Banking Out Loud

From CEOs down through the front line, culture is no longer just a buzzword — it’s how organizations attract and keep talent, adapt to change, and drive performance. But what does healthy culture look like day-to-day, and how can leaders build and sustain it? In this episode, we sit down with Megan Pelletier, EVP & Chief Operations and People Officer at HomeTrust Bank, and Crystal Hasan, SVP, Human Resources at PCBB to dig into how a strong culture can impact the success of an institution. They also explore how culture strategy should evolve for hybrid and remote work environments, the role culture can play in making mergers and acquisitions smoother, and why a clear cultural foundation is essential when rolling out AI and other new technologies.   GUESTS: Megan Pelletier EVP & Chief Operations and People Officer HomeTrust Bank Crystal Hasan SVP, Human Resources PCBB

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, PCBB’s Matt Helsing leads a discussion with three community bankers on how they’re modernizing their processes for clearing Canadian checks. Listen in as our guests share how partnering with PCBB and Fiserv has strengthened their operations. By using PCBB’s Canadian Check Image solution offered on the Fiserv Clearing Network, these institutions have reduced costs associated with overnight check shipments and exchange rate adjustments. MODERATOR:  Matt Helsing  SVP & Regional Manager, West Region  PCBB  PANELISTS:  Lana Hollier  SVP & Director of Deposit Operations  Sanibel Captiva Community Bank  Cory Flinn VP, Payment Operations  Bridgewater Bank  Joanna Champagne  VP, Operations Officer Franklin Savings Bank 

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, our host, Nancy Ozawa, sits down with PCBB’s President, Mike Dohren, to predict what 2026 has in store for community financial institutions. They delve into how profitability, innovation, and technology will shape the year as banks work to adapt to changing customer expectations and new opportunities on the horizon. The conversation also touches on how AI, digital payments, open banking, efficiency, regulatory shifts, and other likely opportunities could redefine banking strategies — including why staying agile and forward-thinking will be key to long-term success. Tune in to discover what forward-thinking community banks are preparing for and glean insights to help your organization thrive this year.   Guest: Mike Dohren President PCBB RESOURCES: Check out this PCBB BID Article for even more 2026 banking trends. READ ARTICLE

This special episode brings together a powerhouse panel of industry experts to tackle the existential challenges facing community financial institutions (CFIs) today. In a banking environment shaped by market pressures, rapid technology disruption, evolving regulations, and shifting customer expectations, survival is far from guaranteed. Moderator Curt Hecker, CEO & Executive Chairman of PCBB, leads a dynamic conversation with Gary Steven Findley, Esq., President of Gary Steven Findley & Associates; Aaron Donaldson, Financial Institutions Consulting Co-leader and Principal with RSM; and John Pietrzak, President and CEO of Devrai Capital. Together, they share practical strategies CFI leaders can put to work immediately — covering capital planning, board effectiveness, technology adoption, AI readiness, and more. These insights are not just future-focused — they address what every CFI executive and director should act on now to ensure long-term relevance and resilience. This episode intentionally runs longer than usual, reflecting the depth and urgency of the topics discussed. To make it easy for listeners to dive in, chapters have been included for quick navigation. Listeners can choose the segments most relevant to their role or revisit critical advice. The length, structure, and caliber of voices in this discussion make it an invaluable resource for anyone committed to shaping the future of community banking.   MODERATOR: Curt Hecker CEO & Executive Chairman PCBB PANELISTS: Gary Steven Findley, Esq. President Gary Steven Findley & Associates Aaron Donaldson Financial Institutions Consulting Co-leader and Principal RSM US LLP John Pietrzak President and CEO Devrai Capital

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, host Sonia Portwood and Curt Hecker, industry veteran and CEO of PCBB, unravel the essentials of strategic planning for community financial institutions (CFIs). Discover how senior leaders and boards can leverage digital transformation, AI, and compliance best practices to drive growth, enhance customer experience, and stay competitive amidst rapid industry change. The conversation highlights actionable strategies, technology modernization, project management, risk mitigation, emerging fintech partnerships, and market trends shaping community banking in 2026. Tune in for expert insights and proven approaches to future-proof your CFI. Guest: Curt Hecker CEO & Executive Chairman PCBB Download this episode's companion PDF for takeaways and tips on Strategic Planning. DOWNLOAD Check out this PCBB BID article for even more Strategic Planning insight from Curt Hecker. READ ARTICLE  

As the cannabis industry grows, community financial institutions face a pivotal decision — should they step into the Marijuana-Related Banking (MRB) space? In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of MRB, breaking down the risks, rewards, and regulatory complexities of taking on cannabis-related business customers. Join us as we dive into the conversations CFIs are having with regulators about MRB, the potential impact of legislative changes like the SAFE Banking Act, and real-world insights from financial institutions already offering MRB services. We’ll also discuss reputation management, compliance strategies, and what it takes to run a successful MRB program. If your institution is weighing the pros and cons of MRB, this episode will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about this rapidly evolving sector. Resources: The Shield Compliance Cannabis Banking Playbook GUESTS: Tony Repanich President and CEO Shield Compliance shieldbanking.com Aviva Lipkin SVP, BSA/AML & OFAC Officer Risk Department PCBB pcbb.com  

Banking Out Loud host Nancy Ozawa discusses relationship banking, its benefits, and strategies for success with guest Justin Armstrong, Co-CEO of UBank, and PCBB’s Northeast Regional Manager, Mike Foreman. The group delves into how prioritizing customer relationships over transactions radically transformed UBank’s approach to banking. Join us as we break down UBank’s vision to level up community banking into actionable insights. Their winning strategy focuses on common sense, consistency, and efficiency, creating long-term, sustainable success for both their customers and their team. This episode is a must-listen for those striving to elevate their own institutions to new heights. Guest: Justin Armstrong Co-Chief Executive Officer UBank

In this episode, Kathy Lonowski, former regulator with the FDIC, explores the keys to success for community financial institutions. Lonowski shares insights on the importance of proactive risk management, strong communication, and effective data use in decision-making. She explains why involving regulators early in risk discussions is crucial and highlights the significance of corporate governance and stakeholder trust in ensuring long-term success. Lonowski also touches on the role of middle management in addressing issues and stresses the importance of due diligence when launching new products. She wraps up with a practical look at how regulatory bodies coordinate and why preemptive reporting can prevent bigger issues down the line. Resources: • FDIC - Third-Party Risk Management, A Guide for Community Banks • eCFR - Appendix A to Part 364—Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness Guest: Kathy Lonowski Former FDIC Regulator

In this insightful episode, we dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of mid-level managers. Scott Mautz, accomplished author, keynote speaker, and trainer leverages his decades of management experience at Proctor & Gamble (P&G), along with data and actionable tips and strategies, to help middle managers thrive in hierarchy, differentiate themselves, and influence “up, down, and across the organization.”  Scott offers a fresh perspective on how middle-managing leaders can enhance their influence by being a powerful resource for upper management, coaching and empowering their teams, and championing collaboration between departments to drive meaningful change from the middle of their organization. He also shines a light on the skills that separate the truly great middle managers from the pack and how they actually form the backbone of successful companies.   Resources Mentioned: •Leading from the Middle (Book) •The Mentally Strong Leader (Book) •Free 60-Page Companion Workbook (PDF Download) Guest: Scott Mautz Author, Keynote and Trainer Founder, Profound Performance https://scottmautz.com/  

AI is expected to be as big a disruptor as the internet was. In this episode, we're joined by Kendra Ramirez, CEO of KR Digital Agency and an expert in AI. Together, we explore the far-reaching impacts of AI across industries, focusing on the banking sector and generative AI. Kendra unpacks the nuances of generative AI, shedding light on its benefits and challenges. She shares actionable tips for navigating the AI landscape, from getting started to vetting AI-powered tools effectively. She also emphasizes the importance of developing an AI policy to ensure responsible and ethical use and to prevent shadow AI.  Join us as we uncover the transformative power of AI and how you can harness it strategically to help achieve your business goals.   Guest: Kendra Ramirez Chief Executive Officer KR Digital Connect with Kendra on LinkedIn

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, Fiserv payments experts Paul Sullivan and Justin Jackson join PCBB’s payments expert Sheila Noll to discuss the rapidly evolving faster payments landscape. Their conversation touches on the importance of strategic thinking and collaboration with partners, while also driving home the need to view faster payments as an opportunity to better serve customers and differentiate your institution. They also discuss other considerations, such as the value of data-rich transactions enabled by ISO 20022 and the potential for new use cases and business models as faster payments continue to develop.   Guests: Sheila Noll EVP, Chief Operating Officer PCBB Justin Jackson SVP, Head of Enterprise Payment Solutions Fiserv Paul Sullivan VP, Treasury Solution Sales Fiserv  

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, host Nancy Ozawa discusses the value of performance reviews and how to effectively prepare for them with Laurie Battaglia, CEO of Aligned at Work. Laurie emphasizes the need for employees and managers to discuss the format and frequency of reviews that will be most helpful. She also provides tips for employees on how to prepare for performance discussions, the role of managers in creating a positive culture of feedback and growth, and the importance of open communication, curiosity, and continuous improvement in the performance review process.   Guest: Laurie Battaglia Chief Executive Officer Aligned at Work® Connect with Laurie: [email protected] | www.alignedatwork.com | LinkedIn

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, US Secret Service agent Stephen Dougherty joins hosts Sonia Portwood and Nancy Ozawa to discuss cybercrime and the Secret Service’s mission to protect and secure the US financial and economic infrastructure. Stephen shares examples of types of cybercrime, including business email compromise schemes, romance scams, work-from-home scams and deep fakes, and explains how technology tools, including AI, have made these schemes more sophisticated than ever. He also provides tips on when and to which law enforcement or relevant authority suspicious activity should be reported to. Hosts: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB [email protected] Nancy Ozawa Senior Vice President, Marketing PCBB [email protected] Guest: Stephen Dougherty U.S. Secret Service CID/GIOC [email protected]   Resources: • US Secret Service Field Offices: https://www.secretservice.gov/contact/field-offices • The Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center: https://www.fsisac.com/ • Preparing for a Cyber Incident: https://www.secretservice.gov/investigation/Preparing-for-a-Cyber-Incident  

In this podcast episode, host Sonia Portwood discusses the importance of communication skills and ways to improve them with guest Alyson Van Hooser, a keynote speaker and trainer focused on multi-generational leadership. Alyson shares tips emphasizing the need for intentional communication and understanding the stories of others to connect with them effectively. Also, hear the three-step listening technique that can not only improve communication but also ensure the results you want from almost any conversation.   Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB   Guest: Alyson Van Hooser Keynote Speaker, Trainer, Author Van Hooser Associates, Inc. www.vanhooser.com  

In this episode of Banking Out Loud, we discuss the importance of putting strategy before structure when launching new products, services, and strategic initiatives. Guest Ryan Canin, CEO and Co-Founder of DocFox, shares insights on the importance of defining clear objectives and strategies before adopting new technologies or selecting vendors. Hear practical approaches to optimize your innovation journey and understand how to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring that your institution remains efficient, competitive, and customer-focused. Host: Nancy Ozawa Senior Vice President Marketing | PCBB Guest: Ryan Canin CEO and Co-Founder | DocFox www.docfox.io

Excellent customer service can be a crucial differentiator for businesses. Done well, it can help your institution attract and retain customers and drive bottom-line results. Join us as Dennis Snow walks us through proven principals for delivering outstanding customer experiences. As an ex-Disney leader and now full-time speaker, trainer and consultant on all things customer service excellence, Dennis discusses the strategic tools that help differentiate your services from others and helps create an engaged workplace, so that customer satisfaction is the primary focus of the entire team.   Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales & Marketing Officer PCBB Guest: Dennis Snow Customer Service Keynote Speaker, Consultant and Author Snow & Associates, Inc Email: [email protected] Phone: 407-294-1855 snowassociates.com Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennissnow/  

There is a lot to understand when it comes to cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and the associated regulation. We talk with Div Pandya, Principal at FS Vector, to help us understand it all. Learn about the types of digital assets and current regulation standards, along with expert predictions on where this sector is headed. We also explore blockchain technology with a look at current and potential uses related to banking.   Host: Nancy Ozawa Senior Vice President, Marketing PCBB Guest: Divij Pandya Principal FS Vector Email: [email protected] Connect with Div on LinkedIn    Resources mentioned in this episode: American Banker Coin Desk  

It's always a good time to focus on keeping your customers happy and loyal. In this episode of Banking Out Loud, we sit down with Sushil Wenholz and Paul Louderman of Customer Communication Group to discuss ways to increase customer loyalty — including 3 tips to get started and key mistakes to avoid.   Host: Nancy Ozawa Senior Vice President, Marketing PCBB Guests: Sushil Wenholz VP, Creative Director Customer Communications Group, Inc. [email protected] Paul Louderman SVP, Account Management Customer Communications Group, Inc. [email protected] Learn more about Customer Communication Group, Inc. (CCG)  

Chief Credit Officer, Michael Kerr of First Federal Bank shares his experience with CECL, and why his institution ultimately decided to outsource CECL, after starting off in-house.  From Coast to Coast, PCBB is Your Trusted Partner. If you have questions about CECL or your approach - in-house or outsourced - we would be happy to help. Feel free to reach out:  (888)-399-1930 | [email protected] | pcbb.com/products/cecl Host: Nancy Ozawa Senior Vice President, Marketing PCBB [email protected] Guest: Michael Kerr Chief Credit Officer First Federal Bank

Archie Kelley, Managing Principal of SalesPhysics and creator of The Value Equation, joins us to discuss his sales technique aimed at creating a pathway to extraordinary sales results. Archie explains how value is at the core of successful selling, and provides three tips to boost success and three mistakes to avoid. Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB Guest: Archie Kelly Managing Principal SalesPhysics, LLC [email protected] www.salesphysics.com Connect with Archie on LinkedIn

In this part 2 of our payments episode series, host Sonia Portwood sits down with PCBB's Allen Sztukowski to discuss what the future of real-time payments looks like.  Including the soon-to-launch FedNow program, anticipated technology and functionality changes, and tips to help you prepare. Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB Guest: Allen Sztukowski Senior Vice President, CAMS Operations | PCBB Resources: Faster Payments Council: https://fasterpaymentscouncil.org/Guides-Research  FedNowSM Service: https://explore.fednow.org/

Host Sonia Portwood sits down with executive coach and leadership consultant Dr. Susan Bernstein, to discuss managing – and even harnessing – anxiety and stress in order to confidently navigate today’s ever-changing (banking) landscape. Host: Sonia Portwood Chief Sales and Marketing Officer PCBB Connect with Sonia: LinkedIn Guest: Dr. Susan Bernstein, MBA, PhD Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant Connect with Susan: www.DrSusanBernstein.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube  Resources: Breathwrk App

Join hosts Sonia Portwood and Virginia Robbins in a discussion with Allen Sztukowski, Senior Vice President of Operations at PCBB to discuss real-time payments. As an active participant in the efforts to modernize real-time payments, Allen shares his insights on how the payments space has changed over the years, and what efforts are being made today to modernize it.

In part 2 of our 2-part series on CECL, Andy Hines, Chief Lending Officer, and EVP at The Bank of Glen Burnie, shares his experience in getting started with CECL, his exposure and participation, his thoughts on spreadsheets for CECL, and how his institution prepared for CECL.  For more information on CECL, visit https://www.pcbb.com/products/cecl

In this 2-part series on CECL, we speak with Andy Hines, Chief Lending Officer, and EVP at The Bank of Glen Burnie, as he reflects on his journey through implementing the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) accounting standard. In this part 1, Andy shares lessons he has learned, specifically on organizing data for CECL and explaining CECL results to his stakeholders. For more information on CECL, visit https://www.pcbb.com/products/cecl

In this episode, hosts Virginia Robbins and Sonia Portwood talk with PCBB's Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert Shiva Sandy.  

Hear what PCBB’s podcast Banking Out Loud is all about in this sneak peek episode. Hosts Virginia Robbins and Sonia Portwood talk about what you can expect from this new podcast.