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Program | Washington Summit

2025 Schedule

We will announce the 2025 program later this year. To see the types of sessions you can expect, check out the 2024 event schedule below.

2024 Schedule

All times are in ET.

  • Monday, Mar 18

  • Tuesday, Mar 19

  • Wednesday, Mar 20

Sunday, Mar 17


Mutual Community Bank Forum
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Monday, Mar 18

7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

The Forums Breakfast

Open to all attendees from the Mutual Community Bank Forum, Emerging Leaders Forum, and Women and Allies Forum.

8:00 AM – 9:45 AM

Women and Allies Forum
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Mutual Community Bank Forum
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10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Emerging Leaders Forum
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12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Luncheon

Open to all attendees from the Mutual Community Bank Forum, Emerging Leaders Forum, and Women and Allies Forum.

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Mutual Community Bank Forum
View Agenda

1:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Emerging Leaders Forum
View Agenda

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM

Orientation for Capitol Hill Visits

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Opening Reception
All attendees must have their badges to attend.

Tuesday, Mar 19

7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

Breakfast

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

General Session

Opening Remarks

  • Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

The View from Main Street

Bank CEOs from around the country sit down to discuss the health and resilience of the banking sector, the outlook in their markets, the tsunami of regulatory changes bearing down on the industry and what has them optimistic about the future of banking.

  • John Asbury, ABA Chair Elect; Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp.
  • Brent Beardall, President and CEO, WaFD
  • Kenneth Kelly, ABA Vice Chair; Chairman and CEO, First Independence Bank
  • Julieann Thurlow, ABA Chair; President and CEO, Reading Cooperative Bank
  • Moderator: Peter Cook, Chief Communications Officer, American Bankers Association

A Conversation with Former Agency Officials

Former top regulatory officials at the Federal Reserve, FDIC and CFPB share their experiences and perspectives on how the regulatory environment has shifted for America’s banks and what they see as the path forward.

  • Kathleen Kraninger, Former CFPB Director; President and CEO, Florida Bankers Association
  • Jelena McWilliams, Former FDIC Chair; Managing Partner, Cravath
  • Randal Quarles, Former Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision; Executive Chairman, The Cynosure Group
  • Moderator: Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN)

Currently in his fifth term in Congress, Congressman Emmer has served as House Majority Whip since January 2023, a role in which he assists Republican leadership in managing the party’s legislative program on the House Floor. Prior to that, he served as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 116th and 117th Congresses. In addition to his leadership role, he currently sits on the House Financial Services Committee. He will discuss legislative priorities for the House majority as well as key banking policy issues in Congress.

  • Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Majority Whip and Member, House Financial Services Committee
  • Moderator: Kirsten Sutton, Executive Vice President, Congressional Relations, American Bankers Association

Pushing Back on the Regulatory Tsunami

With Congress and the regulatory agencies considering major bank policy changes, ABA’s top policy experts share the very latest on the key issues that will affect your bank’s future. Learn how you can add your voice to ABA's advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill.

  • Naomi Camper, Chief Policy Officer, American Bankers Association
  • Jess Sharp, Executive Vice President, Advocacy and Innovation, American Bankers Association
  • Kirsten Sutton, Executive Vice President, Congressional Relations, American Bankers Association

Defeating Durbin-Marshall: The Points Guy Shares Why Congress Should Stand with Consumers and Protect Credit Card Reward Programs

A proposal in Congress could effectively end popular credit card reward programs as we know them, inflicting financial pain on consumers, the travel industry and America's banks in the process. The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly sits down with ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols to discuss the effort to defeat the Durbin-Marshall bill.

  • Brian Kelly, Founder, The Points Guy
  • Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Luncheon

1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Capitol Hill Visits

Wednesday, Mar 20

7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

Breakfast

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

General Session

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), one of the top Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee, offers his outlook for banking legislation and the prospects for bipartisan cooperation in an election year.

  • Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Member, House Financial Services Committee
  • Moderator: Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

The Fight Against Fraud: The Latest from the Frontline

Just back from an international fraud conference in London, Paul Benda, ABA Executive Vice President for Risk, Fraud and Cybersecurity, joins ABA Chief Communications Officer Peter Cook to discuss the latest fraud threats as well as ABA’s ongoing efforts to enhance industry-wide coordination and collaboration with law enforcement.

  • Paul Benda, Executive Vice President for Risk, Fraud and Cybersecurity, American Bankers Association
  • Peter Cook, Chief Communications Officer, American Bankers Association

Banking America’s Veterans

Banks across the country are participating in an important industry-wide effort to help veterans access their hard-earned benefits and the safety, security and convenience that comes with a bank account. Hear the latest on the Veterans Benefits Banking Program and how your bank can join this national effort making a difference for military families.

  • Steven J. Lepper, Major General, USAF (Ret.); President and CEO, Association of Military Banks of America
  • Lindsay Torrico, Senior Vice President, Bank Community Engagement and Executive Director, ABA Foundation

Takeaways for an Election Year

Veteran political analysts Donna Brazile and Mike Murphy offer perspectives from opposite sides of the aisle on today’s hot-button issues and the 2024 election.

  • Donna Brazile, Political Strategist and Contributor, ABC News
  • Mike Murphy, Campaign Advisor and Senior Analyst, NBC News and MSNBC
  • Moderator: Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

What’s Next for the FHLBs, Fannie and Freddie

Significant changes may be ahead for the Federal Home Loan Banks and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHFA is preparing to implement proposed changes to the Federal Home Loan Bank System that could impact both the FHLBs’ ability to provide necessary liquidity to the financial system and their support for affordable housing. At the same time, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are undergoing the most significant update to their credit scoring systems in years. What do these changes mean for these critical players in the financial system and for the banks that work with them?

  • Dan Fichtler, Senior Advisor for Capital Markets, Office of the Director, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
  • Joshua Stallings, Deputy Director, Division of Bank Regulation, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
  • Ted Wartell, Associate Director, Office of Housing and Community Investment, Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA)
  • Moderator: Julieann Thurlow, ABA Chair; President and CEO, Reading Cooperative Bank

Bank On at Risk

America’s banks have welcomed millions of consumers into the banking system through simple, low-cost Bank On accounts. But that progress may be at risk because of a Federal Reserve proposed regulation. Hear how your bank can successfully offer and market Bank On accounts, and let the Fed know how its proposal will affect your bank’s financial inclusion efforts.

  • Naomi Camper, Chief Policy Officer, American Bankers Association

Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)

Montana Senator Jon Tester is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, bringing a pragmatic approach and keen understanding of agricultural, rural and small bank issues. He joins ABA Chief Policy Officer Naomi Camper in a discussion about key legislative and policy issues impacting the nation’s banks.

  • Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
  • Moderator: Naomi Camper, Chief Policy Officer, American Bankers Association

Senator Katie Britt (R-AL)

Sen. Katie Britt is the youngest Republican woman to ever serve in the US Senate and has demonstrated a keen understanding of banking policy issues as a member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. In this Washington Summit session, Sen. Britt will discuss the latest from the committee, her top policy priorities, and the legislative outlook for the rest of the 118th Congress.

  • Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
  • Moderator: Kirsten Sutton, Executive Vice President, Congressional Relations, American Bankers Association

Mutual Community Bank Forum

  • Monday, Mar 18

Sunday, Mar 17

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Registration Open
For Mutual Community Bank Forum participants only. 

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Forum Reception
with ABA Officers and Board for all Mutual Forum attendees.

6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Forum Dinner
with ABA Officers for all Mutual Forum attendees.

Monday, Mar 18

7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

The Forums Breakfast

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

General Session

Capital Certificates — A Status Report

Capital Certificates hold great promise as a capital tool for mutual banks. Hear the latest on regulatory approvals and other developments.

  • Thomas J. Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, First Mutual Holding Company
  • Larry Spaccasi, Partner, Luse Gorman PC
  • Kip Weissman, Esq., Partner, Luse Gorman, PC

Remarks

    Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

Forewarned is Forearmed — Countering Credit Union and Activist Stakeholder Solicitations

Explore how boards of mutual banks can fend off unsolicited and unwanted takeover efforts from credit unions and activist stakeholders.

  • Gordon Fellows, President and CEO, Mississippi Bankers Association
  • Meg McIsaac, President and CEO, Bluestone Bank
  • Rich Schaberg, Partner, Hogan Lovells

Leading with Our Strengths: Marketing Mutuality

Discover how mutual banks can better market themselves and the industry.

  • J.R. Buckner, President and CEO, First Federal Bank of Kansas City
  • Jon Duffy, Chief Executive Officer, Duffy & Shanley
  • Gregg Tewksbury, President & CEO, New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Luncheon

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

General Session

Maximizing Engagement with Vendors and Cores

Experts offer strategies for evaluating relationships with, and getting the most from, your relationships with Cores and other third-party providers.

  • Trey Maust, Co-President and CEO, Lewis and Clark Bancorp
  • Julieann Thurlow, ABA Chair; President and CEO, Reading Cooperative Bank
  • Moderator: Thomas Rudzewick, President and CEO, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank

Better Together: Shared Services for Mutuals

An interactive discussion about how mutual banks can better meet their needs and their customers’ needs through different models of shared services.

  • David Barksdale, Chief Executive Officer, Piedmont Federal Savings Bank
  • Thomas J. Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, First Mutual Holding Company
  • Stephanie Schwartzberg, Esq., Chief Legal and Risk Officer, Penn Community Bank

Regulatory Roundtable

Get the latest from regulators on capital, examination expectations and other issues of concern for mutual banks

  • Michael Brickman, Deputy Comptroller for Specialty Supervision, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
  • Marianne Hatheway, Deputy Regional Director, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
  • Michael Ravid, Assistant Vice President, Supervision, Regulation and Credit, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston
  • Moderator: George Hermann, Executive Chairman, Windsor Federal

Women and Allies Forum

Monday, Mar 18

7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

The Forums Breakfast

8:00 AM – 9:45 AM

General Session

Strategies for Allies in Banking

Brad Johnson and David Smith, the authors of Good Guys and Athena Rising, will discuss how allies can transform bank culture, help retain employees and attract a competitive workforce. This interactive workshop offers strategies for being an ally and fostering relationships with allies.

  • Brad Johnson, Author, Good Guys and Athena Rising
  • David Smith, Author, Good Guys and Athena Rising

Women CEO Leadership Panel

Only 7.5% of all banks have a woman as CEO. This panel offers leadership skills and strategies to take your banking career to the next level, whether you are an emerging leader or a seasoned banker.

  • Mary Kay Bates, Chief Executive Officer, Bank Midwest
  • Tyler Clinch, Chief Executive Officer, First Community Bank of East Tennessee
  • Jenn Docherty, Chief Executive Officer, Bank on Women, Inc.
  • Sarah Long, Chief Executive Officer, Delaware Bankers Association
  • Lisa Oliver, President, CEO, Chair of the Board, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod
  • Moderator: Jennifer Huffman, Vice President, Workplace Solutions Relationship Manager, Atlantic Union Bank

Emerging Leaders Forum

Monday, Mar 18

7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Registration Open

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

The Forums Breakfast

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

General Session

Opening Remarks

ABA Emerging Leaders Council leadership, Noel Hansen and Ryan Coaxum, will kick off the 11th Annual ABA Emerging Leaders Forum!

  • Noel Hansen, ABA Emerging Leaders Council Chair; Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking and Sales Manager, Alpine Bank
  • Ryan Coaxum, ABA Emerging Leaders Council Vice Chair; Senior Vice President, Community Development, Guaranty Bank & Trust

Opening Keynote: The Science of Optimizing Productivity and Performance

Demanding schedules often leave us feeling overcommitted, overworked and overloaded. It’s time for a new playbook that enables us to think more strategically and work more efficiently. In the session, two cognitive neuroscientists will offer techniques for getting work done in less time and with less stress.

  • Lucas Miller, Professor at UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business
  • Dr. Sahar Yousef, Faculty at UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business

So What, Now What? Putting Leadership Theory into Practice

This 60-minute interactive session will introduce several leadership theories that will challenge how you process new ideas, extract lessons, experiment and act. You’ll discuss in roundtables how you can apply the “So What, Now What” leadership concept to drive performance for yourself, your team and your organization.

  • Ralph Simone, Founding Partner, Emergent

Morning Sessions Recap and Sneak Peek of Afternoon Sessions

  • ABA Emerging Leaders Council leadership

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Networking Luncheon

1:00 PM – 4:15 PM

General Session

The Path to Purpose-Driven Leadership: A Conversation with WaFd CEO Brent Beardall

In this fireside chat, Washington Federal Bank CEO Brent Beardall will share how his visionary leadership transformed WaFd into a digital-first bank, his story of survival following a 2023 plane crash, and inspiring messages rooted in gratitude, hard work and love.

  • Brent Beardall, President and CEO, WaFd Bank
  • Moderator: Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

Finding Your Voice: Engaging Policymakers Where It Matters

This panel will offer unique perspectives on the political landscape, the importance of engaging in advocacy and how emerging leaders like you can find your voice and advocate for the banking industry.

  • State Sen. Dave Craven (R-N.C.), Vice President Business Development, The Fidelity Bank
  • Kristina M. Schaefer, EVP, Chief Risk Officer & Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel, First Bank & Trust
  • Moderator: Peter Gwaltney, President and CEO, North Carolina Bankers Association

ABA Insight

Learn more on how you can take advantage of ABA’s resources and benefits throughout the year.

  • Kim Michael, Vice President, Member Outreach, American Bankers Association

The Language of Leadership

Unleash your leadership potential and elevate your communication skills with this interactive 35-minute session. Gain critical skills for body language, audience analysis and concise message development to help propel your career. Uncover the secrets to commanding attention in high-stakes meetings, tailoring messages to diverse stakeholders and delivering impactful narratives that drive results.

  • Lina Cagossi, Executive Communication Coach, The Communication Center
  • Michelle Henery, Executive Communication Coach, The Communication Center

Nobody Is Coming to Save You: A Green Beret’s Guide to Leadership and Getting Big S--t Done

Retired Green Beret Scott Mann mastered how to connect deeply with others to overcome adversity during his time in Afghanistan. In this keynote, Mann will divulge how to bridge seemingly insurmountable trust gaps to win support and mobilize a team for strategic outcomes. Leaders will be inspired to build their teams on unbreakable foundations of trust, connection and authenticity.

  • Scott Mann, Retired U.S. Army Green Beret, Human Connection Coach and Operation Pineapple Express Mission Leader

Closing Remarks

  • Noel Hansen, ABA Emerging Leaders Council Chair; Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking and Sales Manager, Alpine Bank
  • Ryan Coaxum, ABA Emerging Leaders Council Vice Chair; Senior Vice President, Community Development, Guaranty Bank & Trust
This program is subject to change. Please bookmark this page to check for continuing updates. Read ABA Conference and School Policies to help answer additional questions.

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Get updates on the next session of the Washington Summit. Contact ABA Summit Team if you have any questions.