Keynote Speakers | Washington Summit

Washington Summit Keynotes

In January of 2017, Jodey Arrington became only the fifth person to represent Texas’ 19th Congressional District since its formation in 1935. Starting his 3rd term in Congress, he continues to be an outspoken advocate for reining in the federal government, promoting agriculture and energy, strengthening national security, and respecting the Constitution while serving the largest agriculture and energy district in the United States.

On January 28, 2025, Scott Bessent was sworn in as the 79th Secretary of the Treasury of the United States. As Secretary, he is responsible for the U.S. Treasury’s wide-ranging mission to maintain a strong economy, foster economic growth and create job opportunities for all Americans by promoting the conditions that enable prosperity at home and abroad as well as managing the U.S. Government’s finances. He is also responsible for strengthening U.S. national security by combating economic threats and protecting the financial system.

Born the son of immigrants from Colombia and Mexico and raised by a single mom, Senator Ruben Gallego knows what it means to live the American Dream. In the Senate, he’s fighting to ensure every Arizonan can live theirs, too. In 2014, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Over his ten years in the House, Sen. Gallego fought tirelessly for hardworking Arizonans – distinguishing himself as the highest-ranking Latino on the House Armed Services Committee.

A ninth-generation Arkansan, Congressman French Hill has represented Arkansas’s Second Congressional District since January 2015. He serves as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee in the 119th Congress. Prior to his congressional service, Chairman Hill worked in investments and banking for three decades. Most notably, he was founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Delta Trust & Banking Corporation from 1999 until 2014, when Delta Trust was sold to Simmons Bank.

Travis Hill is the Acting Chairman of the FDIC Board of Directors. He has served in this role since January 20, 2025. He was sworn in as Vice Chairman of the FDIC on January 5, 2023. Travis previously worked at the FDIC from 2018 to 2022, as Deputy to the Chairman for Policy and, before that, as Senior Advisor to the Chairman. In these roles, among other responsibilities, he oversaw and coordinated regulatory and policy initiatives at the agency and advised the Chairman on regulatory and policy matters.

As a leader on tax reform, education and job training, and innovative ideas to reinvest in our nation’s distressed communities, United States Senator Tim Scott brings a unique perspective to the United States Senate. Growing up mired in poverty in a single-parent household, Tim says that he is living his mother’s American Dream, and through his Opportunity Agenda works every single day to ensure every American family has the opportunity to succeed. Senator Scott has served the great state of South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2013, and brings with him a mission to positively affect the lives of a billion people with the message of hope and opportunity.

Forum Keynotes

Clay Adams became President and CEO of Mascoma Bank in January 2017. Prior to joining the Bank’s senior leadership team, Clay served on the Mascoma Bank Board of Directors as an external board member. Under his leadership, Mascoma Bank expanded into new markets, experienced significant growth, and became one of the first banks in the United States to become a certified B Corporation. Before joining Mascoma Bank, Clay led Simon Pearce, a family-owned manufacturer and retailer of hand-crafted glass and pottery, where he had been CEO.

Kevin R. Allard serves as Superintendent of the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions, where he is responsible for the supervision and regulation of Ohio-chartered banks, the licensing of money transmitters conducting business in Ohio; and licensure of non-depository financial service providers. Kevin has been involved in supervision and regulation for over 35 years, beginning his career as a field examiner in 1986 with the former Division of Savings and Loan Associations, later being appointed as Chief Examiner for Banks and Savings Institutions.

Sharon Anderson is a dynamic executive with over two decades of experience driving operational excellence, business transformation, and revenue growth in financial services and healthcare management. As SVP of Retail Operations & Digital Banking at TBK Bank, she spearheads initiatives in customer engagement, regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and channel optimization. A recognized advisory board member and thought leader, Sharon is passionate about leveraging data-driven strategies to drive innovation and elevate organizational performance.

David P. Barksdale serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Piedmont Federal Bank, a $1.3 billion mutual savings bank founded in Winston-Salem, NC in 1903. Piedmont Federal is the largest mutual in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia and recently expanded operations to the greater Raleigh, NC area through its acquisition of Wake Forest Federal Savings & Loan. David has spent most of his 38-year career in North Carolina community banking with roles in Credit Administration, Sales Leadership and Strategy.

Michael R. Brickman is the Deputy Comptroller for Specialty Supervision at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). In this role, Michael oversees Novel Bank Supervision, Technology Service Provider Supervision, Thrift Supervision, and Special Supervision. He reports to the Senior Deputy Comptroller for Midsize and Community Bank Supervision. Michael began his career with the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) as an examiner in Kansas City, Mo., in 1998.

Karen Catlin is a highly acclaimed author and speaker on building stronger workplaces. She has published four books including Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive and Engaging Workplaces. Previously, Karen spent 25 years building software products and serving as a vice president of engineering at Adobe. During that time, she witnessed a sharp decline in the number of women working in tech. Frustrated but galvanized, she knew it was time to switch gears and focus on creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Nicholas L. Christ serves as President and CEO of BayCoast Mortgage Company, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of BayCoast Bank – a community savings bank with a strong commitment to excellence. Nicholas joined BayCoast Mortgage in the summer of 2015 and has excelled in residential mortgage lending for decades. He is responsible for developing new talent and products while expanding the Bank’s lending throughout its market area.

Ryan Coaxum, an Austin native, is known for his striking energy and enthusiasm for life that drives him to give back to his community in various capacities. With over a decade of experience in the banking industry, he is half of the two-person team that brought Guaranty Bank & Trust (subsidiary of Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. NYSE: GNTY) to Central Texas. He is a proven brand-builder, with a track record of driving growth and expanding market presence.

Latia Coleman is the Corporate Banking Group Regulatory Compliance Risk Analyst, which is responsible for analyzing compliance risks for Corporate and Commercial Banking, Real Estate Banking, Capital Markets, Regions Business Capital, Equipment Finance, Regions Securities, LLC and Black Arch Partners. Employed with Regions Bank since 2005, Latia has over 20 years of banking experience in several areas of banking, including Commercial Banking and Compliance Risk.

Angela Conti is the Senior Vice President, Head of Consumer and Small Business Banking at Cambridge Savings Bank. Angela has 25 years of progressive banking leadership experience across product management, marketing and analytics. Angela previously led Deposits and Retail Payments at USAA Federal Savings Bank, where she developed and executed member centered strategies to attract, engage and support the financial well-being of the military community and their families.

Margi Fleming’s career at The Citizens Bank (TCB) began in 2006 as a Mortgage Lender. She transitioned to Human Resources in 2008, took on Marketing responsibilities in 2012, and expanded her role to include Branch Administration in 2021. Demonstrating her commitment to excellence and continuous learning, Margi earned her Certified Plan Sponsor Professional (CPSP) certification in the summer of 2023. Her passion for community banking drives her advocacy efforts with local, state, and national delegations, highlighting her dedication to both the industry and her community.

Thomas Fraser, as CEO of the largest member owned mutual bank holding company of its kind in the Midwest, oversees the strategic vision and direction of First Mutual Holding Co. and works to empower member banks to live the mutual banking model. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Tom served as president of First Federal Lakewood and held chief operating officer and chief lending officer responsibilities for the bank. His career also includes experience as a senior vice president at Westfield Bank and leadership positions with the former National City Bank and Anderson Consulting.

Christina Geffrard is the Vice President and Executive Assistant to Thomas Rudzewick, President and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings & Loan Association. Christina attended CUNY York College where she graduated with a BA in Psychology. Christina began her career in banking in 2014 as a Teller at TD Bank. She joined Maspeth Federal Savings in 2019. In her first year at Maspeth Federal Savings, Christina was named Rookie of the Year for showing consistent outstanding performance in her role and her commitment to the community.

As a senior vice president at Alpine Bank, Noel Hansen leads a team of treasury management professionals and commercial sales specialists that help businesses streamline operations of collecting, distributing, and managing cash flow. Noel has held many positions during her career at the bank—most notable are her roles as regional marketing director and branch manager of the Frisco location.

George Hermann is Executive Chairman of Windsor Federal Bank a $800 million mutual thrift institution in Windsor CT. Mr. Hermann has more than thirty-five years of experience in the financial service industry. George is a Past Treasurer and Board Member of the American Bankers Association. He is currently the Legislative Chairman and Executive Committee Member of the Connecticut Bankers Association. He is also past president and board member of the CT Community Bankers Association. He served on the OCC’s Mutual Savings Association Advisory Committee.

Betsy Hubbard iis passionate about equipping professionals with the skills, knowledge, and future-oriented thinking needed to drive meaningful impact. As a founder of Mindset Digital, she was recognized by Ernst & Young as one of the top Winning Women entrepreneurs in North America. Previously, at The Ohio State University, Betsy spearheaded an innovative social media training program for journalists. She serves as an advisor to the National Veterans Leadership Foundation, which works to improve the higher education experience for military-connected students.

Jennifer Huffman is an accomplished American businesswoman and the Senior Vice President of Solutions Banking at Atlantic Union Bank, the largest regional bank in Virginia. With a strong focus on delivering financial wellness solutions, she is committed to empowering employees to build financial confidence through workplace financial benefits. Her accolades include receiving the 2023 Emerging Leader Award from the American Bankers Association, among other distinctions.

Congressman Mike Lawler serves as a U.S. Representative for New York’s 17th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and is the Vice Chair of Communications for the House Financial Services Committee. Prior to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Lawler represented New York’s 97th District in the State Assembly where he served on the Committees on Aging, Banks, Education, Housing, and as the Ranking Member on Governmental Operations.

Kimberly (Kim) Lebron is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of experience in commercial and consumer lending, credit risk and loan portfolio management. As the Chief Lending Officer at Ledyard National Bank, Kim leads the institution’s lending strategy, ensuring sustainable growth while maintaining strong risk management practices. Prior to joining, Kim held leadership roles at Thomaston Savings Bank, where she oversaw lending strategies, optimized credit policies and improved operational efficiencies.

Stephen Lewis, President and CEO of Thomaston Savings Bank, has extensive business experience and is a proven leader in the community. Before joining Thomaston Savings Bank, Steve worked as a safety and soundness examiner for 15 years with the FDIC. Under his leadership, Thomaston Savings Bank has increased greatly in asset size, expanded into new markets, experienced major growth in its lending portfolios, and has made significant investments in the latest technology and client experience.

For more than 30 years, Tom Long has been building benchmarks for performance and providing business intelligence, analytics, strategic insight and guidance to the financial services industry. Tom has been the moderator of the CEO mutual banking discussion at the ABA Conference for Community Bankers in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Bethany Manning joined the FDIC in 2001 and serves as an Assistant Regional Director in the Division of Risk Management Supervision (RMS) in the New York Region. She has supervisory responsibility for financial institutions in Maine, New Hampshire, northeastern Massachusetts, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bethany held prior positions as the Boston South Field Supervisor, New York Region’s Regional Administrative Specialist, a Senior Examiner and a Supervisory Examiner in the Boston South Field Office and an Examiner in the Boston North Field Office.

Patrick McAndrew advises senior leadership teams at firms like Pacific Life, AllianceBernstein and Lincoln Financial on the human side of performance in the AI age. Patrick helps organizations’ workforces develop the mental agility and focus needed to excel amid constant change. His work with elite performers, including the Polk Group (ranked No. 1 Private Wealth Advisor in the country), reveals a crucial truth: In today's high-tech environment, our ability to master our internal state becomes our greatest competitive advantage.

Meg McIsaac is the President and CEO of Bluestone Bank and Bluestone Financial MHC. She also serves as the President of the Bluestone Charitable Foundation. Collaboratively, Meg works with the Board of Directors to set the direction for Bluestone and is responsible for the execution of the strategic plan. Meg began her career more than 30 years ago at Bank of Boston. Having worked at both large commercial banks and local community banks, she brings broad financial services experience and expertise that includes many years of commercial lending.

Billie Jo Parker joined Pinnacle Financial Partners in February 2020 and serves as area manager of client services for Pinnacle’s West Tennessee region. In this role, she oversees the retail banking offices and manages initiatives focused on client experience and associate development within the market. Her banking career began in 2004 when she joined Regions Bank. Four years later, she played a key role in forming Metropolitan Bank, now known as Renasant Bank, where she served as senior managing director of private client experience and operations.

Mike Ravid is an assistant vice president for Regional & Community Bank Supervision in the Supervision, Regulation & Credit (SRC) department at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He oversees the supervision of a portfolio of community banks in the First District that includes mutual banks. Mike also oversees supervision of the first district service provider portfolio. Mike coordinates work on various risks related to community banks such as market, liquidity and credit risk. Mike joined the Boston Fed in 2002.

Paul Thompson, President and CEO of First Mutual Mortgage (M2), is responsible for the overall management of the mortgage banking fulfillment entity, working with First Mutual Holding Company leadership, its member banks, and partner banks. He is responsible for developing strategic initiatives associated with the marketing of M2 services to outside parties, banks and other entities. Prior to joining M2, Paul held the position of President and CEO at First Federal in Newark, OH for 23 years. He has over 40 years of banking experience.

Matt Valliant began his North Shore Bank career in 2007, advancing from production roles to leadership positions that oversaw Consumer Banking, Private Banking, Retirement and Insurance. Recently promoted to Chief Innovation Officer, he now leads the bank’s Retail, Private Banking and Insurance divisions along with overseeing its Marketing, Information Technology, Project Management and Innovation areas. Deeply passionate about the banking industry, Matt is committed to advocacy efforts that create meaningful, lasting change.

Virginia Varela offers 30+ years of experience in financial services. She is currently the Head of Community Banking at SoFi Bank, N.A. Virginia was President and CEO of Golden Pacific Bank, a nationally chartered community bank, for over eight years until SoFi Technologies acquired it in 2022. Over the years, Virginia held CEO, President and Board positions at four banks. She has a proven history of turnaround success and remediating federal enforcement actions. Virginia is a former federal regulator and supervisor for the Fed and OCC.

Justin Wren fights for people who can’t fight for themselves. He’s turned the highs and lows of his life — from headlining UFC matches in Las Vegas to plummeting into the abyss of addiction and ultimately, finding redemption in Africa by helping those most in need — into an inspiring example of how personal accountability, resilience and gratitude can create meaningful change in your work, your life and our world.