Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Position/Title: Director of Community Development and Reinvestment
Years in Banking: 20
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 874-4626
Preferred Email Address: nathalia.artus@atlanticunionbank.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: I am SVP, Director of Community Development and Reinvestment, CRA Officer, for Atlantic Union Bank. My role is responsible for developing and managing strategic partnerships and opportunities, promoting affordable housing, financial education, and economic development through investing in community based organizations. My work leading the Community Impact Team is focused on developing and managing strategic partnerships and opportunities throughout the entire Atlantic Union Bank footprint in VA, MD and NC.
Favorite Book or Podcast: Hidden Brain
My dream vacation would be...: Skiing in japan
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: Despite being Brazilian, I am not a beach person.
Favorite Sports Team: I love the Olympic Games and will follow it closely, but won't watch sports any other time.
Bank/Institution: Virginia Bankers Association
Position/Title: EVP, Government & Member Relations
Years in Banking: 12
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 366-8688
Preferred Email Address: mbruning@vabankers.org
Brief description of your role in your organization: I serve as the chief lobbyist for the VBA, representing the banking industry before state and federal legislators and regulators. I also oversee our grassroots advocacy efforts, including our VBA BankPAC. In addition, I oversee our member relations functions, ensuring VBA member banks are aware of all the opportunities to engage and leverage their state trade association's offerings.
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Animal House
In my free time, I enjoy...: watching my two daughters (11 and 9) swim
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I played the tuba at the University of RIchmond.
Favorite Sports Team: All Cleveland sports teams (Browns, Guardians, Cavs)
Bank/Institution: The Marathon Organization, LTD
Position/Title: President & CEO
Years in Banking: 49
Preferred Telephone Number: (757) 434-2710
Preferred Email Address: adavies@marathonorg.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: A "2x" former bank CEO, Andy led the successful turnaround of two VA-based banks ($800 million and $3 billion) and has used those experiences to offer consultative services to community bank management teams and boards focused primarily on customized strategic planning, board self-evaluation projects, facilitation of board and management retreats and the resolution of regulatory enforcement actions. Andy leads quarterly CEO and CCO/Chief Lender Forums for the TN Bankers Association and has been a featured speaker at events sponsored by bank associations in VA, NC, TN and MI, and the regulatory examination staff of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
Favorite Book or Podcast: "The Killer Angels" (book)
In my free time, I enjoy...: Reading
My dream vacation would be...: Private tour of "Underground Rome".
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I have large 'collections' of various things.
Bank/Institution: Virginia Bankers Association
Position/Title: Strategic Support Manager
Years in Banking: 6
Preferred Telephone Number: (704) 682-6303
Preferred Email Address: mdarmanin@vabankers.org
Brief description of your role in your organization: support our Executive Leadership team as well as the Virginia Mortgage Bankers Association. I also work on the Government Relations team and will soon be leading the VBA’s Emerging Bank Leaders program.
Favorite Sports Team: Detroit Lions
In my free time, I enjoy...: Spending time outside with my dog, Nigel.
Last song I searched on my digital music streaming service of choice ( ex. Spotify, Apple Music)...: Fine Line by Harry Styles
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I was a banker for almost 5 years (including internships) in Southwest VA before I moved to Richmond to work with the VBA!
Bank/Institution: Virginia National Bank
Position/Title: Vice President - Regional Manager
Years in Banking: 14
Preferred Telephone Number: (540) 272-5586
Preferred Email Address: Cody.Florence@vnb.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: I assist in creating an effective, efficient, and consistent experience across the Northern Virginia footprint for Retail Banking. Additionally, I collaborate with other departments fostering a team-player atmosphere whereby, clients are assisted in a timely manner and experience excellent customer service.
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Any of the Madea movies
In my free time, I enjoy...: being at the beach
My dream vacation would be...: visiting Iceland
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I am a certified Foster Parent for Children Services of Virginia.
Bank/Institution: Chesapeake Bank
Position/Title: Regional Manager, Vice President
Years in Banking: 15
Preferred Telephone Number: (757) 253-9080
Preferred Email Address: efloyd@chesbank.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: I get the opportunity to lead our Williamsburg Retail teammates in meeting customer service standards and production goals. Responsible for developing training and resources to assist in growing and retaining our Retail team, in order to grow the Bank.
Favorite TV Show/Movie: This Us and Ted Lasso
In my free time, I enjoy...: Playing video games, board games, or sports with my children
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I have 5 children ranging from 20 to 6 years old.
Favorite Sports Team: North Carolina Tar Heels and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bank/Institution: Atlantic Union Bank
Position/Title: Centralized Commercial Credit Officer
Years in Banking: 16
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 837-7373
Preferred Email Address: adam.hill@atlanticunionbank.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: Atlantic Union Bank's Centralized Commercial Credit team is responsible for underwriting and approving commercial loans for our wholesale and commercial real estate relationship managers. Relationships underwritten within the centralized team typically have total relationship exposure of $3MM or less.
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Favorite show of all time would have to be HBO's The Wire. The show I am binging now is Bosch on Amazon Prime.
In my free time, I enjoy...: Spending time with my family - usually just relaxing at home, fishing or working with our new yellow lab puppy, Otis.
My dream vacation would be...: I would love to travel to Ireland. My grandfather met my grandmother in Ireland while serving in the Navy during WWII, so I have a lot of cousins and extended family in Ireland that I would love to meet in person.
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...:
Favorite Sports Team: Virginia Tech Hokies!
Bank/Institution: Vicki Kraai
Position/Title: CEO
Years in Banking: 30
Preferred Telephone Number: (402) 984-9297
Preferred Email Address: vicki@interaction-training.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: Vicki Kraai is CEO of InterAction Training. A company passionate about professional development training and education. Vicki’s 25+ years of Community Bank experience started at the family bank in rural Nebraska, serving as a bank teller and eventually becoming CEO. Vicki’s many years of banking include credit card lending experience where she was a member of the management team that launched the Cabela’s credit card program. She has a passion for developing people for success in the financial services industry. Banker’s value Vicki’s highly engaging “been there, done that” approach to all facets of her training and speaking engagements. Vicki shares her expertise and experience as a faculty member for State Bank Association Schools and the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, WI.
Favorite Book or Podcast: Podcast - At the Table, Patrick Lencioni
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Yellowstone
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I once earned a green belt in Karate.
Favorite Sports Team: Bengals - LOVE Joe Burrow - his aunt is one of my best friends :-)
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Bank/Institution: Virginia Bankers Association
Position/Title: VP, Communications & Strategy
Years in Banking: 14
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 839-8420
Preferred Email Address: cowdom@vabankers.org
Brief description of your role in your organization: Over the past fourteen years, Chandler has worked on a variety of efforts including managing the VBA’s Emerging Bank Leaders group for young professionals within the banking industry. Chandler took on the role of VP of strategy in 2015 and manages the execution of the VBA Strategic Plan for the organization. She manages the DEI efforts of the association. Chandler is the head of the VBA communications department and she works closely with the VBA Education & Training department, planning conferences such as the VBA Annual Convention, the VBA Leadership Conference, and the ABA/VBA/MBA DEI Summit.
Favorite Book or Podcast: Recently, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
In my free time, I enjoy...: Going on adventures with my husband and two daughters, such as trips to Corolla in the OBX
My dream vacation would be...: Italy - especially Cinque Terre - Spain and Portugal
Last song I search on my digital music streaming service of choice (ex. Spotify, Apple Music): Barbie - the movie soundtrack
Bank/Institution: Virginia Bankers Association
Position/Title: Education & Training Coordinator/Event Registrar
Years in Banking: 5
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 819-4720
Preferred Email Address: gail@vabankers.org
Brief description of your role in your organization: Plan & coordinate all aspects of Education & Training in-person offerings, including speaker booking and contracting, event marketing, registrant pre- and post-communications. Develop & implement an annual marketing plan for Education & Training offerings including marketing campaigns & VBA website updates. Populate training webpage and attendee portals with information on sessions, speakers/instructors, materials & virtual access details. When training/events are offered in conjunction with other states, act as a lead by designating tasks, coordinate all aspects of program delivery, and process all expenses & revenue share. I’m responsible for working on all aspects of event registration including creating & closing events, registering and/or cancelling attendee registration. Process registration payments, refund processing, and the posting of ACH payments. Coordinate hotel contracting for in-house seminars, schools and other VBA events and meetings.
Favorite Book or Podcast: Podcast-Buried Bones
Favorite TV Show/Movie: I have several....I love Agatha Christie's Marple and Poirot movies and tv shows. Favorite movie is Key Largo.
My dream vacation would be...: There are several places I'd like to visit. My dream vacation would either be visiting South Africa, Scotland, or Aruba.
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I have travelled all over the world.
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Bank/Institution: Kristen Reid
Position/Title: VP, Education and Training
Years in Banking: 8
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 819-4731
Preferred Email Address: kreid@vabankers.org
Brief description of your role in your organization:
Favorite Book or Podcast: Book/Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom; Podcast/Mark Manson
Favorite TV Show/Movie: Goodfellas or anything with Clint Eastwood (I have seen every one of his movies!)
In my free time, I enjoy...: Throwing clay, hiking with my dogs or exploring local (or not-so-local breweries).
My dream vacation would be...: Homer, AK - it was a dream the first time and I want to go back!
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Bank/Institution: Chesapeake Bank
Position/Title: Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer
Years in Banking: 23
Preferred Telephone Number: (757) 941-1334
Preferred Email Address: dseeterlin@chesbank.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: Responsible for developing and guiding the execution of the company’s digital, innovation, and technology strategies. This includes oversight of the bank’s fintech partnerships and venture investment relationships. Also active in industry engagement, a frequent speaker and participate as a Board and Committee member in several industry groups.
Favorite Book or Podcast: Podcast: 99% Invisible
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I once learned how to play banjo but didn't stick with it long enough to be any good.
Favorite Sports Team: Atlanta Braves, VT Hokies Football
Last song I search on my digital music streaming service of choice (ex. Spotify, Apple Music): REM: It's The End Of The Work As We Know It
Bank/Institution: Floricane
Position/Title: Principle Consultant
Years in Banking: N/A
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 928-2818
Preferred Email Address: john@floricane.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: I am the founder of Floricane, a small consulting firm based in Richmond with a focus on strategy, organizational culture and community engagement. I am also Floricane's primary consultant in the areas of strategic planning, organizational culture, and individual and team effectiveness.
In my free time, I enjoy...: In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my kids -- my nine-year-old son and my 15-yearold daughter.
My dream vacation would be...: My dream vacation would be a trek through Namibia, Botswana and other parts of Southern Africa.
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: I booked punk rock bands at clubs in downtown Richmond when I was 14 years old.
Last song I search on my digital music streaming service of choice (ex. Spotify, Apple Music): I was hunting for songs by Fontaines D.C.
Bank/Institution: Benchmark Community Bank
Position/Title: President & CEO
Years in Banking: 40
Preferred Telephone Number: (434) 676-8444
Preferred Email Address: jay.stafford@bcbonline.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: I am President & CEO of a $1.1B bank in Southside Va and Northern NC.
In my free time, I enjoy...: yard work, golf, fishing
My dream vacation would be...: Just hanging out on a secluded beach with a cooler of cold refreshments
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: Love my bib overalls
Favorite Sports Team: Baltimore Orioles and Ravens
Bank/Institution: MainStreet Bank
Position/Title: SVP, Chief Accounting Officer
Years in Banking: 15
Preferred Telephone Number: (701) 739-7491
Preferred Email Address: avari@mstreetbank.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: My primary roles include SEC financial reporting, interest rate risk/liquidity monitoring, capital management, allowance for credit losses, and overall balance sheet strategy. I also lead the financial tax strategies, and financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and financial internal control framework. I sit on many internal committees that drive strategy, such as, executive, enterprise risk, ALCO, technology, compliance and DEI. I am passionate about what our team does and are always striving to improve.
Favorite Book or Podcast: My favorite podcast right now is How I Built This. Its about how entrepreneurs started their companies and built them up.
Favorite TV Show/Movie: My favorite show is Seinfeld and my favorite movie is Remember the Titans.
In my free time, I enjoy...: In my free time I really enjoying golfing and gardening.
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One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: One thing that surprises people is that I absolutely love to go grocery shopping.
Bank/Institution: Virginia Bankers Association
Position/Title: President & CEO
Years in Banking: 40
Preferred Telephone Number: (804) 241-3223
Preferred Email Address: bwhitehurst@vabankers.org
Brief description of your role in your organization: Work with my teammates to provide advocacy on behalf of Virginia banking and an array of programs and resources that support our member banks in various ways.
Favorite Book or Podcast: A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
In my free time, I enjoy...: Time with Family, Reading, Music, Travel
My dream vacation would be...: A month each year in a different part of the world
Last song I search on my digital music streaming service of choice (ex. Spotify, Apple Music): Bruce Springsteen Playlist - in anticipation of seeing him in concert soon
Bank/Institution: HIFI Agency
Position/Title: President
Years in Banking: 15
Preferred Telephone Number: (919) 210-4501
Preferred Email Address: hunter@hifiagency.com
Brief description of your role in your organization: I lead a team of strategists, designers, developers, and media planners who build some of the most advanced bank marketing programs in the country. It's an honor to help community banks build their brands, deliver their messages to their communities, and drive new business and revenue to these critical community institutions.
Favorite TV Show/Movie: The Goonies
In my free time, I enjoy...: Guitar and music production
One thing about me that surprises people or that people don't know about me...: had a run-in with a Mexican drug cartel once.
Last song I search on my digital music streaming service of choice (ex. Spotify, Apple Music): Something from the eighties probably.