9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Bank Compensation Committee Peer Exchanges

Bank Compensation Peer Exchanges are closed-door, off-the-record peer exchanges exclusive to members of the compensation committee and allow those from similar, sized institutions to meet for candid discussions around shared responsibilities and interests. Bank Compensation Peer Exchanges Agenda

9:30 AM – 4:45 PM
Corporate Governance Workshop
The Corporate Governance Workshop is a comprehensive training program designed for those new to a bank’s board or individuals wanting to serve on a bank’s board. Corporate Governance Workshop Agenda

10:00 AM – 4:45 PM
CFO Roundtable
Join Bank Director and Cornerstone for an exclusive peer exchange among bank CFOs. During this session participants discuss various topics in a closed door, off-the-record setting. This session is exclusive to 15 bank CFO attendees only, and is available on a first-come, first served basis. CFO Roundtable Agenda

11:30 – 4:45 PM
Bank on Women Peer Exchange
Join Bank Director and Bank on Women, Inc. for an exclusive peer exchange among female executives as we provide insight on serving on a bank board. The off-the-record, candid conversation provides an opportunity to learn from peers and share experience. Bank on Women Peer Exchange Agenda

4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Bank Board Training Forum Welcoming Reception & Registration
Sponsored by:  FHLBank Atlanta
We welcome all registered participants of today’s events and those attending the Forum to join us for a networking reception at the JW Marriott Nashville.

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast & Registration
Sponsored by:  M&A Engineers

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Day One Welcome
Michelle King, President, Bank Director
Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director
Bank Director welcomes all attendees to this year’s Bank Board Training Forum in our hometown of Nashville, TN.

8:10 AM – 8:40 AM
The State of Our Industry
Curtis Carpenter
, Senior Managing Director, Hovde Group, LLC
In this session, hear the current state of the banking industry and the underlying factors driving change and creating opportunities.

8:40 AM – 9:10 AM
Building the Strongest Board:  What You Need to Know
*Attendance required for Advanced Director Certification Program
Dennis Merkley
, Member, Howard & Howard
Craig Sanders, Partner, Moss Adams LLP
Peter Thies, Managing Director, Pearl Meyer
Moderated by:  Michelle King, President, Bank Director
Given Bank Director’s mission, Strong Board. Strong Bank, this session features the key qualities of what makes a strong board.

9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
Unique Ways to Manage Risk
Mark Kanaly
, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
Mandi Simpson
, Partner, Crowe LLP
Moderated by: Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
From interest rate risk to unrealized losses and risk oversight, uncover industry insights and expertise about innovative strategies for mitigating risk in today’s dynamic banking environment. This session provides valuable perspectives from industry observers to enhance your risk management toolkit.

9:40 AM – 9:55 AM
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by:  Stephens Inc.

9:55 AM – 10:45 AM
Exclusive CEO, Chairman & Lead Director Peer Exchange: Session 1
During the peer exchange sessions, CEOs, chairmen and lead directors candidly discuss various topics in a private, off-the-record setting. By the end of the conference, each registered attendee will have had the opportunity to participate in all five of the topic exchanges listed below:

Organic Growth & M&A Issues
Advised by: Kirk Hovde, Managing Principal & Head of Investment Banking, Hovde Group, LLC
Examples of topics discussed include:

  • Are you considering a merger or an acquisition?  How has the pandemic and current economic environment affected your consideration?
  • What is your view on bank valuations in your market, and how will that likely impact your behavior as a potential buyer or seller?
  • Have you discussed a possible acquisition with your primary regulator?  If so, what was their reaction?
  • How is your bank viewing big bank competitors in your area, and what impact do they have on your bank?  How is your bank positioning itself to respond/prepare?
  • How is your bank dealing with other competitors — even non-bank competitors — and how has this impacted your strategy for growth?

Compensation & Talent Issues
Advised by: Niki Nolan, Senior Consultant, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC
Examples of topics discussed include:

  • What are the top compensation-type issues you have faced this year?
  • Has the work environment for your staff changed in the past year, and do you anticipate remote working by any of your bank’s staff in the future?  How is that affecting your bank’s culture?
  • How often do you benchmark board pay?
  • What are your talent challenges, and what are you doing to deal with these challenges?
  • How are directors at your bank compensated? What compensation components do you use, and how are they paid?

Legal & Governance Issues
Advised by: Kevin Toomey, Partner, Arnold & Porter
Examples of topics discussed include:

  • Rank the top three regulatory compliance challenges facing your bank.  How are management and the board addressing these challenges?
  • How does the board incorporate regulatory compliance into the institution’s business model?
  • How does the board monitor management’s progress in responding to regulatory changes?
  • Who has the ultimate responsibility for strategy at your bank?  What is the role of management in setting strategy?  What is the role of the board in setting strategy?
  • What communication occurs between the board and all stakeholders concerning the ongoing performance of the bank and its strategic direction?

Audit & Risk Issues
Advised by: Cory Kronheim, Partner, Crowe LLP
Examples of topics discussed include:

  • What best practices would you recommend for audit committees?
  • What concerns do you have regarding current interest rates and their impact on lending activity and deposits?
  • What are the hardest risks your bank currently faces?
  • How does the board assess this risk, and where does management need to be engaged?
  • What role should the audit/risk committee play in setting the risk appetite for the institution?

Innovation & Technology Issues
Advised by: Beth Johnson, Principal, Managed Technology Consulting, RSM US LLP
Examples of topics discussed include:

  • What is your bank doing to improve the overall customer experience through technology?
  • Has your bank hired a Chief Information Security Officer?  If so, who does that person report to, and how frequently do they interact with the board?
  • Who do you primarily rely upon to stay informed about technology trends related to the financial services industry?
  • Does your board have a sufficient level of expertise regarding technology?
  • Who is responsible for innovation at your bank?  Does your bank have a culture of innovation?

9:55 AM – 10:35 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
While CEOs, Chairmen and Lead Directors attend Peer Exchange Sessions, members of the board and senior executives select from one of four breakout sessions to attend. Breakout sessions are designed to allow participants to attend committee-focused sessions based on their role on the board and/or their position at the financial institution.

Breakout 1:  Bank Director 101: Compensation Primer
Karen Butcher
, Managing Director, Pearl Meyer
The Bank Director 101 sessions are for the newer directors in our audience and focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings. This session on compensation includes what a good director needs to know about evaluating the CEO and determining pay, and examining compensation arrangements, including incentive compensation and executive pay.

Breakout 2:  Strategy Oversight
Rob Bondy, Partner, Plante Moran
Brian Franey, Partner, Plante Moran
Learn how external directors can balance the need to commit to a plan while retaining the flexibility to adjust in a changing environment.

Breakout 3:  5 Questions That Determine a Profitable Client Relationship
Scott Earwood
, Director of Community Solutions, White Clay
In this session, we review five questions banks can ask that — if answered correctly — can ensure profitability within their customer relationships.  We share real examples of obstacles that bank clients have faced, as well as strategies and outcomes for overcoming the main barriers to untapped revenue growth.

Breakout 4:  The Audit Committee’s Agenda
Matthew Cannon
, Partner, Forvis Mazars
Jeff Harjo
, Managing Director, Forvis Mazars
This session reviews the latest information on best practices related to the audit oversight function.

10:45 AM – 11:25 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Breakout sessions continue for members of the board and senior executives attending the Forum. Breakout sessions are designed to allow participants to attend committee-focused sessions based on their role on the board and/or their position at the financial institution.

Breakout 1:  Bank Director 101: Audit Primer
Blake Crow
, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
Michael Holdren
, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
The Bank Director 101 sessions are for the newer directors in our audience and focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings.  This session on audit includes what a good director needs to know about this expansive responsibility, including the internal and external function, and the reports and information that directors should expect to receive.

Breakout 2:  Building a Strategic Asset Board
Terry Lehman
, Chair of the Board, Citizens & Northern Corporation
Cathy Richmond, Chair of the Board, Mascoma Bank
Moderated by: Alan Kaplan, Founder & CEO, Kaplan Partners
High performing boards are a hallmark of high performing banks. Hear from board leaders on the critical topics of board succession and refreshment, governance best practices and the role of board assessments in elevating board performance. Boards that effectively navigate these vital yet sensitive dynamics are well on their way to becoming top performing institutions.

Breakout 3:  How the Changing Regulatory and Judicial Environment Is Affecting Compensation Decisions in the Boardroom
Lynda Crouse, Partner, Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
Christopher Stock, Associate, Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
In this competitive talent market, your company needs effective incentive compensation and equity programs to drive performance.  A changing legal landscape creates challenges in aligning pay with performance, but directors can set the right balance while navigating clawbacks, covenants and risks.  Join us for a discussion of the key regulatory and judicial developments that all directors need to know.

Breakout 4: Can You Bulletproof Your Balance Sheet and Achieve Growth?
Grant Casserly
, VP, Syndications Manager, Sunwest Bank
Dave McArdle, Head of Banking Relationships, Capstack Technologies, Inc.
Randy Riffle, Head of Customer Experience & Platform Operations, Capstack Technologies, Inc.
Banks have been working to strengthen their balance sheets amid high interest rates, seeking diversification and building liquidity. In this session, learn how to leverage new technology around building out your bank and non-bank loan trading network for balance sheet management and growth.

11:10 AM – 12:10 PM
Exclusive CEO, Chairman & Lead Director Peer Exchange: Session 2
CEOs, chairmen and lead directors attend the second round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders. By the end of the conference, each peer group will have had the opportunity to participate in all five of the topic exchanges listed below:

  • Organic Growth & M&A Issues
  • Compensation & Talent Issues
  • Legal & Governance Issues
  • Audit & Risk Issues
  • Innovation & Technology Issues

11:35 AM – 12:15 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Members of the board and senior executives select from a third round of breakout sessions. These sessions are designed to allow participants to attend committee-focused sessions based on their role on the board and/or their position at the financial institution.

Breakout 1:  Bank Director 101: Risk Primer
Peter Brady, National Financial Services Leader, RSM US LLP
The Bank Director 101 sessions are for the newer directors in our audience and focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings.  This session on risk includes what a good director needs to know about risk, including the information about risks that banks should expect to receive, the board’s role in establishing risk appetite, how board members should examine key risks — credit, interest rate risk and cybersecurity — and how board members should connect risks to strategic decision making.

Breakout 2:  Navigating Executive Benefits in a Shifting Regulatory Landscape and Evolving Workforce Dynamics
Todd Carpenter, SVP, Business Development, NFP
In today’s business environment, executives face unprecedented challenges in designing and managing benefit packages for their key employees.  With constant shifts in the business environment, and the emergence of a new generation of employees, banks must adopt strategic solutions to stay ahead.  Join this session to delve into strategies to tailor benefits to attract and retain top talent.  Attendees gain insights and actionable strategies to optimize their executive compensation programs.

Breakout 3:  How Banks Should Make the Decision to Buy or Sell
Peter Weinstock
, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Beth Whitaker, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
​​Decisions made even before bankers engage with the other side foretell the likelihood for success. Economic factors such as AOCI, credit and interest rate marks on loans, deposit decay, core deposit intangibles and other variables have to be considered from the different viewpoints of sellers and buyers. This session discusses various strategies for the boards of both sellers and buyers in order to play the negotiating game in the most effective manner.

Breakout 4:  Growing Deposits — Tested Strategies
David Still
, Managing Director, IntraFi
In times of heightened deposit competition and an uncertain rate environment, growing deposits is challenging.  Discover multiple strategies for deposit growth that can help your bank build loyal customers and franchise value.

12:10 PM – 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsored by:  Wealth Access Inc.

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Exclusive CEO, Chairman & Lead Director Peer Exchange: Session 3
CEOs, chairmen and lead directors attend the third round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders. By the end of the conference, each peer group will have had the opportunity to participate in all five of the topic exchanges listed below:

  • Organic Growth & M&A Issues
  • Compensation & Talent Issues
  • Legal & Governance Issues
  • Audit & Risk Issues
  • Innovation & Technology

1:15 PM – 1:55 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Members of the board and senior executives select from an additional round of breakout sessions. These sessions are designed to allow participants to attend committee-focused sessions based on their role on the board and/or their position at the financial institution.

Breakout 1:  Bank Director 101: Governance Primer
Robert Maddox
, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Avery Simmons, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
The Bank Director 101 sessions are for the newer directors in our audience and focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings.  This session on governance examines the role of the board and how to structure effective deliberations — including the meeting agenda, minutes and materials, executive sessions and strategic planning.

Breakout 2:  Incentive Design in Uncertain Economic Times
Dan Kaufman, Partner, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC
Niki Nolan, Senior Consultant, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC
The banking industry has been facing considerable volatility and disruption, compounded by ongoing uncertainty surrounding interest rates and the broader economic landscape.  This session explores the advantages and trade-offs associated with various incentive structures, including the utilization of individual components, committee discretion, goal adjustments and the comparison of relative versus absolute metrics. While no single design can address all uncertainties, this session provides valuable insights to successfully navigate a complex environment.

Breakout 3: The Road to Resilience: Gaining Strategic Visibility Through Your Financial
and Risk Data
Chris Henkel, President, Finance. Risk. Unified.
Aaron Taylor, CEO, Finance. Risk. Unified.
In this M&A climate, risk and resilience have been common themes at nearly every bank conference. And with good reason. Spurred by technological advancements and heavy-handed regulations that result in a steady decline in the number of community and regional banks, alarmists all like to ask the question, “What keeps you up at night?” It’s much more productive (and strategic) to ask “What’s at stake?” And the answer, of course, is a lot. Because – if you’re actually being forward-looking, you’ll want to know what type of information you’ll need to make informed — and strategic — decisions.

Breakout 4: The Return of Bank M&A: Have the Rules of the Game Changed?
Chuck Stubbs
, Managing Director, Co-Head of Financial Institutions Investment Banking, D.A. Davidson & Co.
There are several macro-factors which have adversely impacted bank M&A activity and the sector is due for a rebound. We will delve into why M&A activity has declined, why we expect a significant increase and how buyers and sellers can position themselves for success.

2:05 PM – 2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Members of the board and senior executives select from an additional round of breakout sessions. These sessions are designed to allow participants to attend committee-focused sessions based on their role on the board and/or their position at the financial institution.

Breakout 1:  Bank Director 101: Technology Primer
John Huyette, Principal, Risk Consulting, RSM US LLP
The Bank Director 101 sessions are for the newer directors in our audience and focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings.  This session on technology examines the board’s oversight role, including risks and opportunities, and ensuring that management aligns technology resources and budgeting with strategic decision-making.

Breakout 2:  Do Your Incentive Plans Align With Your Compensation Philosophy
Matt Brei, President, Blanchard Consulting Group
Jeff Fairchild, SVP, Lead Consultant, Blanchard Consulting Group
In this session, we discuss compensation philosophies, cash incentives and how they fit with your bank’s unique culture and strategy. This discussion includes reviewing market data surrounding cash incentives and industry best practices related to incentive plan designs. Ultimately, the goal is to analyze whether your current cash incentive programs are effectively aligned to achieve your stated goals.

Breakout 3:  Succession Strategy Unpacked:  Who Is Your Next CEO?
Sean O’Neal, Partner, Chartwell Partners
Dive deep into CEO succession planning in this session by uncovering ways to identify and develop internal talent while discerning when external hires will enhance your organization. Discover transition tactics for both scenarios. Gain a holistic understanding of talent mapping’s pivotal role in sustained success, emphasizing the board’s indispensable contribution throughout the process.

Breakout 4:  Is Your Regulatory Relationship OK?
Bart Smith
, Partner & Managing Director, Risk & Regulatory Insights, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
This session explores three critical relationship killers that every institution should know when interacting with their regulator. Join Bart Smith, former FDIC Examiner and Head of Risk Management at Performance Trust, as he unlocks the secrets for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory relationship. Discover actionable strategies to sidestep these common missteps and gain valuable insights for you and your board.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Exclusive CEO, Chairman & Lead Director Peer Exchange: Session 4
CEOs, chairmen and lead directors attend the fourth round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders. By the end of the conference, each peer group will have had the opportunity to participate in all five of the topic exchanges listed below:

  • Organic Growth & M&A Issues
  • Compensation & Talent Issues
  • Legal & Governance Issues
  • Audit & Risk Issues
  • Innovation & Technology

2:55 PM – 3:35 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Members of the board and senior executives select from an additional round of breakout sessions. These sessions are designed to allow participants to attend committee-focused sessions based on their role on the board and/or their position at the financial institution.

Breakout 1:  Bank Director 101:  M&A Primer
Jeff Davis
, Managing Director, Mercer Capital
Andrew Gibbs, Senior Vice President, Mercer Capital
The Bank Director 101 sessions are for the newer directors in our audience and focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings.  This session explores the fundamentals of bank M&A, including how boards should approach the decision to buy — or sell.

Breakout 2:  Performance-based Compensation — What Did We (and the Regulators) Learn From 2023?
Todd Leone, Partner, McLagan
Chris Richter, Associate Partner, McLagan
In this session we dive into what we learned from 2023 in regards to performance-based compensation and discuss what changes should be made for future success.

Breakout 3: Risky Business: Navigating Board Risk Oversight
George Makris, III, EVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Simmons Bank
Seth Winter, Partner
, Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
Bank regulators are heightening expectations for board risk oversight. Recent regulatory guidance has focused on boards of regional and larger banks but provides valuable insights to smaller bank boards. This session discusses key elements of that regulatory guidance, best practices for effective board oversight of enterprise risk and the relationship between the board’s and management’s risk oversight roles.

Breakout 4: Asset Liability Management From Top to Bottom
Will Newcomer
, Director, Finance & Risk, Empyrean Solutions, LLC
An asset liability management (ALM) system is the single best tool bank boards and management have for managing risk and improving performance. This session outlines current ALM functionality and the critical areas of liquidity stress testing and non-maturity deposit analytics. Finally, best practices to leverage ALM in your budgeting and profitability systems, and the best structure for your ALM and other management committees.

3:30 PM – 3:55 PM
Refreshment Break

3:55 PM – 4:25 PM
Strategies for Growth
*Attendance required for Advanced Director Certification Program
Dan Flaherty, Managing Director, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Eve Rogers
, Partner, Crowe LLP
Moderated by:  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
While M&A is a method for growth, there are many opportunities your bank could capitalize on to grow.  During this session, participants hear from industry leaders on the various strategies available to you and your board.

4:25 PM – 4:55 PM
Building a Strong Bank
*Attendance required for Advanced Director Certification Program
Robert McCabe, Jr.
, Chair of the Board, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Terry Turner, President & CEO, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Moderated by:  Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Pinnacle Financial Partners is one of the most influential banks in the Southeast.  The company was founded by three Nashville businessmen who wished to create a locally-owned financial firm in 2000.  During this session, Bank Director sits down with two of its founders — Rob McCabe and Terry Turner — to hear their journey and uncover some of their thoughts as to what went into their decision making and how they have built the bank they lead today.

4:55 PM – 5:25 PM
Case Study:  How a Bank Board and Management Work Together to Navigate Turbulent Times
*Attendance required for Advanced Director Certification Program
Bruce Beach, Chair of the Board, Western Alliance Bank
Kenneth Vecchione, President & CEO, Western Alliance Bank
Moderated by:  Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
With assets of more than $80B, Western Alliance Bank is consistently one of the highest-performing banks in the country.  When last year’s regional banking crisis hit, Western Alliance went into overdrive to ensure all stakeholders were aware of the bank’s solid — and stable — operations.  Bank Director talks with Board Chair Bruce Beach and President and CEO Ken Vecchione to learn how management and the board worked together to successfully navigate the turbulence and how to apply these lessons more broadly.

5:25 PM – 6:25 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
Sponsored by:  HORNE LLP

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast

8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
Day Two: Welcome
Michelle King, President, Bank Director
Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director
To start the second day of the Forum, we discuss how director training and education is playing an increasingly important role in the success of today’s top-performing financial institutions.

8:05 AM – 8:35 AM
How Does Your Technology Roadmap Stack Up?
*Attendance required for Advanced Director Certification Program
Allison Maddock
, Chief Product Officer, CSI
Ryan Rackley, Partner, Cornerstone Advisors
Moderated by:  Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
A technology roadmap is a flexible planning schedule to support strategic and long-range planning by matching short-term and long-term goals with specific technology solutions.  How does your bank’s stack up?

8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
Balance Sheet Considerations
Brian Leibfried, Partner & Managing Director, Head of Bank Insights, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
What foundational principles can you focus on within your bank’s balance sheet to positively impact your bank’s shareholders?

9:05 AM – 9:25 AM
Highlights From Bank Director’s Compensation Survey
Emily McCormick
, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Sean O’Neal, Partner, Chartwell Partners
In this session, we share insights from our annual Compensation Survey.

9:25 AM – 9:55 AM
Compensation in the Changing Economic and Regulatory Landscape
*Attendance required for Advanced Director Certification Program
Dan Kaufman, Partner, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC
Daniel Rodda, Partner, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC
As the industry remains unsteady and regulatory frameworks evolve, conversations about compensation strategy are more critical than ever.  In this session attendees gain actionable insights into aligning compensation practices with long-term organizational goals while maintaining compliance with new regulatory requirements.

9:55 AM – 10:10 AM
Refreshment Break

10:05 AM – 11:05 AM
Exclusive CEO, Chairman & Lead Director Peer Exchange: Session 5
CEOs, chairmen and lead directors attend the final round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders.

  • Organic Growth & M&A Issues
  • Compensation & Talent Issues
  • Legal & Governance Issues
  • Audit & Risk Issues
  • Innovation & Technology

10:10 AM – 10:50 AM AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Members of the board and senior executives select from day-two breakout sessions. These sessions are designed to allow participants to attend committee-focused sessions based on their role on the board and/or their position at the financial institution.

Breakout 1: Bank Director 101: Board Performance Surveys & Evaluations
Jackie Wall
, Vice President of Bank Services, Bank Director
The Bank Director 101 sessions are for the newer directors in our audience and focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings.  This session explains why it’s important to evaluate the board’s performance and that of individual directors, the evaluation process and how boards should leverage the results.

Breakout 2:  Board Compensation Strategies and Governance for Best-in-Class Bank Boards
Shaun Bisman
, Partner, Compensation Advisory Partners
Mike Bonner
, Principal, Compensation Advisory Partners
Directors on the board play an important role in overseeing the bank’s governance practices and supporting the long-term success of the bank in an increasingly complex environment. The board of director compensation program is one of several tools that banks can use to attract and retain talented and experienced directors. In this session, we explore best practices for compensation and governance of effective boards, diving into the differences (and similarities) of board of director compensation programs for private and public banks.

Breakout 3:  The Application of Generative AI in Banking: Maximizing the Value of New Technologies
Danielle Pearson
, Senior Business Value Consultant, nCino
Join us to explore practical strategies and the ROI of implementing Generative AI in the banking sector.  We delve into real-world use cases, best practices and common pitfalls to avoid.

Breakout 4: Bank M&A Master Class: Best Practices and Tactical Recommendations
Christopher Olsen
, Managing Partner, Olsen Palmer LLC
Attend this session for a bank M&A master class with best practices and tactical recommendations for maximizing value and minimizing deal risk. For prospective sellers, learn best practices for preparing for and executing a sale as well as characteristics that achieve a premium price. For would-be buyers, gain better insights on the seller’s mindset, the deal process, areas of value creation, and key transaction risks.

11:05 AM – 11:35AM
Building the Best Team
Katie Barnes
, Chief Human Resources Officer, BHG Financial
Dr. Julie Bell, Director, Leadership Advisory, Chartwell Partners
Moderated by:  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
What is needed to build the best team available for your bank?  Hear strategies you can implement when you return home to ensure you are building your team based upon the strategic direction of your institution.

11:35 AM – 12:05 PM
Lessons Learned & Best Practices:  CEO Panel
Laura Clark
, President & CEO, Opportunity Bank of Montana
James House, President & CEO, First US Bank
Moderated by:  Michelle King, President, Bank Director
During this session, Bank Director moderates a panel of CEOs from across the U.S. – and dive into lessons they have learned along the way and best practices for you and your board to consider.

12:05 PM – 12:10 PM
Closing Remarks
Michelle King
, President, Bank Director

 “All topics are very timely. The presenters are top notch. There were positive conversations around the tables affirming that we are all asking the same questions. This conference is right on point!” 

— PAST FORUM ATTENDEE