Sessions

• Fireside Chat with FDIC Chairman Travis Hill

• Gubernatorial Forum featuring banker candidates

• Unlocking the Secrets of High-Performing Community Banks

• Reclaiming the Bond Portfolio as a Balance Sheet Tool

• Criminal Convergence: Connecting the Dots Between Fraud and AML

• Current Employment Issues for Community Banks

• The Future is Now – FinTechs, Crypto & Other Digital Innovations in the Banking Industry

• Creating a Unique Experience for Bank Customers in a Sea of Sameness

• ABA Update

• Oklahoma Vision Plan

 

Fireside Chat with FDIC Chairman Travis Hill

FDIC Chairman, Travis Hill

FDIC Chairman Travis Hill, along with OBA President and CEO Adrian Beverage, will have a candid discussion regarding FDIC and community banking. Hill assumed his current role in January, 2026. Since joining the FDIC in 2018, he has served in various roles where he oversaw and coordinated regulatory and policy initiatives at the agency and advised the chairman on regulatory and policy matters

 

Gubernatorial Forum featuring banker candidates

Genter Drummond and Charles McCall III, candidates

Two candidates in this year’s gubernatorial race have connections to the banking industry: Gentner Drummond and Charles McCall III. We’re excited to welcome both for a forum to discuss their campaigns. Drummond is Oklahoma’s current attorney general and majority owner of Blue Sky Bank, chartered in Pawhuska. McCall, chair man and CEO of AmeriState Bank, in Atoka, recently wrapped up his legislative career as Oklahoma’s longest-serving speaker of the House.

 

Unlocking the Secrets of High-Performing Community Banks

Brett Rawls, PRI, Monroe

Discover the essential qualities that define high-performing community banks and the strategic approaches that drive their success. The attributes of consistently top-performing banks will be unveiled, highlighting the pivotal role of visionary leadership and the importance of fostering a culture of employee engagement.

 

Reclaiming the Bond Portfolio as a Balance Sheet Tool

Rachel Woods, BOK, Memphis

Given the heightened uncertainty of the current environment, it can be easy to fall into a habit of trying to time the market and lose sight of what is best for your portfolio and, more broadly your balance sheet. This session will discuss the current market environment and the state of the average community bank in Oklahoma.

 

Criminal Convergence: Connecting the Dots Between Fraud and AML

Elissa Brewer, Abrigo, Austin

Fraud and money laundering have long been treated as separate financial crimes – but in today’s evolving threat landscape, the lines are increasingly blurred. For community banks, this convergence means siloed approaches to fraud detection and AML compliance no longer cut it. This session will address how these two worlds intersect, what makes their overlap uniquely challenging, and why understanding the nuance is critical for staying ahead of both criminals and regulators.

 

Current Employment Issues for Community Banks

Adam Childers, Crowe Dunlevy, Oklahoma City

Community banks face critical HR challenges related to retention, managing cultural and current strategies. In addition, you must comply with employment laws and guidance. This session will provide best practices for your HR strategies.

 

The Future is Now – FinTechs, Crypto & Other Digital Innovations in the Banking Industry

Melissa Correa, Mercadien, Oklahoma City

In this session, you’ll learn about the latest cutting-edge technologies and discover ways your bank can remain relevant through partnering with fintech companies, from offering back-end support to providing banking-as-a-service. We’ll discuss a current global outlook on cryptocurrency and how your bank can enact change today to reap the benefits of tomorrow.

 

Creating a Unique Experience for Bank Customers in a Sea of Sameness

Dr. Toby Joplin, University of Tulsa, Tulsa

Look at the list of product offerings of banks and they are almost identical to one another. Yet, shrewd bankers have the opportunity to create a unique customer experience that ensures customers would never consider another bank. This session will help you learn how to exploit your bank’s “uniqueness” in the service of your customers.

 

ABA Update

Kenneth Kelly, American Bankers Association

Kelly is Chairman of the American Bankers Association and Chairman/CEO of First Independence Bank in Detroit, Michigan

 

Oklahoma Vision Plan

Chad Warmington, The State Chamber of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City

Chad Warmington is president and CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma, the state’s leading advocate for business representing more than 4,300 members and 270,000 employees.