The History of the Certification Program in Mexico

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A look back at where an important international partnership began. 🤝

In the late 1990s, Manuel Sescocce, the President of the Nuevo León Banking Center attended the GSBLSU program in Baton Rouge. Upon learning about the program and its scope, working alongside our faculty and leadership, and the friendship he developed with Don Woodland, they decided to develop a Banking Executives Program in Monterrey inspired by the GSB model. They brought together leading professors and industry experts, and the program launched its very first class in 1998. Participating bankers received certification from GSB under the signature of Don Woodland and from the Nuevo León Banking Center President at the time.

In 2015, a subprogram of the main banking executives program was developed, responding to a need in Mexican banking, particularly in Monterrey, as the small and medium-sized enterprise sector represented a large percentage of banking in Mexico. This led to the creation of the SME Executives Program, which also benefited from the participation of Don Woodland in its full development and accreditation by GSB.

This photo captures that first graduating class, the beginning of a collaboration focused not on profit, but on strengthening the banking industry through education. Since then, hundreds of banking executives have completed the program, carrying forward the same commitment to professional growth and leadership. We’re proud of this long-standing relationship and the impact it continues to have across borders.

75 Years of Leadership: GSBLSU Alumni Carry the Legacy Forward

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2025 marks a historic milestone for the Graduate School of Banking at LSU—75 years of shaping leaders in the banking industry. Since its founding on June 5, 1950, when the first 99 students walked onto LSU’s campus as part of the then “School of Banking of the South,” GSBLSU has grown into one of the most respected banking schools in the nation.

Over the past three years, the Class of 2025 has upheld the school’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and excellence. With their graduation, the GSBLSU alumni network now includes 17,184 members—banking professionals whose influence reaches across the Southeast, United States, and into Mexico. This powerful community represents decades of innovation, collaboration, and leadership in an industry that’s constantly evolving.

In honor of the school’s Diamond Anniversary, GSBLSU introduced a new tradition: the Woodland Distinguished Performance Award, recognizing the valedictorian of each graduating class. This award commemorates Dr. Donald L. Woodland, who devoted 50 years to GSBLSU—including 31 years as Executive Director—and set a high bar for academic excellence and leadership that continues to define the institution.

The inaugural recipient of this prestigious award is Corissa Miller of InsBank in Nashville, TN, whose outstanding performance reflects the highest standards of academic achievement and leadership potential.

As part of their final preparation for graduation, the students were reminded of their role in the industry by Col. Joseph Musacchia, who told them: “You are leaders of leaders.” It’s a bold charge—and a fitting one for graduates of GSBLSU. The foundation they’ve built and the lessons they’ve absorbed will serve not just their own careers, but the future of the banking industry as a whole.

Here’s to 75 years of legacy—and to the next generation of professionals ready to lead it forward.

GSBLSU ANNOUNCES 2025 BANK MANAGEMENT SIMULATION WINNERS

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Baton Rouge, LA  – Each year, the seniors of GSBLSU participate in the Bank Management Simulation (BMSim), an intensive, computer-based capstone course designed to immerse students in the realities of bank leadership and strategic decision-making. This simulation challenges students to manage every major area of bank operations—from investments and funds management to loans, risk, and asset/liability management.

In BMSim, students are grouped into management teams across six simulated communities. Each team is handed the reins of a virtual bank with identical starting financial conditions and is tasked with navigating a two-year simulated operating period, broken into “quarterly” decision cycles. Throughout the course, teams make a wide range of strategic and tactical decisions, analyzing their impact through immediate, computerized feedback.

The culmination of this experience is a verbal presentation before a panel of judges—composed of real-world bank CEOs and regulatory professionals—who act as shareholders. These judges evaluate each team based on overall bank performance, earnings, leadership, and vision for the future. Most importantly, teams are judged on their ability to communicate their strategies and outcomes effectively, just as they would in front of real stakeholders.

At the conclusion of the simulation, one team from each community is named a winner. These top performers are recognized at graduation, along with the President and CEO of their sponsoring home bank, with a certificate and letter of recognition for their exceptional performance.

We are proud to announce the winning teams for the 2025 Bank Management Simulation, as revealed during commencement on May 30, 2025. Congratulations to all on an outstanding demonstration of leadership, insight, and competitive spirit.

 

A1 Jeremy Tuggle Bryant Bank Trussville AL
A1 Jason Dufrene Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Metairie LA
A1 Jessica Milam Planters Bank & Trust Greenville MS
A1 Marifer Iglesia BanBajio Leon MX
A1 Reid Boehm Synovus Bank Charleston SC
B4 Ben Whitt North Alabama Bank Ardmore AL
B4 Greg Cross Winter Park National Bank Winter Park FL
B4 Kathryn Shrout Mistich Hancock Whitney Bank New Orleans LA
B4 Weston Wallace BankPlus Ridgeland MS
B4 Pablo Ramirez Banorte Monterrey MX
C1 Ryan Hammock Pinnacle Bank Watkinsville GA
C1 AJ Jones Bank of Zachary Zachary LA
C1 Russell LeBoeuf Synergy Bank Houma LA
C1 Angel Noriega BanBajio Leon MX
C1 Tina Melton FirstNational Bank oF TN Livingston TN
C1 Jonathan Miller Trustmark National Bank Pasadena TX
D2 Jeff Keenum United Bank Atmore AL
D2 Jeremy Stull The Cecilian Bank Brandenburg KY
D2 Todd Lawson Hancock Whitney Bank Covington LA
D2 Clint Powers First Security Bank Marks MS
D2 Nat  Villarreal Banorte San Pedro Garza MX
D2 Ashleigh Malm Arthur State Bank Greenville SC
E1 Wil Giannars First Port City Bank Bainbridge GA
E1 RB Bass Gulf Coast Bank & Trust New Orleans LA
E1 Robert Gage Riverhills Bank Vicksburg MS
E1 Juan Carlos Gomez Melchor Banorte Mexico City MX
E1 Cody Cross People’s Bank & Trust Livingston TN
E1 Alan Villanueva Hancock Whitney Bank Houston TX
F4 Matt Ratliff Central Bank & Trust Lexington KY
F4 Clint Woods Bonvenu Bank Shreveport LA
F4 Dee Dee Brown The Peoples Bank Biloxi MS
F4 Efren Beltran Banorte Mexico City MX
F4 Vesely Murray AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Columbia SC

GSBLSU ANNOUNCES 2024 BANK MANAGEMENT SIMULATION WINNERS

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Every year, the seniors of GSBLSU take part in the Bank Management Simulation course, a computer-based program that is specifically designed to provide students with a look into management and the decision-making process in specific banking areas, such as investments, funds management, risk management, loans, and asset/liability management.

BMSim is an intensive computer-based educational experience, which serves as the capstone course of our school during students’ final year of instruction.  The class is divided into management teams in six communities to operate simulated banks, and those teams concern themselves with the results of their individual banks, while competing with other banks within their communities.  All teams begin with the same, base-line financial situation – a hypothetical bank with a variety of management and financial challenges – and, during the two-year simulated period, make a wide range of “quarterly” decisions involving all aspects of bank management and operations.  Through computerized analysis, the teams are able to immediately observe the results of their decisions.

The apex of the competition is a verbal presentation to a panel of judges (acting as shareholders and comprised of active or retired actual bank CEOs and examiners) who evaluate the quality of the performance of all teams and select one winner from each community.  Criteria for selection consists of team organization, consistency of performance, bank earnings, the team’s ability to report results to shareholders, and the position of the simulated bank for the future.

The winners in each simulation are recognized, along with their home bank’s President and CEO with a letter and certificate of recognition honoring their outstanding work during the Bank Management Simulation.  We are pleased to share the team winners that were announced at graduation on May 31, 2024

A3 Holt Barnett FirstSouthern Bank
A3 Jamel Dagher Paragon Bank
A3 Tammy Gilmer Comeaux Hancock Whitney Bank
A3 Kevin McCartney Community Bank of MS
A3 Kaylee Rainwater Arvest Bank
A3 Will Ray Citizens First Bank
B4 Trey Geisenhoffer Wilson Bank & Trust
B4 Trapper Griffith TC Federal Bank
B4 Jordan Hawkins United Southern Bank
B4 Jacob Holloway CLB The Community Bank
B4 Will Pyle Hancock Whitney Bank
B4 Michael Reynolds Trustmark National Bank
C3 Stephen Dawkins Delta Bank
C3 Alisse Fowler TN Dept. of Financial Instit.
C3 Nita Kuhner Hancock Whitney Bank
C3 Landon Reneau CoBank Farm Credit Leasing
C3 Cade Smith Solutions Plus Bank (Proposed)
C3 Gayle Woolard AB&T
D5 James Craig MS Dept of Banking & Consumer Fin
D5 Houston Fortenberry Delta Bank
D5 Zac Frye Citizens Bank of Swainsboro
D5 Anne Osborne Bank Independent
D5 April Rosa Arvest Bank
D5 Robert Swing Truist
E3 Wills Brocato United Community
E3 William Edgar Southern Bank
E3 Casey Hill Merchants & Marine Bank
E3 Kavien Hillmon Southstate Bank
E3 Austin Klanjac Cadence Bank
E3 Jarrod Orr River City Bank
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The Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University partnered once again with the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank for its annual Banking Outlook Conference.  This year’s event was held on Thursday, February 29th, and was entitled “One Giant Leap for Banking.”  GSBLSU hosted a panel of industry experts speaking on the topic, “Adapting to the Rapidly Changing Banking Environment.”

Our panel included:
Ryan Earnest – President & CEO, First National Community Bank
Mike Highfield – Provost & Executive Vice President, Mississippi College
Sherri Sackett – Chief Executive Officer, Select Bank
Chad Tagtow – Senior Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer, Citizens Bank & Trust

Important Leadership Traits for the Banking Sector

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Everyone should strive to develop leadership qualities regardless of their title or position. These skills are valuable in various aspects of life, from managing an organization to leading a team to being a parent. At GSBLSU, we understand the significance of leadership skills in banking and other fields, so we focus on cultivating these qualities in our future graduates. Here are five critical aspects of leadership that we encourage our students to develop for a successful future.

Have a Vision & Share it Openly

Studies have shown that a significant percentage of management needs more trust in their senior leadership, as they question their leaders’ ability to execute their plans. Future leaders must be able to articulate their vision and gain the support of their team. An idea can only come to life if people willingly commit to it, which takes place when there is a compelling opportunity for people to address their concerns.

Seek Honest Feedback

Effective leaders are self-aware and constantly evaluate themselves. They actively seek honest feedback from their team and are willing to address their weaknesses. This fosters trust, builds relationships, and drives results.

Be Willing to Adapt to Change

The banking industry is evolving rapidly, making strategic flexibility a highly desirable trait. Leaders in this industry must be able to adapt and change course when necessary. Constantly monitoring and reviewing products, programs, technologies, and market positioning are essential to a bank’s responsiveness.

Prioritize Networking and Communication

Leaders take advantage of informal networks to understand people’s perceptions. A deep understanding of how innovation occurs can improve performance and reduce inefficiencies. Leaders can gain a solid understanding of the industry by developing informal social circles, building customer relationships, and joining networking groups.

Focus on Preparation & Risk Management

In many cases, employees hesitate to communicate potential risks due to fear of disrupting the status quo. Future leaders must implement risk management practices to prepare everyone on their team for unforeseen crises. An open and progressive culture that embraces potential risks or situations will help prepare the organization for changes in the industry.

Leadership qualities are crucial for success in various aspects of life. At GSBLSU, we recognize the importance of these skills in banking and beyond. By developing a vision, seeking honest feedback, adapting to change, prioritizing communication and networking, and focusing on preparation and risk management, our graduates become influential leaders who masterfully navigate the dynamic challenges of the banking industry.

This blog has been updated for accuracy and relevance from the original post.