Overview
At Bank Director, we are dedicated to empowering and educating the next generation of banking leaders to become top performers at their institutions. That’s why we created the Bank C-Suite Summit — an event designed to not only accelerate your bank’s growth but also refine the leadership capabilities of today’s leaders.

Tailored exclusively for bank executives, specifically CEOs, CFOs, CROs, COOs, CMOs, CHROs, CAOs, CTOs, CIOs and heads of retail and strategy— the C-Suite Summit offers a unique opportunity for executives to collaborate in private, off-the-record peer exchanges and attend expert-led sessions. Engage with industry experts and like-minded leaders to uncover innovative solutions, tackle pressing challenges and share insights on shaping the future of banking.

With a curriculum explicitly crafted for today’s bank leaders, the Summit dives into high-impact topics such as:

• Mastering the art of strategic planning
• Weathering today’s dynamic risk environment
• Assessing the value of your tech stack
• Cultivating a motivated workforce
• Maintaining of competitive edge
• Identifying the next CEO

Peer Exchanges
A highlight of the Bank Director events, during the Summit, banker participants are divided by similar titles, roles and responsibilities to candidly discuss and debate various topics and issues facing banks today. All peer exchanges are led by an industry advisor and are conducted in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

Pre-Conference Opportunities

• Workshop 1: Creating Excellence in an Evolving Workplace
• Workshop 2: Succession Planning For Your Executive Team
• Workshop 3: Strategic Planning for Community Banks: Competing & Thriving in Local Markets
• Workshop 4: Banking at Risk: Top Challenges Facing CEOs

The rate includes all conference activities, materials, meals and beverages at the event site. The price does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

Registration Rates:
Standard Individual Rate: $2,295
Standard Group Rate: $2,095 (For groups of 2 or more from the same financial institution)
*This fee applies to attendees who are officers or directors of an FDIC-insured financial institution. This does not apply to investment bankers, attorneys, accounting firms, and other vendors and service providers.

Guest Rate: $250
The guest rate of $250 covers breakfast on Monday and Tuesday, as well as all evening receptions. Guests are not allowed to attend sessions. A guest is a spouse, significant other or friend who is not in a financial services occupation. A co-worker (even a spouse co-worker) or an associate within the financial services industry is not considered a guest.

Membership Program Conference Rates
If your bank is a participating program member, please contact 877-397-7595 to find out about special conference rates and/or event passes that may be available to you and your board. For questions or to find out more about Bank Director’s membership program, please email bankservices@bankdirector.com.

Discounted Hotel Rate
The room block at the JW Marriott Nashville is now closed. If you are a registered attendee and would like to try to get a room at the host hotel, you can call 629-208-8380 for any available rooms at the leisure rate.

About the Hotel
Receive Nashville’s most attentive service at Music City’s first true luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown just 2 blocks to Broadway and the Gulch and adjacent to Music City Center. Discover breathtaking skyline views from every room in the hotel plus Nashville’s only Bourbon Steak by Michelin-star chef Michael Mina. Additional thoughtful amenities include a stunning and expansive rooftop pool deck enveloped by stylish cabanas and a sophisticated pool bar and grill, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center complete with Peloton bikes, gourmet café and artisan bakery, and artfully crafted cocktail lounges spread throughout the property.

Payments & Cancellation
Conference registration fees include admittance to all conference activities and access to the conference materials. Payment will be accepted by check, American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. If paying by check, please make payable to DirectorCorps, Inc. and include the attendee’s name(s) and/or a copy of the registration form and mail to:

Conferences
Bank Director
201 Summit View Drive, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027

Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after March 17th will be subject to a $300 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after April 6, 2026; however, substitute participants are welcomed. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants.

For more information regarding registration, refunds, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact our events department at 877-397-7595 or events@bankdirector.com.

• Workshop 1: Creating Excellence in an Evolving Workplace

  More than ever, banks need to adjust their talent and leadership development strategies to match the ever-accelerating pace of change in today’s financial industry. During this workshop, we offer constructive leadership sessions to help participants and the teams they lead take the next step to creating a workplace of excellence.

  9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  Breakfast & Registration

  10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
  Welcome & Introductions
  Katherine Tracy, Director of Business Development, Bank Director
  

  10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
  Peer Collaboration Session 1: Understanding the Essentials of Emotional Intelligence in Business
  Rob Camper, Chief Strategy Officer, Finance. Risk. Unified.
  Most people have heard about emotional intelligence. Attendees hear why EQ is essential to good leadership, learn the key areas that make up EQ and determine strategies to elevate their EQ performance in areas most critical to their industry or role.

  11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 2: Organizational Health: What Is Actually Getting in the Way
  Tiffany Adams, Senior Learning Consultant, Integrity Solutions, LLC
  Most bank executives know organizational health matters. What is harder to name is exactly what is blocking it and what it is costing them. This session starts with a direct question: in the last 90 days, where did organizational friction cost you something real? From there, participants use research to identify the specific patterns beneath their friction and connect those patterns to what is most at stake, including relationship banking in a world being reshaped disruption.

  12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
  Lunch

  1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 3: Team Motivation
  Bobbi McVey-Blath, Director of Facilitation, Integrity Solutions, LLC
  Motivating your team in the direction of the leader’s vision is crucial. How can this be done, and what does it take to get everyone moving in the right direction?

  2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
  Refreshment Break

  2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 4: Aligning Culture & Strategy
  Rob Camper, Chief Strategy Officer, Finance. Risk. Unified.
  Too often, there needs to be more alignment between the perceived culture and the reality across business lines.  Culture ultimately fuels the strategy of a company and thereby its future growth.  How do you ensure there is alignment at your financial institution? 

  3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
  Wrap Up and Q&A

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: COCC
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Workshop 2: Succession Planning For Your Executive Team

  This comprehensive roundtable equips executives with strategies for effective leadership continuity in banking. Key topics include aligning talent pipelines with future business needs, identifying and nurturing high-potential leaders and succession planning. Participants gain crucial insights and tools to drive their organizations’ long-term success and stability.

  9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  Breakfast & Registration

  10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
  Welcome & Introductions
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  

  10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
  Peer Collaboration Session 1: Identifying and Developing High-Potential Leaders
  Courtney Scott, Director of HR Consulting & Outsourcing, CLA
  This session provides executives with actionable strategies for identifying emerging leaders within their ranks and equipping them with the skills necessary for executive roles. Through understanding key attributes of high-potential talent and employing targeted development initiatives, attendees learn how to build a leadership pipeline that is robust, diverse and aligned with the organization’s strategic vision.

  11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 2: Assessing Executive Readiness & Crafting Tailored Development Plans
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  This session explores methods to identify critical skill gaps and craft individualized development plans. Share practical tools and strategies to ensure leaders are fully prepared for future executive roles, strengthening your bank’s leadership pipeline and continuity.

  12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
  Lunch

  1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 3: Engaging Stakeholders in Succession Planning
  Courtney Scott, Director of HR Consulting & Outsourcing, CLA
  Effective succession planning is a strategic priority that extends beyond internal HR processes; it requires active engagement and buy-in from key stakeholders. Participants explore best practices for involving stakeholders at every stage of the succession planning process, from development to execution. Additionally, the session covers proven techniques for communicating succession initiatives clearly and persuasively to secure strategic support and commitment.

  2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
  Refreshment Break

  2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 4: Governance & Risk in Executive Succession Planning
  Robert Fleetwood, Partner & Co-Chair of Financial Institutions Group, Barack Ferrazzano
  Andrew Strimaitis, Partner & Chair of Compensation & Benefits Group, Barack Ferrazzano
  In the dynamic landscape of banking, robust governance and risk management are essential for successful succession planning. This session provides executives a deep dive into the critical governance frameworks and risk considerations necessary for effective leadership transitions. Participants gain insights into aligning succession strategies with corporate governance principles while addressing regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations.

  3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
  Wrap Up and Q&A

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: COCC
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Workshop 3: Strategic Planning for Community Banks: Competing & Thriving in Local Markets

  Designed specifically for community banks, this workshop offers c-suite executives the tools and insights needed to effectively compete and thrive in local markets. Attendees explore tailored strategic planning methodologies that address the unique challenges and opportunities specific to their organizations. Key topics include identifying competitive advantages, leveraging local insights and crafting actionable strategies for sustainable growth. Through expert-led sessions and collaborative discussions, participants gain knowledge and practical strategies to enhance their bank’s market position, drive profitability and ensure long-term resilience.

  9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  Breakfast & Registration

  10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
  Welcome & Introductions
  Lexie Garcia, Vice President of Business Development, Bank Director
  

  10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
  Peer Collaboration Session 1: Developing a Strategic Mindset
  David Barone, Chief Strategy & Marketing Officer, Nymbus
  This session helps leaders build a strategic mindset for long-term success. Participants consider how major initiatives – such as launching a digital brand – should be approached as business strategies, rather than one-off projects. Through peer collaboration, they learn to evaluate opportunities, assess risks, and align decisions with organizational goals, gaining practical frameworks to strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable growth.

  11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 2:  Strategic Growth Planning in a Margin-Constrained Environment
  Rob Bondy, Partner, Plante Moran
  This session tackles the critical challenge of achieving growth in a margin-constrained environment, common for community banks. Participants delve into strategies for optimizing the balance sheet, examining both assets and liabilities to boost profitability. Discover innovative fee income ideas and how to leverage small business lending as a growth driver. This session also highlights the potential benefits of fintech partnerships in reducing costs and expanding service offerings.

  12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
  Lunch

  1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 3: Using Brand & Marketing to Drive Growth
  Sara Allen, Chief Growth Officer, RelPro, Inc.
  In this session, participants learn how to harness the power of branding and marketing to differentiate their bank and drive expansion. The discussion focuses on establishing a robust, authentic brand identity that resonates with local communities and attracts new customers. Explore effective marketing techniques, from digital strategies to community engagement, that amplify brand visibility and appeal. Through practical examples and marketing frameworks, attendees gain the tools needed to craft compelling campaigns that not only strengthen customer loyalty but also propel growth in competitive local markets.

  2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
  Refreshment Break

  2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 4: Sharpening Competitive Differentiation
  Jeffery Kendall, CEO & Chairman, Nymbus
  This session focuses on elevating community banks by leveraging their unique strengths, such as strong community ties and personalized service. Learn how to craft a compelling value proposition, leverage long-term strategy and build brand loyalty. Case studies and practical exercises help participants develop actionable differentiation strategies.

  3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
  Wrap Up and Q&A

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by:  COCC
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Workshop 4: Banking at Risk: Top Challenges Facing CEOs

  Join us for an interactive discussion on the top banking risks facing banks today – and in the coming year.  This comprehensive event explores critical areas, including economic uncertainty, loan quality, credit risk, technological advancements, cybersecurity challenges and evolving regulatory compliance. Collaborate with industry leaders to explore actionable solutions that bolster resilience and drive strategic growth for your institution in an ever-changing environment.

  9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
  Breakfast & Registration

  10:00 AM – 10:15 AM
  Welcome & Introductions
  Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  

  10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
  Peer Collaboration Session 1: Economic Uncertainty
  Lauren Nilan, Principal, Elliott Davis Advisory, LLC
  This session explores strategies for managing risks associated with fluctuating interest rates, inflation and global economic shifts. Learn about effective planning and responsive tactics that can safeguard your institution’s financial stability and growth in unpredictable economic landscapes.

  11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 2: Technology & Cybersecurity
  Michael Lopez, SVP of Fraud Solutions, AppGate Cybersecurity, Inc.
  Explore the dynamic intersection of technology and cybersecurity in this essential session tailored for banking leaders. As digital innovations continue to transform the financial sector, learn how to effectively harness cutting-edge technologies while safeguarding your institution against cyber threats. Hear best practices for threat detection, data protection and regulatory compliance. Empower your bank to innovate securely, ensuring robust defenses while enhancing customer trust in the digital age.

  12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
  Lunch

  1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 3: Talent & Succession Planning
  Alan Kaplan, Founder & CEO, Kaplan Partners
  Dara Klein, Managing Partner, Kaplan Partners
  This session explores strategies for attracting and retaining top talent while fostering a culture of growth. Learn innovative talent management approaches and discover how to build a resilient team that is adaptable to industry changes.

  2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
  Refreshment Break

  2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
  Peer Collaboration Session 4:  Loan Quality, Risk & Compliance
  Jason Price, Managing Director, Elliott Davis Advisory, LLC
  This session provides a strategic overview of how to fortify your loan portfolio and navigate the intricacies of evolving regulations. Uncover advanced strategies for assessing borrower risk and optimizing underwriting processes to ensure robust loan quality. Stay ahead of regulatory changes with actionable insights into compliance best practices. Explore innovative risk management techniques and position your institution for sustained success in a dynamic financial landscape.

  3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
  Wrap Up and Q&A

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: COCC
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Pre-Conference | Sunday | April 26

  9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  Workshop 1:  Creating a Workplace of Excellence
  More than ever, banks need to adjust their talent and leadership development strategies to match the ever-accelerating pace of change in today’s financial industry. During this workshop, we offer constructive leadership sessions to help participants and the teams they lead take the next step to creating a workplace of excellence.

  9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  Workshop 2: Succession Planning For Your Executive Team
  This comprehensive roundtable equips executives with strategies for effective leadership continuity in banking. Key topics include aligning talent pipelines with future business needs, identifying and nurturing high-potential leaders and succession planning. Participants gain crucial insights and tools to drive their organizations’ long-term success and stability.

  9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  Workshop 3: Strategic Planning for Community Banks: Competing & Thriving in Local Markets
  Designed specifically for community banks, this workshop offers c-suite executives the tools and insights needed to effectively compete and thrive in local markets. Attendees explore tailored strategic planning methodologies that address the unique challenges and opportunities specific to their organizations. Key topics include identifying competitive advantages, leveraging local insights and crafting actionable strategies for sustainable growth. Through expert-led sessions and collaborative discussions, participants gain knowledge and practical strategies to enhance their bank’s market position, drive profitability and ensure long-term resilience.

  Workshop 4: Banking at Risk: Top Challenges Facing CEOs
  Join us for an interactive discussion on the top banking risks facing banks today – and in the coming year. This comprehensive event explores critical areas, including economic uncertainty, loan quality, credit risk, technological advancements, cybersecurity challenges and evolving regulatory compliance. Collaborate with industry leaders to explore actionable solutions that bolster resilience and drive strategic growth for your institution in an ever-changing environment.

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: COCC
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Day One | Monday | April 27

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast & Registration
  Sponsored by: Navanta
  

  8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
  Day One Welcome
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  Bank Director welcomes all attendees to this year’s Bank C-Suite Summit in our hometown of Nashville, TN.

  8:05 AM – 8:35 AM
  The State of Our Industry
  Mark Kanaly, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
  In this session, hear the current state of the banking industry and the underlying factors driving change and creating opportunities for community banks today.

  8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
  Unlocking the Power of Your Strategic Vision
  Alan Kaplan, Founder & CEO, Kaplan Partners
  Nathan Stovall, Director of Financial Institutions Research, S&P Global Market Intelligence
  Mac Thompson, CEO & Founder, White Clay
  Moderated by: Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  Discover how to elevate your bank’s potential by mastering the art of strategic planning. Panelists explore the intricacies of creating and executing a robust strategic plan that not only aligns with your bank’s mission, vision and values but also responds adeptly to market trends and competitive pressures.

  9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
  Peer Exchanges: Session 1
  A highlight of the Bank Director events, during the Summit, banker participants are divided by similar titles, roles and responsibilities to candidly discuss and debate various topics and issues facing banks today. All peer exchanges are led by an industry advisor and are conducted in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

  Technology-Focused Peer Exchange
  Group 1 Advised by: McKayla Wooldridge, Fintech Research Analyst, S&P Global Market Intelligence and Al Dominick, Partner, Cornerstone Advisors
  Group 2 Advised by: Christopher Bender, President, Northcross Group Corporation and Tim Daley, Principal Digital Strategist, Q2
  

  • Digital Strategy
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Talent: Building Your Team
  • Making the Right Investment
  • Integration Challenges
  • Risk Considerations
  • Due Diligence Best Practices

  Human Resources & Talent-Focused Peer Exchange
  Group 1 Advised by: Mika Moser, CEO, At C Level, LLC and Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  Group 2 Advised by: Kelly Earls, Principal, Bank Compensation Consulting and Robert Flowers, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
  

  • Talent
  • Compensation
  • Succession Planning
  • Developing the Next Talent Pool
  • Incentive Compensation – does it align with your strategic plan?
  • Creating Your Growth Plan:  What’s Next?

  Marketing-Focused Peer Exchange
  Group 1 Advised by: Michael Lopez, SVP of Fraud Solutions, AppGate Cybersecurity, Inc. and Dan Marks, President, Growth Solutions, OptimaFI
  Group 2 Advised by: Linda Bennett, Managing Director, Business Development, Adrenaline and Sara Allen, Chief Growth Officer, RelPro, Inc.
  

  • Data
  • Products/Services
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
  • CRM
  • Niche Banking
  • Branding
  • Competition

  Finance & Risk Focused Peer Exchange
  Group 1 Advised by:  Mac Thompson, CEO & Founder, White Clay and Josh Juergensen, Principal, CLA
  Group 2 Advised by:  Mark Kanaly, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP and Aaron Taylor, CEO, Finance. Risk. Unified.

  • Balance Sheet Management
  • Growth Initiatives & Strategy
  • Growing Organically
  • Competitive Threats
  • Making the Right Investments
  • Risk Management
  • Technology Budget: Impact on the Bank
  • IT Risks
  • Regulation
  • Credit Risk

  10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
  Weathering Uncertainty
  Rae-Ann Miller, Chief Risk Officer, IntraFi
  Josh White, Shareholder, Elliott Davis Advisory, LLC
  Moderated by: Jackie Stewart, Executive Editor, Bank Director
  Equip your team with the skills needed to effectively identify and mitigate diverse risks, including credit risk, operational risk and information security. This session offers practical training to enhance employees’ risk management capabilities, ensuring they can proactively protect your institution against potential threats. Transform your workforce into a frontline defense in today’s dynamic risk environment.

  11:10 AM – 11:40 AM
  What’s Happening in Washington
  David Hooper, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
  What are the latest regulatory updates, and how do they impact our industry? During this session, learn about recent regulatory changes and how they influence bank operations, risk management and overall performance.

  11:50 AM – 12:30 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Breakout 1: Strong, Smart, Personalized Brands – The Website Experience
  James Pannos, President, Pannos Marketing
  Paul Tonelli, SVP, Chief Creative Officer, Pannos Marketing
  Your website is your busiest branch – and a critical expression of your brand in action. This session shows how banks can leverage customized branding and smarter content to deliver personalized and stronger web experiences. Walk away understanding how all roads lead to your busiest branch.

  Breakout 2: BOLI Purchases & Margins In Today’s Interest Rate Environment
  Josh Miskovich, Regional Managing Director, Executive Benefits Network
  Attend this session to understand why there has been a significant uptick in BOLI purchases. This session helps you understand how BOLI rates are increasing in a time when the Fed is lowering rates. Learn how this point in the rate cycle is creating additional margin between BOLI and alternatives

  Breakout 3: Redefining Enterprise Bank Management: A Without Limits Philosophy
  Barry Adcock, Sales Executive, Quantalytix, Inc.
  Tadgh Spradlin, VP of Sales & Partnerships, Quantalytix, Inc.
  Financial institutions face a growing paradox: more data than ever, yet less clarity. The future of enterprise bank management lies in providing clarity and control, empowering institutions to navigate various economic environments with confidence. This session explores how leaders can simplify complexity, transform data into a strategic asset and position themselves to thrive in the years to come.

  Breakout 4: Five Ways to Make a Lasting Impact on Your Bank’s Bottom Line
  Mike Holt, Partner, Profit Resources, Inc.
  This presentation reveals five practical strategies that community banking leaders can use to drive bottom-line results. We provide clear, practical insights on how your organization can grow profitability, enhance customer relationships, embrace technology and improve efficiency. Attendees leave equipped with actionable ideas to strengthen performance, increase non-interest income, and control non-interest expenses to compete effectively in today’s market.

  12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
  Networking Lunch
  Sponsored by:  Ellsworth Systems, LLC
  

  1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Breakout 1: Drive Operational Leverage with Smart, Data-Driven Marketing
  Dan Marks, President, Growth Solutions, OptimaFI
  With competition heating up and budgets tightening, banks need to work smarter – not harder – to grow. Discover how targeted, data-driven marketing can be your secret weapon to drive operational leverage, attracting low-cost deposits, loans and new to bank relationships. Join us to learn how to stretch every marketing dollar further and turn insights into real, measurable results.

  Breakout 2: Leading with Purpose
  Deborah Sweeney, Head of MyCorporation & Banker’s Dashboard, Deluxe
  Discover how effective leadership goes beyond self-interest to drive team success. Learn actionable strategies for fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that empowers your team to thrive. Unlock the potential of leading with purpose and creating a culture of shared success.

  Breakout 3: Overcome the Data Hurdles for Profitability-based Incentive
  Scott Earwood, Director of Community Solutions, White Clay
  Mac Thompson, CEO & Founder, White Clay
  Banks are transitioning from production-based to profitability-based incentive. This encourages bankers to build deeper and more profitable relationships. Community bank data environments are not prepared for this transition. This session provides a roadmap to the critical data improvements necessary: define a client relationship, aggregate relationships’ products and services, calculate profitability and display simple, transparent and actionable information for bankers to understand their performance and pay.

  Breakout 4: Auditors’ Perspective: Audit & Risk Planning Under New Regulations and Technology
  Josh Engelkemier, Partner, Plante Moran
  Gain inside perspective from auditors on navigating evolving industry regulations and the increased use of technology. This session highlights audit readiness and risk management planning considerations to strengthen your bank’s operational, financial and IT controls in a rapidly changing environment of new FDIC thresholds, audit standards, cybersecurity framework changes and increased reliance on models, third-party providers and AI.

  2:20 PM – 3:00 PM
  Breakout Sessions (select one)

  Breakout 1: Relationship Banking in a Digital-First Age
  Tyler Held, Lead Functional Consultant, nCino
  Most banks claim to prioritize relationships, but their decision-making often remains transactional and reactive. Fragmented data and a lack of a holistic view prevent frontline teams from identifying their most valuable and profitable customers. This session provides a strategic blueprint to transform relationship banking from a mere slogan into a reality.

  Breakout 2: The 2030 Leader
  Todd Lingle, Partner & Leader, Caldwell Analytics
  Jeremy Zeman, Managing Partner, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Caldwell Partners
  The executive talent pipeline is breaking down. Fewer successors, faster turnover, and a widening skills gap that most banks aren’t built to close. This session examines what leadership built for 2030 actually looks like, why traditional succession planning falls short, and how to build the bench before the vacancy forces your hand.

  Breakout 3: SMB Primacy: Turning Small Business Checking Into a Growth Engine
  Rob Armour, EVP, Chief Marketing & Product Development Officer, BankPlus
  Dave DeFazio, Chief Strategy Officer, StrategyCorps
  Cornerstone data reveals that 60 % of SMBs are open to switching banks for better value. Discover how banks are using data-driven design and subscription-style checking to deepen relationships, grow low-cost deposits and unlock new lending opportunities – without competing on rate.

  Breakout 4: Outlook for Banks as Nonbank Competition and M&A Change the Landscape
  Nathan Stovall, Director of Financial Institutions Research, S&P Global Market Intelligence
  Hear the outlook for banks’ operating environment and how competition, including from nonbanks such as private credit firms, fintechs and stablecoin providers, impacts bank profitability. This session focuses on the drivers of funding costs and deposit and loan growth, while also covering the outlook for asset quality and economic indicators that bear watching. Attendees also hear how changes in the fundamental and regulatory environment are impacting M&A activity.

  3:10 PM – 3:40 PM
  Evolution or Extinction: Point/Counterpoint Debate
  Al Dominick, Partner, Cornerstone Advisors
  Andy Ivankovich, President & CEO, Baker Hill Solutions LLC
  Chris Sanger, Head of FIG, Managing Director, Cantor Fitzgerald
  Moderated by: Sal Inserra, Senior Advisor, Bank Director
  A favorite of Bank Director conference attendees, this session pits industry experts against each other to debate the most controversial issues in strategic growth.  You don’t want to miss this heated – and informative – session!

  3:40 PM – 3:55 PM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by: Alliance Partners LLC
  

  3:55 PM – 4:55 PM
  Peer Exchanges: Session 2
  Building on the first round of peer exchanges, banker participants return to their same peer groups and attend the second round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders.

  5:05 PM – 5:35 PM
  The Power of People
  Jill Castilla, President & CEO, Citizens Bank of Edmond
  Kristin Pruitt, President, Lake City Bank
  Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  This session examines how a strong culture and empowering leadership foster a motivated workforce that adapts to change and drives innovation. Discover how these dedicated teams are not only meeting today’s financial challenges but also shaping the future of community banking.

  5:35 PM – 6:35 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: HC3

• Day Two | Tuesday | April 28

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast
  Sponsored by: Hudson Technology Systems LLC
  

  8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
  Day Two Welcome
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  As we begin day two of the Summit, Michelle and Laura reveal key findings from this year’s Bank Director research and what is top of mind for bank executives based on respondent feedback.

  8:05 AM – 8:35 AM
  Maintaining Your Competitive Edge
  David Benskin, Founder & CEO, Wealth Access Inc.
  Kirk Coleman, Chief Business Officer, Q2
  Brent Lapp, EVP, Sales, SRM
  Moderated by:  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing economic landscape, financial institutions face constant pressure to innovate and stay ahead of the competition. This panel discussion brings together industry leaders and experts to share their insights on strategies for maintaining a competitive advantage.

  8:45 AM – 9:25 AM
  Breakout Sessions
  Breakout 1: Branch Renaissance: Maximizing ROI Through Strategic Marketing, Acquisition & Cross-Sell
  Juliet D’Ambrosio, Chief Experience Officer, Adrenaline
  This session examines how leading financial institutions are transforming branches from cost centers to high-performing revenue engines through strategic marketing and customer engagement. Explore cutting-edge approaches including: “zonal planning” to optimize customer flow and increase conversions, experience design to deepen engagement, merchandising to drive product awareness and uptake, staff choreography to maximize relationship-building, and data-driven customer journey optimization.

  Breakout 2: Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Practical Strategies for Building Leaders
  Lori Bettinger, President, BancAlliance
  Joshua Cundiff, EVP, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer, Southern Bank of Tennessee
  Mentorship advises. Sponsorship advocates and opens doors. Community banks that understand this distinction help create stronger leaders, both in their own banks and in the communities they serve. This session provides actionable strategies for implementing both mentorship and sponsorship programs within your bank.

  Breakout 3: Evaluating Core Systems for the Digital Era
  Danelle Hawig, Senior Vice President, ICI Consulting
  Choosing the right core system has never been more critical. This session highlights how financial institutions are reassessing core platforms, navigating modernization efforts and leveraging AI as a practical tool for smarter operations. Discover how thoughtful evaluations and negotiations can help balance innovation with cost control while supporting growth and customer engagement.

  Breakout 4: Navigating Compliance & Regulations for Operational Excellence
  Marcy Hingst, SEVP, General Counsel, Huntington Bank
  Robert Maddox, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
  This session will provide comprehensive updates on essential regulations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Participants gain practical and actionable insights aimed at not only ensuring compliance with these complex regulations but also strategies that organizations can implement to streamline their compliance processes effectively.

  9:25 AM – 9:40 AM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by:  ALM First
  

  9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
  Peer Exchanges: Session 3
  Banker participants return to their previous peer exchange groups for the third round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders.

  10:50 AM – 11:20 AM
  Keynote: Mission & Purpose: Building Essential Skills to Elevate Leadership
  Paul Godfrey, William and Roceil Low Professor of Business Strategy, BYU Marriott School of Business
  This keynote session explores the foundational leadership skills including strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and effective communication which are essential for cultivating a high-performing culture within banking organizations. Mission-aligned organizations are more productive and profitable, enjoy greater customer loyalty. In addition, these types of organizations are able to hire, retain and promote higher quality human capital. During this session learn how to become a mission-driven bank!

  11:20 AM – 11:50 AM
  Identifying the Next CEO
  Lee Gibson, Director, Southside Bancshares, Inc.
  Richard “Stick” Williams, Chair of the Board, HomeTrust Bank
  Moderated by:  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  In today’s dynamic banking landscape, aspiring CEO candidates must equip themselves with a diverse array of skills and competencies that go beyond traditional banking expertise. Join us for an engaging session where seasoned bank leaders share their insights on the essential skill sets that pave the way to the corner office.

  11:50 AM – 11:55 AM
  Closing Remarks
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director

   

The JW Marriott Nashville embodies the energy and eclectic spirit of downtown Nashville. Slip inside our soaring 33-story glass tower and discover a whole new way to experience the city. Peruse a contemporary art collection that pays homage to the capital city’s musical heritage, savor prime ribeyes at Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, and unwind in Nashville’s most luxurious guest rooms. Inside and out, it just flows.

Discounted Hotel Rate
The room block at the JW Marriott Nashville is now closed. If you are a registered attendee and would like to try to get a room at the host hotel, you can call 629-208-8380 for any available rooms at the leisure rate.

For more information regarding registration, refunds, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact our events department at 877-397-7595 or events@bankdirector.com.

• Who should attend the Bank C-Suite Summit?

  The Bank C-Suite Summit was created specifically for members of a bank’s senior management team. Attendees include chief financial officers, chief risk officers, chief marketing officers, chief administrative officers, chief operations officers, chief human resource officers and other senior executives responsible for the bank’s growth.

• Why should I attend the Bank C-Suite Summit?

  The Bank C-Suite Summit brings together unparalleled insight from leading experts in audit, compensation, risk management, corporate governance, regulation, succession planning, attracting and developing talent, and strategic planning, to provide bank executives with the latest information on best practices in all of the critical areas facing banks today.

  Additionally, the Summit offers participants the opportunity to engage with their constituents from across the U.S. through interactive peer exchanges and topic-focused breakout sessions.

• How much does this conference cost and what does it cover?

  The standard individual registration rate is $2,295; however, attendees should contact our conference department at 877-397-7595 or events@bankdirector.com for special early and group rates. This fee includes all conference activities, materials and meals at the event site. This price does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

• What if I need to cancel my reservation at the conference?

  Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after March 17, 2026, will be subject to a $300 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after April 6, 2026; however, substitute participants are welcome. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants.

• Can I bring a guest?

  Yes, we do have a guest program. The guest rate of $250 covers all evening receptions. Guests are not allowed to attend sessions. A guest is a spouse, significant other or friend who is not in a financial services occupation. A co-worker (even a spouse co-worker) or an associate within the financial services industry is not considered a guest.

• Is CPE available for this conference?

  DirectorCorps, Inc., the parent company of Bank Director, is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.

  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org. Visit their information page for CPE learning objectives, program levels, prerequisites, recommended credits and complaint resolutions.

  All of Bank Director’s education programs are classified as “Basic” program level with no pre-requisites or advance preparation required for participation in these events. All events fall under “Group-Live” delivery method. At the event, attendees will be required to keep a timesheet and attendance at sessions will be monitored in order for attendees to receive the appropriate number of credits and a certificate of completion following the event.For questions about the program and about the number of credits awarded for this event, please contact Bank Director’s conference department at events@bankdirector.com or 877-397-7595.