Inside the Sessions
Scott Anchin | Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Policy, ICBA
Presentation
The Fraud and Scams Policy Landscape for Community Banks
Community banks know their customers, and the trust that follows is one of the strongest defenses against fraud and scams. As the landscape shifts across federal regulation, federal legislation, state law, and payment network rules at the same time, community banks are well-positioned both to protect their customers and to help shape the future. This one-hour session gives a clear picture of where fraud and scams policy is heading. It covers the important difference between fraud and scams, the current threat picture, the evolving question of liability, and the steps banks can take, including adding their voice to the debate.
Presenter Biography
Scott Anchin is Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Policy for the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). In his role, he supports the development and execution of ICBA’s long-term strategic goals to inform policy direction and implementation. He also advocates for ICBA’s policy positions before financial regulatory agencies and Congress and acts as an advisor to help guide key organizational decisions.
For almost 10 years, Anchin served as a key leader for many of the Federal Reserve’s payments initiatives and led collaborative stakeholder work groups to identify and solve industry issues, while also serving as the chief administrative officer for an intergovernmental payments technology program.
Prior to his time at the Fed, Anchin worked in a variety of policy roles at the White House Office of Management and Budget, Bloomberg LP, and the US Department of Homeland Security. Most recently, he worked as a consultant and advisor to payments industry associations, banks, and financial technology companies.
Anchin serves on the U.S. Faster Payments Council’s board of directors, which works to advance safe, easy-to-use faster payments in the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Syracuse University, a Master of Arts in political science and a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University, and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University.
Julie Peterson Klein | Chief of Staff and EVP/Chief Culture Officer, Bell Bank
Presentation
Leading with a Pay It Forward Heart
This presentation focuses on the powerful role culture and service play in every organization. Emphasizing that success is often built through the small, meaningful moments, Julie will highlight how the “little things” can make the biggest impact on employees, customers, and communities alike. She will also introduce the Pay It
Forward Program, encouraging attendees to lead with compassion, generosity, and a “Pay It Forward Heart” to help create stronger workplace cultures and deeper community connection.
Presenter Biography
As chief culture officer, Julie Peterson Klein inspires Bell’s team to live out our mission of “happy employees, happy customers” and values of family atmosphere, unequaled service and paying it forward. In addition to supporting culture-related initiatives, Julie works closely with Bell CEO Michael Solberg as his chief of staff and represents Bell at company and community functions. She also has oversight of Bell’s Pay It Forward giving initiative and is a trustee of Bell’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
Julie joined the bank in 1999 and served for many years as human resources manager. She was named chief culture officer in 2015 and took on the added
chief of staff role in 2022.
Originally from Milnor, N.D., Julie graduated from Minnesota State University – Moorhead. She is a certified senior professional in human resources and currently
serves on the boards of TEDxFargo and the Fargo Theatre.
Julie and her husband, Tate, live in Fargo with their three children.
Fran White | Executive Director, Ally Dakota Development
Presentation
Inside an SBA 504 Project
This session offers a practical, lender-focused look at the SBA 504 loan program through a real-life deal scenario. Designed for both newcomers and experienced lenders, the presentation will review the fundamentals of 504 lending and focus on actual walk through of deal eligibility and structuring.
Presenter Biography
Fran White has been involved in SBA 504 lending in South Dakota since 2002 with Ally Dakota Development, formerly known as Black Hills Community Economic Development. Beginning her career as a Loan Officer, she advanced through the organization before becoming Executive Director in 2018. During her leadership, the organization successfully completed a merger with First District Development Company out of Watertown, SD and has continued expanding its impact in small business financing throughout South Dakota.
Douglas E. Parrott | ICBA Secretary, ICBA President & CEO, State Bank of Toulon, Toulon, Ill.
Presentation
ICBA Review
Doug will provide an inside look at the latest advocacy, policy, and industry initiatives underway at ICBA and what they mean for community banks in South Dakota. From regulatory relief and federal legislation to innovation, payments, and community banking priorities in Washington, attendees will gain timely insights into the issues shaping the future of independent banking.
Presenter Biography
Douglas Parrott is secretary of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), the only national organization that exclusively represents community banks.
He serves as chairman, president and CEO of the State Bank of Toulon, Ill. and holds many roles at ICBA. He is a member of the ICBA Executive Committee, board of directors, and Federal Delegate Board. He also serves on ICBA’s Policy Development Committee and is the Executive Committee liaison to the rural America and Agriculture Committee.
Active at the local level, Parrott is the treasurer and former chairman of the Black Hawk East College Foundation, president of the Toulon Civic Association, and a board member of the Toulon Lions Club. He is a past chairman and current board member of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois.
Parrott received his associate’s degree in science from Lake Land College and his agricultural economics degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign. He also graduated from the CBAI School for Community Banking, the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wis., and the Moore School of Business Graduate School for Bank Investments and Financial Management, University of South Carolina.
Mike Timoney, Vice President of Payments System Improvement, Federal Reserve Financial Services
Presenter Biography
Mike Timoney is Vice President of Payments System Improvement for Federal Reserve Financial Services. Mike has responsibility to understand the payments and fraud landscape and identify areas where security must be improved. Mike is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing key elements of the Fed’s Payment Improvement strategy for payment security including improving fraud data, researching security and fraud trends, and evaluating emerging security and fraud technologies. He identifies and contributes opportunities for collaboration with the payments industry to improve overall payments security.
Mike is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Treasury Professional (CTP).
Carmen Ramirez | Director, CRA Support Services, ICBA CRA Solutions
Presentation
A Risk Management Approach to CRA
Join presenter Carmen Ramirez for an in-depth look at managing Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance through a strategic risk management lens. This session will explore the regulatory foundations of CRA, including assessment areas, public file requirements, and performance expectations based on institution asset size. Carmen will also discuss how banks can integrate CRA into their broader risk management framework by addressing both regulatory and strategic considerations. Attendees will gain insight into practical tools for identifying and mitigating CRA risk, including CRA plans, KPIs, and self-assessments, while also examining the critical role of board and executive leadership in establishing oversight, accountability, and a strong CRA strategy across the organization.
Presenter Biography
Carmen Ramirez is Director of CRA Support Services at ICBA CRA Solutions, bringing over 25 years of financial industry experience and more than 16 years specializing in regulatory compliance. She is a subject matter expert in Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), Fair Lending, HMDA, and Section 1071 requirements. Carmen has extensive experience supporting banks of all asset sizes through CRA self-assessments, strategic planning, and exam readiness, with a strong focus on risk mitigation and regulatory alignment. She frequently delivers training for boards, senior management, and compliance professionals, translating complex regulatory expectations into practical, examiner-aligned strategies.
April Brissette | Chief Risk Officer, BHG Financial
Presentation
Utilizing Technology and Embracing AI in Credit Decisioning
As the financial industry evolves, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the way banks approach credit decisioning. In this session, April Brissette, Chief Risk Officer at BHG Financial, will explore how institutions can leverage technology throughout the entire lending process to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
Presenter Biography
April Brissette is the Chief Risk Officer at BHG Financial, where she leads the company’s daily risk operations and acts as a strategic liaison between government affairs, compliance, and legal. In her role, she also oversees a team who focuses on process improvements and efficiencies, who provide critical support to the Institutional Division. With over 18 years at BHG, April has held a variety of leadership positions, including Chief of Staff to the CEO, Chief Credit Officer, and most recently, Executive Vice President of Administrative and Operational Risk.
Ryan W. Hayhurst | Managing Partner, President, The Baker Group
Presentation
Economic Overview and Federal Policy Outlook
Economic conditions, interest rates, inflation, and federal policy decisions continue to shape the operating environment for community banks. This session will provide an overview of the current economic landscape and examine the key policy developments influencing financial institutions, markets, and balance sheet strategy.
You’ll gain insight into interest rate trends, economic indicators, and the potential impact of federal policy decisions on investments, liquidity, and overall bank performance. The presentation will also explore market expectations moving forward and considerations for navigating an evolving economic and regulatory environment.
Presenter Biography
Ryan W. Hayhurst is managing partner and president of The Baker Group. Ryan joined the firm in 1991 and now oversees the design and implementation of investment and asset/liability strategies for financial institutions. He is also integrally involved in the continued development of the firm’s proprietary software designed to assist clients in the management of their investment portfolios and their overall interest rate risk profiles. Ryan regularly develops and presents educational seminars nationwide, with a focus on investment and interest rate risk management. He is a frequent speaker at financial institution conventions and investment conferences and has served as a faculty member of several national and regional banking schools. Hayhurst holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Oklahoma.member of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois.
Parrott received his associate’s degree in science from Lake Land College and his agricultural economics degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign. He also graduated from the CBAI School for Community Banking, the Graduate School of Banking in Madison, Wis., and the Moore School of Business Graduate School for Bank Investments and Financial Management, University of South Carolina.
Matt Heemstra, CPA, AMSF+ | Managing Partner, Cain Ellsworth & Company, LLP
Presentation
The Change Advantage
In today’s rapidly changing environment, community banks face constant pressure to adapt while continuing to serve their customers and communities effectively. This session will explore why change can feel overwhelming, why resistance is natural, and why proactive leadership is more important than ever. Attendees will gain practical insights into successfully managing change within their organizations, including key strategies that increase the likelihood of long-term success. The presentation will also address the growing challenge of change fatigue: what drives it, how it impacts teams, and actionable ways to overcome it. Participants will leave with fresh perspectives and practical tools to help themselves and their banks not just navigate change, but thrive through it.
Presenter Biography
Matt’s journey is one of continuous learning and growth, from his early days at the University of Nebraska to his influential role as Director of Growth & Profit Solutions at Cain Ellsworth. His book, The Change Advantage, and his insightful blog are testaments to his expertise and passion for driving positive change. Matt is a seasoned professional known for his strategic acumen and innovative solutions.
Matt is the driving force behind executing our firm’s vision and strategy. As managing partner, he is vital in nurturing our talent, shaping our policies, and steering growth and profitability. His strategic leadership ensures that we remain independent and focused on delivering exceptional value to our clients while fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
Matt is a seasoned professional known for his strategic insight and innovative solutions. He is respected for his integrity and forthrightness and has courage in revealing the hard truths — the essential, objective realities that others may shy away from. His commitment to transparency is one of the many reasons our clients trust and appreciate his guidance. His ability to guide through change instills confidence in our clients, knowing they are in capable hands.