Speakers | Women Lead Symposium

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

Cathy is the Vice President of Workforce Excellence at the American Bankers Association where she provides guidance, thought leadership, and resources for the banking and financial services industry. Cathy came to ABA after she transitioned from a legal career, first as a law partner in a Midwest firm where she represented banks and other businesses, and later as the Vice President and General Counsel of a Fortune 500 business where she also founded the first Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association

Rob Nichols is the president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, which represents banks of all sizes and charters and is the voice for the nation’s $23.7 trillion banking industry. Rob joined ABA in August 2015 following ten years at the helm of the Financial Services Forum, a non-partisan financial and economic policy organization. Before joining the Forum, Rob served in the George W. Bush administration as the assistant secretary for public affairs at the Treasury Department, a position requiring confirmation by the United States Senate. In this role, he acted as chief spokesperson and head of the office of public liaison, serving as Treasury’s lead representative with the media, business, professional trade organizations, consumer groups and the public.

Donna Rustigian Mac, Business Communication Expert and Mindfulness Coach, iVoice Communication

Donna Rustigian Mac is a business communication expert, national keynote speaker, and mindfulness coach. She works with individuals and organizations who are ready to strengthen how they feel, speak, and operate at work, especially in high pressure environments. Known for her grounded and practical approach, Donna believes we all possess within ourselves unique gifts that are just waiting to be uncovered, polished, and shared. The ability to see and develop what's already there is her superpower, and it's what she brings to every engagement.

Kirsten Sutton, EVP Congressional Relations, American Bankers Association

Kirsten Sutton serves as Executive Vice President of Congressional Relations and Legislative Affairs at the American Bankers Association (ABA), the leading voice for the nation’s $25.3 trillion banking industry and its more than two million employees. Recognized by Association Trends as one of Washington’s top association lobbyists, Sutton leads ABA’s bipartisan advocacy team, directing strategy and engagement with lawmakers and senior staff on the full range of policy and legislative issues shaping America’s banks and the communities they support. She is also the first woman in ABA’s 150-year history to serve as the association’s head lobbyist.