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SPEAKERS
Courtney Blackburn
Chief Marketing Officer
First Federal Bank
As the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for First Federal Bank, Courtney Blackburn plays a pivotal role in shaping the bank's marketing strategies and initiatives. With over twenty years of experience, from leading a marketing agency to being responsible for individual brands, Courtney channels her passion for marketing into helping grow businesses while maintaining brand integrity. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Courtney is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the UVA Club of Jacksonville’s scholarship committee and volunteers for PRO, a pointer rescue. Residing in Florida with her husband, Anthony, one biped, - Asher, their rescue dogs, and a farm of horses, Courtney expertly balances her corporate role with business leadership and her passion for philanthropy.
Chief Marketing Officer
First Federal Bank
As the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for First Federal Bank, Courtney Blackburn plays a pivotal role in shaping the bank's marketing strategies and initiatives. With over twenty years of experience, from leading a marketing agency to being responsible for individual brands, Courtney channels her passion for marketing into helping grow businesses while maintaining brand integrity. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Courtney is deeply committed to community service. She serves on the UVA Club of Jacksonville’s scholarship committee and volunteers for PRO, a pointer rescue. Residing in Florida with her husband, Anthony, one biped, - Asher, their rescue dogs, and a farm of horses, Courtney expertly balances her corporate role with business leadership and her passion for philanthropy.
Sharon Cook
VP, Client Strategy
Vericast
Sharon Cook joined Vericast in January 2024 overseeing Financial Institution Client Strategy. She brings over 20 years of financial industry experience from working in consumer banking, wholesale lending to financial institutions, and now as a financial services partner for acquisition and growth strategy. Throughout her career, she has held key positions leading marketing and communications teams, including her most recent past role as Chief Marketing Officer. At Vericast, Sharon leads a team of former bank and credit union executives who deliver marketing and data strategy to Vericast clients, to help them achieve their deposit and lending acquisition and growth marketing goals.
Sharon graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in communications and journalism and has a Master of Business Administration degree in organizational leadership from Brenau University.
VP, Client Strategy
Vericast
Sharon Cook joined Vericast in January 2024 overseeing Financial Institution Client Strategy. She brings over 20 years of financial industry experience from working in consumer banking, wholesale lending to financial institutions, and now as a financial services partner for acquisition and growth strategy. Throughout her career, she has held key positions leading marketing and communications teams, including her most recent past role as Chief Marketing Officer. At Vericast, Sharon leads a team of former bank and credit union executives who deliver marketing and data strategy to Vericast clients, to help them achieve their deposit and lending acquisition and growth marketing goals.
Sharon graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in communications and journalism and has a Master of Business Administration degree in organizational leadership from Brenau University.
Ramona Crabtree-Faulkner
Founder & CEO
FocusFlow Corporate Mindfulness
For over two decades, Ramona Crabtree-Faulkner has dedicated her life to guiding others on their path to healing, self-discovery, and alignment. As the founder and CEO of FocusFlow Corporate Mindfulness, Ramona has developed the FocusFlow Methodology, a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, stress management, and wellness practices to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being in professional and personal settings.
Her journey began with a personal search for balance and authenticity, leading her to explore energy healing, yoga, and holistic practices that became the foundation of her work today. As a certified Reiki Master, she brings a deep understanding of energy work to her practice.
Founder & CEO
FocusFlow Corporate Mindfulness
For over two decades, Ramona Crabtree-Faulkner has dedicated her life to guiding others on their path to healing, self-discovery, and alignment. As the founder and CEO of FocusFlow Corporate Mindfulness, Ramona has developed the FocusFlow Methodology, a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, stress management, and wellness practices to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being in professional and personal settings.
Her journey began with a personal search for balance and authenticity, leading her to explore energy healing, yoga, and holistic practices that became the foundation of her work today. As a certified Reiki Master, she brings a deep understanding of energy work to her practice.
Eric Delgado
Technology DevOps Engineer
Safe Systems
Technology DevOps Engineer
Safe Systems
Patrick Dix
Vice President, Client and Association Engagement
SHAZAM
Patrick Dix is a seasoned media professional and the leader of SHAZAM’s strategic alliances efforts. In a 25-year career as a broadcast journalist, he received recognition for outstanding reporting with awards from The Society of Professional Journalists, The William Randolph Hearst Foundation and the Midwest Broadcast News Association.
Vice President, Client and Association Engagement
SHAZAM
Patrick Dix is a seasoned media professional and the leader of SHAZAM’s strategic alliances efforts. In a 25-year career as a broadcast journalist, he received recognition for outstanding reporting with awards from The Society of Professional Journalists, The William Randolph Hearst Foundation and the Midwest Broadcast News Association.
Scott Earwood
Head of Community Banking Division
White Clay
Head of Community Banking Division
White Clay
Jeff Fairchild
SVP, Lead Consultant
Blanchard Consulting Group
Jeff Fairchild is the Senior Vice President, Lead Consultant at Blanchard Consulting Group. Previously, Jeff served as the SVP, Managing Director of Newcleus Compensation Advisors. Jeff has experience consulting with Compensation Committees, Board of Directors, and Senior Executives to review executive and director compensation practices and related compensation programs relative to market best practices since 2010. He guides and assists clients in developing cash and equity annual and long-term incentive plans as well as provides analysis and guidance to ensure market-aligned pay and proper salary grade structures. Jeff graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Administration followed by receiving his Master of Business Administration from Mercer University. He has worked in various industries including Energy, Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical, Legal and Financial Services.
SVP, Lead Consultant
Blanchard Consulting Group
Jeff Fairchild is the Senior Vice President, Lead Consultant at Blanchard Consulting Group. Previously, Jeff served as the SVP, Managing Director of Newcleus Compensation Advisors. Jeff has experience consulting with Compensation Committees, Board of Directors, and Senior Executives to review executive and director compensation practices and related compensation programs relative to market best practices since 2010. He guides and assists clients in developing cash and equity annual and long-term incentive plans as well as provides analysis and guidance to ensure market-aligned pay and proper salary grade structures. Jeff graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Administration followed by receiving his Master of Business Administration from Mercer University. He has worked in various industries including Energy, Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical, Legal and Financial Services.
Jason Keith, CIA, CISA
Senior Technology Risk Consulting Manager
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Jason is a senior technology risk consulting manager in the Information Technology Services practice of Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund. He specializes in consulting highly-regulated industries such as financial institutions, healthcare organizations and the defense industrial base, providing information security assessments, vulnerability and penetration testing and other related information security compliance services. Jason has over 20 years of professional experience and has held several technology-focused leadership roles with previous organizations, including Vice President of Risk, Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer. He also has a strong operational background from past experience serving as a Bank Director, Credit Administrator, Compliance Officer and Financial Advisor.
Senior Technology Risk Consulting Manager
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Jason is a senior technology risk consulting manager in the Information Technology Services practice of Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund. He specializes in consulting highly-regulated industries such as financial institutions, healthcare organizations and the defense industrial base, providing information security assessments, vulnerability and penetration testing and other related information security compliance services. Jason has over 20 years of professional experience and has held several technology-focused leadership roles with previous organizations, including Vice President of Risk, Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer. He also has a strong operational background from past experience serving as a Bank Director, Credit Administrator, Compliance Officer and Financial Advisor.
William T. Krizner, J.D.
The Krizner Group
William T. Krizner founded and works as Operating Partner of THE KRIZNER GROUP, a law firm that assists organizations before and after disputes arise.
Mr. Krizner developed a preventative services model that assists clients in implementing policies and procedures to avoid lawsuits. He provides client counseling, employment law litigation, and governmental investigations.
Mr. Krizner has published dozens of articles relating to hiring, termination procedures, employee monitoring, and dangers imposed by the Disabilities Act and FMLA. He speaks regularly both locally and nationally and personally represents thousands of clients in Florida and throughout the United States.
The Krizner Group
William T. Krizner founded and works as Operating Partner of THE KRIZNER GROUP, a law firm that assists organizations before and after disputes arise.
Mr. Krizner developed a preventative services model that assists clients in implementing policies and procedures to avoid lawsuits. He provides client counseling, employment law litigation, and governmental investigations.
Mr. Krizner has published dozens of articles relating to hiring, termination procedures, employee monitoring, and dangers imposed by the Disabilities Act and FMLA. He speaks regularly both locally and nationally and personally represents thousands of clients in Florida and throughout the United States.
Ed Krow, SPHR, CCP, SHRM-SCP
Speaker and Author
Ed is the Talent Transformation Expert for businesses looking to achieve 8 figure growth. He delivers captivating, high-energy keynote presentations that challenge the traditional model of HR and prepare decision makers for motivating their people with a win-win strategy.
In his career, Ed has helped over 250 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, achieve talent and culture transformations. As a result, audiences value Ed’s deep understanding of the employee/employer dynamic and his ability create a connection with them right away. On stage, he provides practical approaches, tools and relevant stories to inspire action.
A speaker, trainer and coach certified by The John Maxwell Team; Ed’s topics bring a refreshing perspective on how to leverage what is commonly viewed as “people problems” and turn negative growth into business success.
Ed is a member of the National Speakers Association, and has been featured in USA Today, Business Insider, and Yahoo! Finance. He is the author of "Strategic HR: Driving Bottom Line Results Through Your People".
Speaker and Author
Ed is the Talent Transformation Expert for businesses looking to achieve 8 figure growth. He delivers captivating, high-energy keynote presentations that challenge the traditional model of HR and prepare decision makers for motivating their people with a win-win strategy.
In his career, Ed has helped over 250 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, achieve talent and culture transformations. As a result, audiences value Ed’s deep understanding of the employee/employer dynamic and his ability create a connection with them right away. On stage, he provides practical approaches, tools and relevant stories to inspire action.
A speaker, trainer and coach certified by The John Maxwell Team; Ed’s topics bring a refreshing perspective on how to leverage what is commonly viewed as “people problems” and turn negative growth into business success.
Ed is a member of the National Speakers Association, and has been featured in USA Today, Business Insider, and Yahoo! Finance. He is the author of "Strategic HR: Driving Bottom Line Results Through Your People".
Corey LeBlanc
Co-Founder & COO/CTO
Locality Bank
Corey LeBlanc is a catalyst for CX advancement in the banking industry and a steadfast advocate in the mission to transform small business banking. Previously Corey served six years in the U.S. Air Force and 14 years as CTO and Chief Digital & Innovation Officer at Origin Bank. His career has focused on aligning technology and banking services.
Co-Founder & COO/CTO
Locality Bank
Corey LeBlanc is a catalyst for CX advancement in the banking industry and a steadfast advocate in the mission to transform small business banking. Previously Corey served six years in the U.S. Air Force and 14 years as CTO and Chief Digital & Innovation Officer at Origin Bank. His career has focused on aligning technology and banking services.
Michael Maricelli, CIA, CISA, AAPSenior Financial Institutions Consultant
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Michael is a senior consultant in the Financial Institutions Advisory Group at Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund. Michael specializes in providing information security assessments, vulnerability and penetration testing, third-party risk management reviews, risk-based Nacha compliance audits and digital banking reviews. Michael has over 14 years of financial institution experience and has held positions in mortgage lending and internal audit. Before joining Saltmarsh, Michael was a director of payments risk and compliance at a regional payments association where he provided audit and risk assessment services for a variety of payment channels (ACH, wire transfer, remote deposit capture).
Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund
Michael is a senior consultant in the Financial Institutions Advisory Group at Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund. Michael specializes in providing information security assessments, vulnerability and penetration testing, third-party risk management reviews, risk-based Nacha compliance audits and digital banking reviews. Michael has over 14 years of financial institution experience and has held positions in mortgage lending and internal audit. Before joining Saltmarsh, Michael was a director of payments risk and compliance at a regional payments association where he provided audit and risk assessment services for a variety of payment channels (ACH, wire transfer, remote deposit capture).
Tom Miller
Senior VP, Processing
SHAZAM
Tom Miller’s expertise in acquisition, relationship management, geographic expansion and strategic planning has been instrumental in his 25 years at SHAZAM. Tom leads a talented team of individuals, working to help clients learn about the industry, build their businesses and continue to stay relevant and competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.
Senior VP, Processing
SHAZAM
Tom Miller’s expertise in acquisition, relationship management, geographic expansion and strategic planning has been instrumental in his 25 years at SHAZAM. Tom leads a talented team of individuals, working to help clients learn about the industry, build their businesses and continue to stay relevant and competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.
Keather Snyder
President & Chief Operating Officer
The Omnia Group
Keather Snyder is the President and Chief Operating Officer at The Omnia Group, a leader in helping organizations optimize their talent selection, and continuously grow and inspire their workforce. Keather is a results-oriented leader with a track record of guiding organizations in cultivating the employee experience, engaging clients, and executing sales plans to drive business growth. For over 25 years she’s built global sales teams, created innovative marketing strategies and led exceptional client delivery and professional services organizations. Keather is a highly regarded, engaging speaker at industry conferences, events and universities where she regularly speaks on human capital trends, employee engagement strategies and the evolving future of work. Keather is also hugely passionate about developing our future generation of employees and dedicates personal time to mentoring school age and early career professionals. She lives in St. Petersburg, FL, and cherishes family time with her husband and two daughters. In her personal time, she enjoys hiking challenges, following food network star recipes and paddle boarding.
President & Chief Operating Officer
The Omnia Group
Keather Snyder is the President and Chief Operating Officer at The Omnia Group, a leader in helping organizations optimize their talent selection, and continuously grow and inspire their workforce. Keather is a results-oriented leader with a track record of guiding organizations in cultivating the employee experience, engaging clients, and executing sales plans to drive business growth. For over 25 years she’s built global sales teams, created innovative marketing strategies and led exceptional client delivery and professional services organizations. Keather is a highly regarded, engaging speaker at industry conferences, events and universities where she regularly speaks on human capital trends, employee engagement strategies and the evolving future of work. Keather is also hugely passionate about developing our future generation of employees and dedicates personal time to mentoring school age and early career professionals. She lives in St. Petersburg, FL, and cherishes family time with her husband and two daughters. In her personal time, she enjoys hiking challenges, following food network star recipes and paddle boarding.
MJ Whalen, MBA
Speaker, Author, Consultant & Human Resources Executive
Two Partners
MJ Calderon Whalen is the founder of TWO Partners, a speaker, author, consultant, entrepreneur, and human resources executive with over 15 years of experience. Specializing in employee engagement, leadership development, and HR compliance MJ helps organizations align their people strategies with business goals, fostering cultures of trust and authenticity. With a diverse background, MJ has partnered with globally recognized organizations such as HCA Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, Johns Hopkins, and Hilton & Marriott Branded Properties, successfully crafting and executing HR strategies that seamlessly align with both organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
As a former VP of HR at HCA Healthcare, MJ has firsthand experience managing large teams and navigating compliance in highly regulated industries. She brings expertise in recruitment, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development, helping companies scale and improve their HR operations. With comprehensive knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and industry standards, MJ ensures businesses remain compliant and competitive while shaping company culture to attract and retain top-tier talent.
Speaker, Author, Consultant & Human Resources Executive
Two Partners
MJ Calderon Whalen is the founder of TWO Partners, a speaker, author, consultant, entrepreneur, and human resources executive with over 15 years of experience. Specializing in employee engagement, leadership development, and HR compliance MJ helps organizations align their people strategies with business goals, fostering cultures of trust and authenticity. With a diverse background, MJ has partnered with globally recognized organizations such as HCA Healthcare, Wellstar Health System, Johns Hopkins, and Hilton & Marriott Branded Properties, successfully crafting and executing HR strategies that seamlessly align with both organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
As a former VP of HR at HCA Healthcare, MJ has firsthand experience managing large teams and navigating compliance in highly regulated industries. She brings expertise in recruitment, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development, helping companies scale and improve their HR operations. With comprehensive knowledge of labor laws, regulations, and industry standards, MJ ensures businesses remain compliant and competitive while shaping company culture to attract and retain top-tier talent.
Larry Zelvin
Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Crimes Unit
BMO Financial Group
Larry Zelvin is the Head of the Financial Crimes Unit at BMO Financial Group where he is responsible globally for cyber security, fraud, physical security and crisis management. Prior to BMO, Larry was a Managing Director and the Global Head of Cyber Security at Citigroup. Larry has also held several roles in the U.S. Government that include Director, National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Senior Director for Response, National Security Council, The White House; and, Director, Homeland Defense Integration, Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Pentagon. He served as a U.S. Naval Officer and Aviator for 26 years and retired as a Captain.
Larry has a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University, a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College and a Master of Science from the U.S. Defense Intelligence College.
Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Crimes Unit
BMO Financial Group
Larry Zelvin is the Head of the Financial Crimes Unit at BMO Financial Group where he is responsible globally for cyber security, fraud, physical security and crisis management. Prior to BMO, Larry was a Managing Director and the Global Head of Cyber Security at Citigroup. Larry has also held several roles in the U.S. Government that include Director, National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Senior Director for Response, National Security Council, The White House; and, Director, Homeland Defense Integration, Office of the Secretary of Defense, The Pentagon. He served as a U.S. Naval Officer and Aviator for 26 years and retired as a Captain.
Larry has a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University, a Master of Arts from the U.S. Naval War College and a Master of Science from the U.S. Defense Intelligence College.
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