CBA Announces Record-Breaking 2024 Executive Banking School Roster

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) today announced more than 380 bankers – the largest class ever – will attend its 73^rd annual Executive Banking School (EBS), the premier advanced educational program to prepare the next generation of retail bankers. This year’s EBS will take place from July 21-31 at Furman University in Greenville, S.C.

Recognizing the upcoming start of EBS and the importance of the program in developing the future leaders of retail banking, CBA President and CEO Lindsey Johnson said:

“Now more than ever, it’s imperative that we as an industry are preparing the next generation of diverse leadership to take the helm at America’s leading banks. As such, we’re thrilled to welcome the largest class of retail bankers at EBS 2024, where they will learn from renowned faculty, gaining in-depth knowledge and training to enhance their ability to serve as best-in-class leaders at their institutions – all to help consumers achieve their American dream each and every day.”

Preparing the Next Generation of Diverse Retail Banking Leaders

EBS is the premier developmental program for rising leaders in the industry and for more than seven decades, has equipped students with a deep understanding and appreciation of how various segments of retail banking are interrelated.  It also provides students with the ability to develop meaningful relationships with bankers from across the country. Ninety-three percent of the faculty are full-time and retired bankers representing various leadership positions across their banks.

Over the course of three years, for 10 days each summer and through curriculum throughout the year, students will learn:

• Year 1 – Head of Retail Perspective: Focusing on how to manage the retail segment of a bank. This includes sessions on acquiring, segmenting and retaining customers, designing and pricing products, and effectively tailoring marketing messages.
• Year 2 – CFO and CRO Perspective: Focusing on concepts for managing a bank’s profitability. This includes sessions on analyzing financial data to measure future performance and how to assess and manage risk.
• Year 3 – CEO Perspective: Focusing on managing a bank from the top down. This includes sessions on C-Suite level decisions, including how to consider analysts’ recommendations, structure a merger, and evaluate key economic indicators.

Additionally, EBS 2024 students will hear directly from:

• Nandita Bakhshi, Former CEO, Bank of the West – Year 3 CEO Perspective 
• Kerri Bernstein, Treasurer, American Express – Investor Relations
• Ryan Curley, Managing Director and Partner, BCG – Strategy
• Cheyenne Hopkins, Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Visa – Public Relations: Hot Topics of the Day
• Helga Houston, CRO, Huntington Bank – Year 2 CRO Perspective 
• Lindsey Johnson, President and CEO, CBA – Industry and Policy Updates
• Katie Lawler, Global Chief Ethics Officer, U.S. Bank – Ethics
• David Pommerehn, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Head of Regulatory Affairs, CBA – Regulatory Updates
• Mark Rendulic, Head of Sales Strategy and Development, Citizens – M&A Perspective
• Adam Stockton, Hear of Retail Deposits and Lending, Curinos – Deposits
• CBA Board Member Maria Tedesco, President and CEO, Atlantic Union Bank – Year 1 Head of Retail Perspective
• Zach Wasserman, CFO, Huntington Bank – Year 2 CFO Perspective 
• Trish Wexler, Managing Director, Corporate Communications, JPMorganChase – Public Relations: Hot Topics of the Day

EBS 2024 At-a-Glance

• Across years 1-3, students will represent 33 banks
• The average student will have 16 years of banking experience
• U.S. Bank will represent the largest share of students
• More students will come from Ohio than any other state
• Women will compose nearly half of the entire student body

A History of Excellence

Alumni from CBA’s Executive Banking School have gone on to become leaders within the industry. Some notable graduates include:

• Wayne Akins (1992) – Chief Community Banking Officer, Synovus
• Archie Brown (1996) – President and CEO, First Financial
• Mark Pregmon (1997) – Head of Credit Operations, USAA
• CBA Board Member Cassandra McKinney (1998) – Executive Vice President, Head of the Retail Bank, Comerica
• CBA Board Chair Quincy Miller (2004) – President and Vice Chairman, Eastern Bank
• Andy Harmening (2006) – President and CEO, Associated Bank
• CBA Board Member Todd Barnhart (2008) – Executive Vice President and Retail Distribution Executive, PNC
• Richard Bynum (2012) – Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer, PNC
• Seth Waller (2012) – Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, EverBank
• Ali Maher (2012) – Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Deposit Products and Payments, Regions
• Mary Kate Loftus (2013) – President, Impressia Bank
• Lori Von Heyking (2018) – Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Woodforest

Additional Resources

• To learn more about the 2024 EBS Curriculum, click HERE.
• To learn more about the 2023 EBS graduating class, click HERE.

If you are interested in speaking with CBA President and CEO Lindsey Johnson, members of the faculty, or students attending the 2024 Executive Banking School, please contact Weston Loyd at [email protected].