Program | Women Lead Symposium

1:00 PM – 1:02 PM ET / 10:00 AM – 10:02 AM PT

Welcome

• Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

1:05 PM – 1:07 PM ET / 10:05 AM – 10:07 AM PT

Opening Remarks

• Catherine Owen, Chair, President and CEO, State Holding Company, Vice Chair, American Bankers Association

1:07 PM – 1:10 PM ET / 10:07 AM – 10:10 AM PT

Master of Ceremonies

1:10 PM – 2:00 PM ET / 10:10 AM – 11:00 AM PT

Be Boldy You

What would it look like if you were living your life and career boldly? Too often we hesitate, do what we think we “should” or wait for the perfect moment, but the truth is there’s no perfect moment or perfect decision. Success favors the bold and optimistic — no matter how you define success. In this interactive keynote, learn to embrace seasons of life, trust your instincts and make leaps with “no regrets.” Your bank and your village need you to be Boldly You!

• Julie G. Laperouse, President, Screaming Peacock

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM ET / 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM PT

Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Strategies for Success

Learn effective strategies for career growth, skill-building and leading that will make an impact in banking. Our panel of bankers will share valuable insights and personal experiences on overcoming challenges, fostering supportive networks and cultivating leadership skills. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this discussion will equip you with the tools and inspiration to navigate your professional journey successfully.

• Paola Fernandez, Senior Vice President, Community Development, Centreville Bank
• MacKayla Hollis, Assistant Vice President, Deposit Operations Manager, Essex Savings Bank
• Jennifer Huffman, Senior Vice President, Workplace Solutions Relationship Manager, Atlantic Union Bank
• David Pease, Senior Vice President and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Bangor Savings Bank
• Moderator: Chantal Upton, Vice President, Market Manager, Partners Bank of New England

2:45 PM – 2:55 PM ET / 11:45 AM – 11:55 AM PT

Break

2:55 PM – 3:50 PM ET / 11:55 AM – 12:50 PM PT

Real Talk with Bank CEOs on Advancement, Leadership and Life

What’s really on the minds of bank CEOs? And what do they wish rising leaders knew? In this candid, interactive session, you’ll have the rare opportunity to ask bank CEOs anything. From career advancement and leadership development to managing work-life balance and overcoming challenges, no topic is off-limits. Designed to foster transparency, inspiration and practical advice, this session creates a welcoming space to learn directly from those who have navigated the path to the top. Bring your ambition, your curiosity and your questions — you will drive the conversation!

• Wendy Cai-Lee, President and CEO, Piermont Bank
• Carrie Lackey, President and CEO, Taylorsville Savings Bank
• Caroline Carpenter, President and CEO, National Bank of Middlebury
• Caroline Horty Dickerson, CEO and Treasurer, Commonwealth Trust Company
• Moderator: Megan M. Collins, Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Bank of America

3:50 PM – 4:00 PM ET / 12:50 PM – 1:00 PM PT

Stay Engaged – Upcoming Opportunities for Leadership and Growth

• Cathy Nestrick, Vice President, Workforce Excellence, American Bankers Association