens risk management, enhances customer experience, and drives operational efficiency. Her expertise spans model risk management, AI governance, and regulatory frameworks such as NIST AI RMF, building on senior leadership roles in her 14 years at Microsoft and other Fortune companies where she led business-aligned technology solutions and AI innovation portfolios. She is passionate about helping organizations balance AI innovation with sound governance and long-term sustainability.
Thomas Greek
Founder, Thomas Greek Coaching, LLC
With over 25 years of leadership experience, Thomas strives to motivate others to show up as their best selves at work and in life.
Thomas has served as an executive in varying roles for more than two decades. He directed Learning & Development at Navy Federal Credit Union, a Fortune 100 Best Place to Work and the world’s largest institution of its kind. Throughout his career, he has designed and headed award-winning talent programs and has expertise in strategic planning, succession planning, and in developing C-Suite and other Senior Leaders. He is committed to his community and volunteers on several non-profit boards.
Thomas is a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. He studied Philosophy at George Mason University. Thomas has successfully helped hundreds of leaders achieve their goals by co-creating meaningful and sustainable changes in their lives.
Noel Hansen
SVP, Commercial Banking Sales Manager, Alpine Bank
Noel Hansen has been a leader at Alpine Bank for 25 years, and her strategic initiatives have aided the organization in upholding its longstanding core values of Independence, Integrity, Community, Compassion and Loyalty.
As a senior vice president/commercial banking sales manager at Alpine Bank, Noel leads a team of treasury management professionals that help businesses streamline operations of collecting, distributing, and managing cash flow. Noel has held many positions during her career at the bank—most notable are her roles as regional marketing director and branch manager of the Frisco location.
Outside of her role at the bank, Noel has volunteered and consulted with numerous local nonprofits, including the Summit Prevention Alliance, Town of Dillon Economic Development Committee, High Country Conservation Center, Bristlecone Foundation, and Advocates for Victims of Assault, St. Anthony Summit Hospital Board of Trustees and Chaired the Hospital Foundation. Most recently she has served on the ABA Government Relations Council, Colorado Bankers Association Advisory member, and is the Immediate Past Chair of the ABA’s Emerging Leaders Council.
In 2014, Noel piloted a financial literacy program for 5th graders at Frisco Elementary with a nonprofit agency, Youth Entity. That program expanded the following year districtwide and is still going strong today serving 5th and 8th grade scholars. In 2016, Noel helped create a first of its kind partnership between private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Her work paired Clean Energy Collective (a local solar developer), the Family Intercultural Resource Center, and Alpine Bank together to provide solar renewable energy resources for low-income families. This project has received national recognition by the Independent Community Bankers Association and state recognition by former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper.
Noel is a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management at Southern Methodist University as well as the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado in Boulder. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in communications and public relations from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Noel and her husband Peder, a school librarian, reside in Breckenridge, CO with their 14-year-old daughter, Ellie. Together, they enjoy travelling, seeing the world through the eyes of their daughter and the people they meet along the way, and all the outdoor activities living in a resort community has to offer, including hiking, Nordic skiing and biking.
Jennifer Huffman
Senior Vice President, Mgr-Solutions Banking, Atlantic Union Bank
Jennifer Huffman is an accomplished American businesswoman and Senior Vice President of Solutions Banking at Atlantic Union Bank, the largest regional bank headquartered in the lower Mid‑Atlantic. Recognized as a Power Broker, Jennifer is a highly sought‑after speaker and respected thought leader whose influence extends well beyond banking, with appearances on national stages. Her professional honors include being named one of Lynchburg Business Magazine’s Top 20 Under 40 (2022), receiving the Emerging Leader Award from the American Bankers Association (2023), being honored as Citizen of the Year by the Salem Roanoke Chamber of Commerce (2024), Faces of Lynchburg and 50 Most Influential People in Greater Lynchburg (2026) and 100 Women of Color Virginia (2026) among other distinctions. Jennifer is deeply committed to community impact and industry leadership. Her roles include Leadership Council Member at Atlantic Union Bank; Program Chair Emeritus of Atlantic Union Bank’s Women’s Inclusion Network; Board Chair for HumanKind; Vice Chair and Investor Relations Chair for the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance; Vice Chair of the Lynchburg Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities; President of the Central Virginia Foundation for Economic Education & Improvement; and External Affairs Chair for Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. She also serves with the American Heart Association Roanoke Executive Board, is a Past Chair and 2025 Women of Impact Nominee for Southwest Virginia and supports the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lynchburg and the City of Roanoke’s Hope & Home Task Force. Nationally, Jennifer serves on the American Bankers Association’s Black Bankers Open Committee as Executive Sponsor, advancing career development, peer connection, and mentorship for bankers across the industry.
CJ Joyner
1st VP, Regional Sales & Service Manager, EagleBank
CJ Joyner is a First Vice President and Regional Sales & Service Manager at EagleBank, bringing more than 20 years of banking experience spanning retail branch leadership, customer contact centers, premier banking, business development, and operational leadership roles across multiple financial institutions.
Throughout his career, CJ has developed a comprehensive understanding of the banking industry through a diverse range of experiences that have shaped his relationship-focused, results-driven leadership style.
Beginning his career as a sales and service banker, CJ gained a firsthand appreciation for the critical role every team member plays in delivering exceptional client experiences and driving organizational success. As his career progressed, he earned valuable experience in branch operations, customer relationship management, sales leadership, and support functions, giving him a well-rounded perspective on how each area contributes to overall performance.
Today, CJ leads sales, service, talent development, and operational excellence initiatives across multiple branch locations throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He is passionate about building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, strengthening client relationships, and helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.
His leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership, accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences for employees, clients, and the communities EagleBank serves.
CJ’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the banking profession enable him to connect with employees at every level, cultivate a culture of engagement and growth, and drive strategic outcomes that support both community impact and organizational success.
Angela Lightfoot
Executive Leadership & Mental Health Wellness Coach, Ms. Angela Coaches
Angela Lightfoot is a transformational speaker, leadership coach, and mental health wellness professional who believes how we care for ourselves, manage what we carry, and show up for others shapes how we lead across work, home, community, and life.
As founder of Ms. Angela Coaches, LLC, Angela creates experiences that make people laugh, reflect, take a deep breath, and admit, “Whew, I needed that.” Her leadership work spans higher education and corporate spaces. With a background in psychology, higher education leadership, workplace culture, and trauma-informed coaching, she brings knowledge, authenticity, humor, and heart into every room. Angela makes difficult conversations approachable while challenging people to examine burnout, boundaries, emotional wellness, and the weight of leadership.
Amanda Litchfield
Regional Market Exec, C&F Bank
Amanda Litchfield brings over 25 years of experience in the banking industry with a deep passion for helping clients realize their dreams through strategic commercial financing. Specializing in both commercial real estate and commercial and industrial (C&I) lending, Amanda is known for her client-first approach and her ability to craft tailored financial solutions that drive growth and success.
A proud graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. degree in Business Management, Amanda’s first role in banking was serving the Blacksburg community as a service representative while she was a student at Virginia Tech. Since graduating from Virginia Tech in 2002, Amanda has dedicated her banking career to serving business/commercial clients in the Charlottesville community.
Amanda’s leadership extends beyond banking. She is a former Chair and current active board member of the United Way, current Chair of Women United, former Chair and Finance Committee member of the Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA), current board member of the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF), and former Chair and board member of the March of Dimes. Her dedication to these organizations reflects her broader mission: to uplift and empower individuals and communities through service and support. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys reading, traveling, gardening and spending time with her husband, Joel, and children, Emily and LJ.
Tristan Macdonald
VP, Government and Member Relations, Virginia Bankers Association
Tristan Macdonald serves as Vice President of Government and Member Relations at the Virginia Bankers Association (VBA). With over a decade of experience in government and public affairs across local, state, and federal levels, he brings expertise in policy analysis, political communication, association management, and PAC fundraising.
Prior to his current role, Tristan lobbied for the VCTA – Broadband Association of Virginia and VNS Health. Before those roles, he served as the Legislative Assistant to two members of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Tristan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Randolph-Macon College and a Master of Public Administration from CUNY’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs.
Linda Melton
VP, Community Outreach Officer, Fair and Responsible Banking, Fulton Bank
Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, and now a resident of Henrico County, Linda Melton brings more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry and a longstanding commitment to community service. She currently serves as Community Outreach Officer and Vice President at Fulton Bank, a role she has held since 2016. Prior to joining Fulton Bank, Linda spent 31 years as a Mortgage Loan Officer and Vice President with SunTrust Mortgage. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) in 1979 and a Master of Education degree from Virginia State University in 1999. Linda has been widely recognized for her leadership and civic engagement, including appointments to the Virginia Fair Housing Board by Governors Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam, and to the City of Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversight Board by Mayors Dwight C. Jones and Levar Stoney. She also serves on the Virginia State University Reginald F. Lewis School of Business Industry Council and is a past member of the HumanKind Board of Directors. Active in the community, she is a member of the Richmond Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and the Richmond Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In her personal time, Linda enjoys gardening, jewelry making, and baking.
Chandler Owdom
SVP, Communications & Strategy, Virginia Bankers Association
Chandler Dewey Owdom serves as Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy for the Virginia Bankers Association, where she leads communications, social media, public relations, and strategic planning initiatives. A lifelong Richmond resident and graduate of the University of Virginia, Chandler joined the VBA in 2009 and has played a key role in advancing workforce development, emerging leader programs, industry events, and member engagement. She oversees major conferences, including the Annual Convention and Emerging Leaders Conference, and has previously led financial literacy and government relations communications efforts. Chandler is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management and remains actively involved in industry leadership through the American Bankers Association, where she served on the Communications Council for four years and as a part of numerous emerging leaders initiatives, and the Virginia Society of Association Executives, for which she is currently the Vice Chair of the Membership Committee and a past Association Leadership Virginia graduate. She lives in Richmond with her husband, children and their cavapoo, Coco.
Mike Renner
AVP Fraud Prevention Supervisor, C&F Bank
Mike Renner is the Fraud Prevention Supervisor at C&F Bank, where he leads the Bank’s fraud prevention program, overseeing fraud investigations, emerging threat identification, customer protection initiatives, and fraud risk mitigation strategies. He works across business lines to strengthen controls, foster a culture of fraud awareness, and develop solutions that help protect both customers and the organization from financial crime.
Mike’s path to banking leadership is anything but traditional. After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he spent several years in law enforcement, specializing in criminal investigations and economic crimes. He later joined C&F Bank as a Card Services Fraud Investigator before advancing into fraud leadership.
Drawing on experiences from the military, law enforcement, and banking, Mike brings a unique perspective to leadership, risk management, and fraud prevention. He is passionate about mentoring emerging talent, building strong partnerships, and creating innovative strategies that empower teams to stay ahead of evolving fraud threats while delivering exceptional customer protection.
Evan Richards
VP, Government and Member Relations, Maryland Bankers Association
Evan Richards serves as the Vice President of Government and Member Relations for the Maryland Bankers Association and has been a member of the MBA team since January of 2022. He leads the Association’s advocacy efforts, serving as a liaison between the banking industry and policymakers to shape public policy and regulatory outcomes affecting Maryland banks and their customers.
Prior to joining the Association, Evan served as Chief of Staff/Legislative Aide to Senator Katherine Klausmeier of Baltimore County. He is a graduate of Towson University and currently resides in Middle River, Maryland.
Kari E. Van Wassen
VP & BSA, Security & OFAC Officer, Chain Bridge Bank, NA
Kari Van Wassen is Vice President, BSA Officer, and Security Officer at Chain Bridge Bank, N.A., and the 2026 Chair of the Virginia Bankers Association’s Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL). After a serious on-duty car accident ended her law enforcement career, she began working as a part-time teller at a local credit union and discovered a passion for BSA and compliance. Drawing on her criminal justice background, she built a successful career focused on protecting customers, supporting organizational compliance, and helping safeguard the banking system.
An active leader within the Virginia banking community, Kari has participated in numerous VBA programs, such as graduating from the Management Development Program and the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management (now the Mid-Atlantic School of Banking). She is passionate about professional development, mentorship, and helping emerging bankers build confidence and meaningful industry connections. As EBL Chair, she is committed to fostering opportunities for future banking leaders while encouraging curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change in a rapidly evolving industry.
Dorothy Welch
EVP/Director of Program Management, First Bank, Virginia
Dorothy Welch is an accomplished financial executive and leadership coach with more than 25 years of experience helping people and organizations grow. Throughout her banking career, she has led across retail banking, loan administration, strategy, talent, marketing, and operations, earning a reputation for connecting vision to execution and turning complex goals into meaningful results.
As Executive Vice President and Director of Program Management at First Bank, Dorothy leads enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen accountability, organizational alignment, and strategic execution. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in authenticity, purpose, and resilience, qualities she has brought to previous roles as Chief Experience Officer, Chief Talent Officer, and Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagement.
Dorothy holds an MBA from Eastern Mennonite University and a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University. She is a graduate of The Executive Program at UVA Darden, the Darden Bank Executive Leadership Program, the Virginia Bankers Association Executive Leadership Institute, and the Graduate School of Banking at Wisconsin Human Resource Management School. She also serves on the Virginia Bankers Association Education Foundation Board.
In addition to her executive role, Dorothy is a Certified Professional Coach and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner. Through her private coaching practice, she helps leaders navigate change with confidence, lead with greater authenticity, and create success that feels as meaningful personally as it does professionally.
Hotel Information
Richmond Marriott
500 East Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia, 23219
Toll Free: +1-800-228-9290
The deadline for the association-negotiated room rate has passed; please email Chandler Owdom to inquire about room availability in our conference block.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring at this event? Click here to see available options. View our complete 2026 Sponsor Brochure here. Questions? Contact Amy Binns.