Ian Bryan
VP / Commercial Loan Officer
First State Bank
Russellville, AR
Ian Bryan is a banking professional with a successful career spanning nearly a decade. He currently serves as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at First State Bank in Russellville, AR, where he is responsible for managing and expanding the commercial loan portfolio for the bank. In this role, Ian plays an important role in operational decision-making and strategic planning, drawing on his experience to drive growth and ensure financial stability.
Prior to joining First State Bank, Ian had a notable tenure at Simmons Bank, where he progressed through various roles from Community Banker I to Community Banker III. He efficiently managed a $75 million commercial loan portfolio and demonstrated exceptional asset quality. Ian also played a significant role during the Paycheck Protection Program, processing 208 loan applications across two draws.
Ian’s banking career began at Arvest Bank, where he held several positions, including Commercial Banker, Business Development Officer, and Administrative Assistant to the Community President. His diverse roles involved managing client relationships, implementing treasury management solutions, and overseeing local marketing efforts. Alongside his professional career, Ian is actively engaged in the community, serving on various boards such as the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, Clarksville Johnson County Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and the Emerging Leaders Council of the Arkansas Bankers Association. His dedication to both his profession and his community highlights a well-rounded approach to leadership and service.
Last, but certainly not least, Ian has been married to his wife, Lauren Bryan, for 8 years and they have a son named Bentley and another child coming in January 2025
Jeff Dannelly
SVP / Private Wealth Management
Hancock Whitney Bank
Destin, FL
Mitch Gay
Area VP / Enterprise Banking
nCino
Morehead, SC
Chad Grimes
Vice President
Traders Bank
Tullhoma, TN
Sam James
Chief Risk Officer / SVP Deposit Operations
Bank of Zachary
Zachary, LA
Sam James is an accomplished financial professional with extensive experience in compliance, risk management, and operational excellence. He currently serves as the Chief Risk Officer and Senior Vice President of Deposit Operations at the Bank of Zachary, a $400 million institution located in Zachary, Louisiana.
Sam’s educational journey began at Louisiana State University (L.S.U.), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. He then pursued a Master of Business Administration at Southeastern Louisiana University. His passion for financial compliance and risk management led him to the Office of Financial Institutions, where he started his career as a Compliance Examiner.
His dedication to professional development saw him furthering his expertise at the FDIC Regulatory University in Washington, D.C., where he earned the Certified Credit Examiner and Certified Examiner in Charge designations from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. He quickly rose through the ranks to become the Compliance Examiner Assistant Manager of the Baton Rouge District Office, leading numerous teams in conducting safety and soundness examinations for financial institutions with assets ranging from $50 million to $2 billion.
In October 2017, Sam took on the role of Vice President of Enterprise Risk Management at the Bank of Zachary. Here, he has been instrumental in developing, implementing, and overseeing the bank’s Compliance and Risk Management Program. His responsibilities include planning, organizing, and monitoring day-to-day retail, lending, and operational compliance activities. He plays a vital role in board meetings, various committees, strategic planning, audits, and examinations, ensuring that the bank complies with all state and federal regulations.
Sam holds several prestigious certifications, including Certified BSA/AML Professional (CBAP), Certified Credit Examiner (CCE), Certified Operations Examiner (COE), and Certified Examinations Management (CEM). He has also contributed significantly to the community banking sector, serving on the CSBS BSA advisory committee and developing a BSA self-assessment tool for community bankers.
Throughout his career, Sam has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. He developed the bank’s risk appetite statement and Key Risk Indicators, providing a consolidated view of significant risks to the Board. As the Privacy Officer, he oversees Vendor Management and ensures the safety and security of customer information.
Sam’s commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional achievements. He serves as the Chairman of the HOPE Ministries Board of Directors, where he has been a member for four years. Under his leadership, HOPE Ministries received recognition at the annual Capital Area United Way awards banquet.
Sam is married and the proud father of two children. His personal and professional journey reflects his belief in planning for the future and navigating the complexities of regulatory environments with diligence and foresight.
Jamie Johnson
AVP / EPS Division Manager
Chesapeake Bank
Williamsburg, VA
Nicole Martin
SVP / Chief Treasury Officer
Benchmark Community Bank
Kenbridge, VA
DeMarco McClain
City President
Bank Independent
Huntsville, AL
Daniel Morris
SVP / Senior Lender / Community President
First Southern Bank
Waycross, GA
Tiffany Tuminello
VP / Banking Center Manager
FIrst Horizon
Baton Rouge, LA
Tiffany Tuminello, a seasoned financial professional, brings a wealth of experience to her role as Vice President and Banking Center Manager at First Horizon Bank. Spanning over a decade in the banking industry, Tiffany has held various positions in community banking, encompassing consumer and commercial lending, operations, marketing, management, and business development. Her clientele ranges from first-time home buyers to multi-million-dollar business ventures. Prior to her current position, Tiffany founded Riff Company, LLC, a business management firm, where she co-managed exclusive commercial real estate projects from inception to completion. This experience broadened her expertise to include construction and property management.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tiffany is deeply committed to philanthropy. She is the founder and director of Freedom & You, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting mental, physical, and financial well-being. Tiffany’s dedication to her clients and the community has earned her recognition as a respected leader. Her accolades include the Louisiana Banker’s Association Leadership Accreditation, selection for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s “Banking on Leaders of Tomorrow” program, and leadership roles in the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. Tiffany attended McNeese State University with a focus in finance and business. She also completed a three-year graduate program at LSU’s Graduate School of Banking. Her passion extends to golf, fishing, LSU tailgating, and being a devoting mother to her children.
Rebecca Turner
SVP / Regional Retail Manager
Hancock Whitney Bank
Mobile, AL
Rebecca Turner, Senior Vice-President and Retail Sales Leader at Hancock Whitney, has been in banking for 30 years. She attended the University of Alabama and is a graduate of The Mississippi School of Banking at Ole Miss, and The Graduate School of Banking at LSU.
Ms. Turner is an Executive Board member for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and also volunteers her time as a certified member of the Share the Beach-Sea Turtle Conservation Program. Rebecca and her husband, Mark, have two children and reside in Dauphin Island, AL.
Cody Z. White
Regional Vice President
CoBank
Lubbock, TX
Brent Womack
Senior Vice President
Legacy Bank
Oklahoma City, OK