2024 VBA Leadership Conference
Attendee Portal
The VBA Leadership Conference is designed for emerging banking leaders and members of the Virginia Bankers Association Emerging Bank Leaders (EBL) group, giving attendees the opportunity to share ideas and network with peers from across the state. This webpage houses all of the information you need to know leading up to and during the event.
thank you to our portal sponsor!
As the only Virginia-based tax credit equity fund, they have been creating high-performing equity funds for over 30 years that prioritize the diverse needs of their investor and development partners, as well as the communities in need of affordable housing and economic development opportunities. Through their efforts, they have facilitated and managed 59 equity funds, directing funding to the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing and economic development real estate projects across Virginia and in surrounding states. VCDC is a VBA Endorsed Provider
Bernard Rogers, Director of Equity Funds & Investor Relations
brogers@vacdc.org | (804) 297-3005
www.vacdc.org
Wi-Fi Information
Network Name: Omni Meeting
Password: ABA2024
Thank you to ABA for being the WIFI sponsor!
Roster
Click here for the attendee roster.
Thank you to CRS Data for being the Attendee Roster Sponsor!
Agenda, Session Information & Session Materials
2024 Leadership Conference Agenda
Materials can be accessed using the password Leadconf2024.
| Thursday, November 14 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. |
Registration & Continental Breakfast Whole fruit, assorted danish pastries, croissants, sweet butter, preserves, hard boiled eggs, cereal, milk, assorted yogurts, juices, tea, and coffee will be available in the Prefunction Area Outside of the East Ballroom. |
| 9:30-9:40 a.m. |
Welcome & Announcements 2024 Emerging Bank Leaders Chair Darren Tully |
| 9:40-10:30 a.m. |
Economic Outlook Ryan Price |
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. |
Networking Break Drinks and snacks will be available in the Prefunction Area Outside of the East Ballroom. |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. |
Bank CEOs/Bank Executives Panel
|
| 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. |
Lunch Taste of the Mediterranean lunch buffet to include caprese salad, panzanella salad, chicken marsala, seared salmon, tortellini, broccoli, garlic breadsticks, iced tea, and water will be served in the Skyline and Blue Ridge Ballrooms. |
| 12:45-1:30 p.m. |
Banking Hot Topics Roundtable The roundtable discussion is your opportunity to focus on the most pressing issues you face in your bank and in your position today. Topics include fraud, check fraud, economy, and AI & its impact on banking. |
| 1:30-2:20 p.m. |
Pursuing Your Dreams Mike Wilkerson |
| 2:20-3:20 p.m. |
Leading for Tomorrow, Today! Nick Arrigo View Nick's presentation here.
KEY POINTS TO BE COVERED
|
| 3:20-3:30 p.m. |
Networking Break Drinks, tiramisu, and miniature cannolis will be available in the Prefunction Area Outside of the East Ballroom. |
| 3:30-4:30 p.m. |
Brave, Bold & Barefoot: A Champion’s Blueprint to Success Karen Barefoot
Discover how Karen’s story of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness against all odds can empower you to turn your aspirations into achievements. Learn the secrets to building resilience, embracing change, and leaving a lasting legacy through Karen’s unique “footprint of firsts” philosophy. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or seeking professional growth, this keynote will equip you with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose. Join us as we explore how to transform passion into meaningful action and embark on a journey towards personal and professional fulfillment. Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of Karen’s book, “BRAVE, BOLD & BAREFOOT”, sponsored by College Ave. |
| 4:30-4:40 p.m. |
Announcements and Adjourn for the Day |
| 5:15-6:15 p.m. |
Reception – Sponsored by Equifax Butlered Hors D’oeuvres, wine, and beer will be served in Skyline and Blue Ridge Ballrooms |
| 6:15 p.m. | Dinner on Your Own |
| 8:30-10:30 p.m. |
Evening Reception with Cash Bar - Sponsored by Equifax Featuring Entertainment by the Something Shiny Band The reception and will be held in the East Ballroom, liquor, wine, and beer will be available. You will receive one free ticket that can be redeemed for wine or beer from the cash bar. |
| Friday, November 15 | |
|---|---|
| 7:45-9:00 a.m. |
Networking Breakfast – Sponsored by Bankers Insurance Buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs with cheese and diced tomato, applewood smoked bacon, breakfast potatoes, whole fruit, sliced seasonal fruit, assorted coffee cakes, assorted yogurts, juices, tea, and coffee will be available in the Skyline and Blue Ridge Ballrooms. |
| 9:00-9:30 a.m. |
Industry Update Bruce Whitehurst |
| 9:30-10:30 a.m. |
Transforming Transactions: The Rise of Realtime Payments and Fintech’s Latest Wave DJ Seeterlin
|
| 10:30-10:45 a.m. |
Networking Break Drinks and snacks will be available in the Prefunction Area Outside of the East Ballroom. |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. |
Refresh, Refuel, Recharge Dr. Melissa Furman
|
| 11:45 a.m. | Closing Remarks & Adjourn |
About Our Speakers
Nick Arrigo
Executive Consultant & Director | CultivateTM, Haberfeld
Nick has more than ten years of experience working in the banking industry. He works with Financial institutions across the country executing engagements in customer acquisition, cross-selling strategies, and organizational development. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Karen Barefoot
Director of Business Development | Industrial Reliability & Repair
Karen commonly referred to as “Coach” is a distinguished figure in both sports and as the Director of Business Development for Industrial Reliability & Repair. With her unmatched achievements in college basketball and her role as the director, she champions IRR’s five-year strategic plan. Karen seamlessly blends her passion for sports with her expertise in leadership and motivation. Karen is the author of “BRAVE, BOLD & BAREFOOT.”
David Boyle
CEO| Burke & Herbert Bank
David is Burke & Herbert Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and serves as Chair & Chief Executive Officer of Burke & Herbert’s Financial Services Corporation. He joined Burke & Herbert Bank in 2019 as President & Chief Operating Officer. David has a distinguished career in financial services, having previously held the position of Chief Performance Officer at one of the largest U.S. financial institutions based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he also served as President and CEO for the Michigan and Northwest Ohio affiliate. Prior to that, he served as Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of a community bank in Wooster, Ohio. David holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from Westminster College.
David recently led a significant merger between Burke & Herbert Bank and Summit Financial, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader in the banking industry. His strategic guidance and expertise were pivotal in navigating the complexities of combining two influential institutions.
LeAnne Emert
Chief Banking Officer | Benchmark Community Bank
LeAnne is a 35-year banker who began her career as a Management Trainee with Central Fidelity Bank following her graduation from Longwood College (now University). Her banking career began in retail banking with roles ranging from branch manager to regional manager. In 2003 she found her calling as a community banker when she joined the team at Benchmark Community Bank. In her 20+ years at Benchmark she has had the opportunity to expand her banking knowledge further as she moved into regional management roles and in 2017 became a part of the executive team as the Chief Banking Officer. Her role incorporates leadership of Retail, Marketing, Wealth Management and Facilities. LeAnne is a 2016 graduate of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking at SMU. For over 10 years she served on the Retail Executives Committee at the VBA and is a member of the board of directors for the Virginia Association of Community Banks. Her passion for banking is centered in relationship development that begins first with the bank’s team then flows to the bank’s customers and communities. She is the wife of a lifelong farmer, mother to two grown sons and one very spoiled Llewellin Setter.
Dr. Melissa Furman
Owner | Career Potential
Melissa is on a mission to equip individuals and organizations with the skills and strategies needed to succeed, Dr. Furman has put her formal training into practice throughout her 20-year career in the professional development space by starting her own business, Career Potential.
Her strong understanding that the prosperity of any organization is deeply entwined with the success of its people, allows her to fearlessly tackle the most pressing topics through her speaking, training, coaching and consulting services with a dynamic perspective. Dr. Furman’s unique approach intertwines her academic prowess with practical insights, all with the goal of fostering individual and organizational success.
Steve Heine
Chief Executive Officer | Woodsboro Bank
Steve has over 42 years of banking experience. Prior to his current role at Woodsboro, he held executive roles with regional and community banks in New York, Ohio, and Maryland. His roles often focus on building, fixing, and growing business units and culture. He is active in the Frederick community serving as Vice-Chair of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Corporator at St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church, Member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, past Board Chair for the YMCA of Frederick, former coach for Frederick Stars Women’s Lacrosse Club, and past board member of The Maryland Science Center, Baltimore, Maryland. He also serves as the Vice-Chair of the Alfred University Board of Trustees. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree from Alfred University and an MBA from the University of Albany. He is a graduate of Leadership Frederick County and Leadership Capital District, Albany, New York. Steve is the first recipient of the Leadership Frederick County Impact Leader of the Year award in 2023.
Ryan Price
Chief Economist | Virginia REALTORS®
Ryan’s research focuses on housing market trends in Virginia and the economic and demographic factors that move the market. Ryan currently serves as the Chief Economist for Virginia REALTORS®, Virginia’s largest trade association. Prior to joining Virginia REALTORS®, he served as the President of research consulting firm LSA Planning, as an Urban Planner for the City of Alexandria, as a researcher at the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, and as a Financial Analyst at Freddie Mac. Ryan received a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in finance from James Madison University.
DJ Seeterlin
Chief Innovation Officer | Chesapeake Bank
DJ has over 20 years of experience managing technology, operations, and security for community banks. He attended the College of William & Mary, the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin Madison, and the Virginia Bankers Association Executive Leadership Institute.
DJ is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Payment Advisory Committee and the American Bankers Association’s Payments Systems Administrative Committee and Core Platforms Committee. He volunteers with the Pamunkey Memorial Association in New Kent.
Darren Tully, 2024 EBL Chair
Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Lead | Capital Bank
Darren brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served as a commercial Relationship Manager and Fairfax Market President with Freedom Bank. A native of northern Virginia, he studied international economics and philosophy at the University of Virginia before beginning his career as a financial insurance underwriter just before the 2008 Financial Crisis. Transitioning into community banking, Darren has excelled in helping small businesses achieve their financial goals, specializing in government contracting, technology, and cybersecurity.
Darren’s dedication extends beyond banking, he has served on several local boards and was honored as a 2016 40 Under 40 honoree by the Leadership Center for Excellence. A 2017 graduate of The Virginia Bankers Association School of Bank Management, Darren is committed to community service and professional excellence.
In his free time, Darren enjoys traveling, scuba diving, golfing, attending Washington Nationals games, and spending time with his wife Emily and their two children, Fiona and Owen. He aims to see a baseball game in all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums, having already visited 25. As 2024 VBA Emerging Bank Leaders Chairman, Darren will emcee the event and moderate the Bank CEOs/Bank Executives Panel.
Aubrey Michael (Mike) Wilkerson
Chief Executive Officer | F&M Bank
Mike has served as the chief executive officer of F&M Bank since April 2023. Previously, he served as executive vice president/chief lending officer from January 2022 to April 2023, and executive vice president/chief strategy officer and Northern Shenandoah Valley market executive from January 2021 to January 2022.
A graduate of Elon University, Mike began his banking career at Wachovia Bank on January 4, 1982. Mike has experience in dealer financial services, retail banking, private banking, commercial banking, and senior strategic leadership positions. From 2012 to 2018, Mike was the business banking division executive for Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. at Wells Fargo (legacy Wachovia Bank). More recently, Mike served as the commercial banking market executive from 2018 through 2020 for the Western Mid-Atlantic region at Wells Fargo. Mike and his wife, Denise, reside in Winchester, VA. They have two daughters and one son.
Bruce Whitehurst
President & CEO | Virginia Bankers Association
Following a 10-year career in retail and commercial banking, Bruce joined the Virginia Bankers Association in 1993, its 100th anniversary year. He has served as president and chief executive officer of the association since 2007 and was previously executive vice president. Bruce also serves as president and chief executive officer of the Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association, which was formed in July 2024 to combine the Maryland Bankers Association’s and VBA’s organizations and operations.
While at the VBA, Bruce has worked with member banks in a variety of areas, including government relations, education and training, financial literacy, and partnering with banks in a number of innovative ways to help them enter new lines of business. He also speaks about and on behalf of the industry on a regular basis.
As a banking industry advocate, Bruce is active at the national level.
He served on the American Bankers Association’s Regulatory Reform Task Force during the 2008-2009 financial crisis and served as an ABA Board member and chairman of the Alliance of State Bankers Associations in 2012-2013. He has also served on several other committees and councils at the national level.
Committed to serving his community, Bruce is a director of and has chaired United Methodist Family Services in Richmond, VA and the Virginia Council on Economic Education.
Bruce received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of William & Mary, his MBA from the University of Richmond and is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers School of Bank Management.
Support the Blue Ridge Food Bank Food Drive
Event Attire
The attire for the entire conference is business casual. The attire for the evening events is casual.
Hotel & Parking Information
Omni Charlottesville Hotel
212 Ridge McIntire Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
The VBA has negotiated a room rate of $199/night, plus applicable taxes and fees. We have a limited number of rooms available. To reserve a room, please reach out to Michele Dunn. These rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking Information
Self-parking charges are included with the VBA hotel rate and the parking garage is attached to the hotel. Enjoy self-parking in a covered, secure garage. Valet parking for guests is $20 per night.
For attendees not staying at the Omni, please visit a VBA staff member at the registration table to receive a parking voucher.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
American Bankers Association (ABA)
Caitlyn Taylor, Vice President, ABA State Association Alliance
Email | (202) 663-5394
www.aba.com
Bankers Insurance
Zachery Kephart, CIC, CLCS, VP of Sales Strategy and Business Development
Email | (540) 904-7572
www.bankersinsurance.net
As one of the largest insurance agencies in the country, Bankers Insurance clients enjoy access to hundreds of insurance carriers with best-in-class pricing. Their commitment to excellence, professionalism, and personalized service has earned them a trusted reputation among clients and partners in the industry with one of their largest specialties being financial institutions. Contact them today to discuss complete insurance packages for your home, auto, business, and employee benefits needs.
VBA Endorsed Provider
College Ave
Martha Haveles, Partner Sales
Email | (617) 820-1623
www.collegeave.com/partner
College Ave is a private student loan provider that offers undergraduate, graduate, and parent loans, as well as refinance options. They offer multiple loan options with flexible repayment terms, including competitive interest rates, and features like instant credit decision, a simple, 3-minute application process, no application or origination fee, autopay discount, and best-in-class customer service. College Ave also offers a student loan referral program to assist banks in meeting the higher education financing needs of their customers and generate referral fees while avoiding lending and loan administration.
VBA Endorsed Provider
CRS Data
Alwyn Staley, Partner
Email | (865) 414-5597
www.crsdata.com
For over 30 years, CRS Data has been dedicated to delivering powerful, accurate property data backed by superior customer service. Their Financial Suite product is tailored made for financial institutions. Offering public tax records, sales and mortgage histories, property comparables, warranty deeds, interactive GIS plat maps, area demographics. CRS helps banks manage their commercial loan portfolio generate non-interest income and manage risk. They offer the power of clear and current property information to help you generate income and make sound decisions.
Dudley Resources
Chip Jones, Senior Advisor
Email | (804) 873-8593
www.DudleyResources.com
Dudley Resources provides Flexible Remarketing Solutions, empowering clients with the ability to put the focus back on banking. Their firm offers over 40 years of experience supporting Regional Banks and Institutional Sellers with asset management services and programs which enable their clients to achieve maximum values across an array of asset classes. Their services include A/R collection servicing and purchasing, Senior Accredited (ASA) approved appraisals, online and simulcast auctions for real estate, machinery & equipment, vehicles and all business assets, proprietary surge pricing platforms, trustee & repo services, foreclosure sales, note sales, and buyout options. Equipped with industry-leading technology, knowledge, and experience to provide the best customer service in the business. Dudley Resources….a resource to banks offering dependable and reliable results for all your asset remarketing needs.
ePayResources
Yasmin Porcaro, SVP, Member and Industry Relations
Email | (800) 475-0585 ext. 1203
www.epayresources.org
ePayResources® has been empowering financial institutions and businesses to be informed, compliant, and competitive in payments for 50 years. As an innovative Payments Association and a founding sponsor of the Center for Payments, they provide emerging and legacy payments expertise, professional development, and industry leadership through education, publications, compliance support, risk management, and advocacy. Their subsidiary, ePayAdvisors™, provides payments audits, risk assessments, and consulting. Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
RA Business Solutions – Your Equifax Sales Agent
Amy Cardona, Vice President of Sales
Email | (757) 455-9387
rabsolution.com
RA Business Solutions (RABS) is the exclusive Equifax Sales Agent for the Mid-Atlantic region. Their client portfolio includes auto dealers, banks, credit unions, finance companies, and real estate companies. The RABS team, working with Equifax, provides industries leading edge consumer insights and analytics, as well as complete consumer, tri-merge, and commercial credit files.
VCDC
Bernard Rogers, Director of Equity Funds & Investor Relations
Email | (804) 297-3005
www.vacdc.org
As the only Virginia-based tax credit equity fund, they have been creating high-performing equity funds for over 30 years that prioritize the diverse needs of their investor and development partners, as well as the communities in need of affordable housing and economic development opportunities. Through their efforts, they have facilitated and managed 59 equity funds, directing funding to the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing and economic development real estate projects across Virginia and in surrounding states.
VBA Endorsed Provider
Dietary Restrictions, Special Needs & Americans with Disabilities Notice
Please send any dietary restrictions or special needs that may affect your participation in this event to Michele Dunn to discuss accommodations.
