CBA LEAD Retreat 2026 Inspires Emerging Leaders

The 2026 CBA LEAD Retreat brought together banking professionals from across the state for two days of learning, collaboration, and leadership development. Jekyll Island provided a great backdrop for the event which took place June 11-12, 2026.  The CBA LEAD Board worked together and designed a program to equip current and aspiring leaders with practical tools and meaningful connections, the retreat offered engaging presentations, interactive activities, and valuable networking opportunities. 

The retreat opened with Leadership in the Loop, an interactive session that encouraged participants to examine leadership challenges through discussion, reflection, and hands-on activities. Attendees continued to build on these concepts throughout the event, participating in several Leadership in the Loop activities that reinforced key leadership principles and fostered peer-to-peer learning.

One of the highlights of the retreat was Leading in Multigenerational Spaces, presented by Jason Esstep with the JW Fanning Institute, which explored strategies for leading and communicating effectively across a workforce that spans multiple generations. Participants gained insights into leveraging diverse perspectives, strengthening team collaboration, and creating inclusive workplace cultures.

During the Networking Lunch with Sponsors, attendees had the opportunity to connect with industry partners and learn about resources and solutions that support the banking industry. These conversations provided valuable opportunities to build relationships and exchange ideas.  CBA is grateful for the sponsor partners including The Barrett School of Banking, CRS Data, Evolv, IntraFi, Onsetto, Point to Point Environmental, PW Cambell, ICBA Securities Powered by The Banker Group, and Vericast. 

As participants continue to advance in their careers, Navigating the Transition to Leadership  presented by Shannon GaNun, offered practical guidance for moving from individual contributor roles into leadership positions. The session addressed common challenges new leaders face and provided strategies for building confidence, credibility, and influence.

A featured presentation, Do More Without Doing Too Much, challenged attendees to rethink productivity and leadership effectiveness. Through practical examples and actionable takeaways, participants learned how to prioritize responsibilities, delegate effectively, and avoid the pitfalls of burnout while maintaining strong performance.

The first day concluded a special networking event, The Many Hats We Wear Cocktail Reception. The reception celebrated the diverse roles banking professionals fulfill both inside and outside the workplace while providing a relaxed environment for attendees to strengthen professional connections.

The second day's highlight was the banker led programming.  LEAD Board Members Linda Smith (Embassy National Bank), Taylor Jenkins (Flint Community Bank) and Scott Henderson (Planters First Bank) brought The Leadership Banker: Doing More Without Doing Too Much, that expanded on themes introduced earlier in the retreat. Attendees explored practical leadership approaches for managing competing priorities, leading teams effectively, and maintaining balance while achieving organizational goals. The session's interactive format encouraged reflection and discussion, ensuring participants were left with tools they could immediately implement in their institutions.

As the 2026 CBA LEAD Retreat concluded, participants departed with new perspectives, stronger professional networks, and renewed confidence in their leadership journeys. The retreat once again demonstrated CBA's commitment to developing the next generation of banking leaders and providing opportunities for growth, collaboration, and professional excellence.

CBA LEAD Board Chair Mark Thompson (Glennville Bank) had this to say about the event: “I came away from CBA’s LEAD On Retreat energized and excited to continue my growth and development as an emerging leader in my community bank. I really enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other community bankers through relevant discussions and team-building activities. Programs led by bankers and focused on bankers on topics ranging from how to communicate in difficult situations to utilizing AI effectively to leading in multigenerational spaces provided me with a full toolbox of leadership skills that can I use in my personal and professional life.”

Thank you to our presenters, sponsors, and attendees for making the 2026 CBA LEAD Retreat a successful and impactful experience. We look forward to seeing how the lessons learned during these two days continue to strengthen leadership throughout Georgia's banking community.