Program | MDI Partnership Summit

7:00 AM - 8:00 AM

Networking Breakfast

8:00 AM - 8:20 AM

Welcome Remarks

• Nicole Elam, President and CEO, National Bankers Association
• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

8:20 AM - 9:10 AM

Analyzing the State of MDIs: Insights, Growth Trends and Analytics

Discover how data and analytics can enhance MDIs’ influence and resilience by identifying growth opportunities and sector trends. Key topics include MDI performance analysis, strategic decision-making and investment attraction. The format features expert insights, a panel discussion, and a hands-on workshop applying analytics to real-world challenges.

• Ernie Knott, Financial Analyst, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
• Betty Rudolph, Director, Office of Minority and Community Development Banking, FDIC
• Moderator: Anthony Barr, Research and Impact Director, National Bankers Association
• Moderator: Daniel Brown, Senior Director, Economist (Banking & Financial Services), American Bankers Association

9:10 AM - 10:10 AM

Enhancing MDI Relationships with Core Banking Providers

This session connects MDIs with core banking providers to foster collaboration and tailor solutions for mission-driven institutions. Key topics include industry updates, advocacy strategies and successful partnerships. The roundtable format encourages open dialogue, featuring insights from the MDI Core Committee, industry leaders, and case studies of optimized banking solutions. 

• Ben France, Director of Business Development, Smiley Technologies
• DeAndre Jones, EVP, Client Experience, Banking Solutions, FIS
• Peter Longo, VP of Product, Platform and Technology, Finastra
• Joel Thomas, Senior Director of Operations, Jack Henry
• Nicole Valentin-Smith, Vice President, Strategic Client Engagement Corporate Social Responsibility, Fiserv
• Moderator: Dominik Mjartan, CEO, American Bancorp; Vice Chairman of Optus Bank and Optus Financial Corporation

10:10 AM - 10:20 AM

Break

10:20 AM - 11:30 AM

(Matchmaking Session) Networking for Impact: Fostering Mission-Driven Partnerships

This interactive matchmaking session connects MDIs with banks, investors and tech providers to foster influential partnerships. Topics include mission-aligned collaboration, funding opportunities and relationship-building strategies. Featuring speed-dating-style meetings and open networking, this session helps participants forge meaningful connections that drive change in underserved communities.

11:30 AM - 12:50 PM

Working Lunch: Advocacy in Action – Amplifying MDI Voices

Learn how to advocate for policy and regulatory changes that empower MDIs to serve underserved communities. Key topics include policy updates, stakeholder mobilization and successful advocacy campaigns. Featuring a keynote, interactive breakout groups and a collaborative planning session, this workshop equips participants with actionable advocacy tools and insights.

• Krys Lassiter, Financial Crimes Manager, USAA
• Lora McCray, Senior Vice President, Workforce Excellence, American Bankers Association
• Molly Moran, Communications and Marketing Director, National Bankers Association

12:50 AM - 1:00 PM

Closing Remarks

• Todd McDonald, Chairman, National Bankers Association; President, Liberty Bank & Trust Company
• Evelyn Smalls, Chair, ABA MDI Advisory Council; President and CEO, United Bank of Philadelphia