CONNECT - General Session Preview

Get ready for an energizing lineup of general sessions at this year’s CBA CONNECT Convention—designed to inform, challenge, and inspire community bankers.

From Georgia’s banking trends and credit outlook with Shawn O’Brien to building resilient, competency-based succession plans with Dawn Gehring of FHLBank Atlanta, we’re tackling the issues that matter most.

Stay ahead of the curve with expert-led regulatory and legislative panels featuring state policymakers and seasoned advocates, offering insider perspectives on evolving policy and compliance landscapes. Don’t miss the lively discussion on Georgia politics with Tharon Johnson and Brian Robinson, and gain a dual-perspective look at advocacy from CBA’s Lori Godfrey and ICBA’s Paul Merski.

On Saturday, jumpstart your day with a morning boost from CBA’s John McNair and ICBA Treasurer QuentinLeighty. Then, explore the future of banking in a forward-looking session on generative AI, and round out the experience with Greyson Tuck of Gerrish Smith Tuck as he shares what every community bank executive needs to know to stay ahead.

It’s a dynamic agenda packed with strategy, innovation, and leadership insights you won’t want to miss.

"The State of the State" - Shawn O'Brien
Review analysis on how Georgia banks are performing and trending both nationally and within the state in areas such as deposits, loans, net interest margins, efficiency and other key metrics. Discuss the current credit landscape and outlook ahead. Cover key demographic and economic trends shaping the state and its future.

"Building Resilient Succession Plans: A Competency-Based Approach -Dawn Gehring
Succession planning is more than just a list of names. It’s a strategic imperative for ensuring business continuity and supporting smooth leadership transitions. How can organizations create succession plans that are proactive, sustainable, and adaptable to both planned and unplanned departures? Join FHLBank Atlanta’s Dawn Gehring for an engaging discussion on designing a robust, competency-driven succession framework that aligns with your institution’s current and future business needs.

Regulatory Panel: Navigating the Evolving Landscape
Stay ahead of the curve with this year's insightful Regulatory Panel, where industry experts and policymakers discuss the latest updates, challenges, and trends shaping the regulatory environment. This engaging session will cover key compliance issues, emerging policies, and best practices to help your banks adapt and thrive.  

Expect thought-provoking discussions and a chance to ask pressing questions as our panelists share their expertise. Whether you're navigating new regulations or preparing for future shifts, this session will provide the clarity and strategies you need to stay compliant and competitive.                                                                                      

Legislative Panel: Policy Trends & Industry Impact
Join this year’s Regulatory Panel, where industry experts and policymakers explore the latest updates, challenges, and trends shaping the regulatory landscape. This session will cover key compliance issues, emerging policies, and best practices to help your bank remain agile and competitive. We are pleased to announce Senator Carden Summers, Representative Demetrius Douglas and Representative Noel Williams, Jr. will be participating in this informed session.

Gain insights, engage in discussions, and get answers to your most pressing questions, as our panelists share their expertise. Stay ahead of regulatory changes with strategies designed to ensure compliance and success.

The Latest on the Political Landscape with Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson

Are you hungry for Georgia politics? WABE’s Political Breakfast podcast team – Democrat consultant Tharon Johson and Republican consultant Brian Robinson – will provide a lively discussion into Georgia politics as our competitive state enters a consequential election year.

"Legislative Lens - Exploring Policy Through Dual Perspectives"
This session will be a conversation bringing together advocates on the state and federal levels that represent our community banks. This will be a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the legislative and regulatory landscapes from both the statehouse and Capitol Hill. Join Lori Godfrey, CBA of GA, and Paul Merski, ICBA, for this informative session.

Through candid dialogue and expert insight, they will shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and evolving priorities that impact community banking at every level of government. This platform not only highlights the intersection of state and federal advocacy but also deepens understanding of how policy decisions shape the future of local financial institutions.

This session will give attendees meaningful perspective on the issues that matter most to community banks—straight from the advocates on the front lines.

Morning Boost with ICBA
Rise and shine with our Morning Boost with ICBA—the perfect way to energize your day! Join us for a session filled with fresh insights, engaging conversations, and the latest in ICBA updates, all designed to fuel your success. We are thrilled to have Quentin Leighty, ICBA Treasurer, who will share some coffee and hopefully spill some tea on all things ICBA. So start your morning with inspiration and momentum and power up your day with ICBA!

"Artificial Intelligence in Banking?  Are You Ready for the Future?"
The rise of generative AI and intelligent virtual assistants is rapidly transforming how banks approach customer service and internal operations. This dynamic panel will explore how AI is redefining both customer and employee experiences across the financial sector.

Moderated by ICBA, this session will feature industry experts discussing practical applications of generative and agentic AI systems — from enhancing customer engagement to streamlining workflows and empowering bank teams.

This session is ideal for banking leaders looking to adopt AI responsibly—enhancing service, elevating staff, and staying ahead of the curve with confidence.

“What a Community Bank Executive Needs to Know” - Greyson Tuck, Gerrish Smith Tuck  
Details coming soon for this session.

Have you registered? Click here for all things CONNECT – agenda, hotel info, networking activities, exhibitors, sponsors and more.