2026 Women in Banking Forum
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Embassy Suites Oklahoma Downtown Medical Center, 741 North Phillips Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK
REGISTRATION
The Women in Banking Forum is an in-person program. Registrants will receive a link to pay the registration fee via credit card upon registration.
Registration deadline: April 21, 2026
Cost: 150.00
Join other leaders in the financial services sector for the Women in Banking Forum. This event is designed to bring together mid- to senior-level leaders in the financial services industry and will include industry, leadership and professional development content to enhance your careers and networks.
About This Event
This forum is hosted by the Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Oklahoma City Branch, and the Oklahoma Bankers Association.
Who Should Attend?
Any mid- to senior-level leader in the financial services industry.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credit
By attending the 2026 Women in Banking Forum, you can earn up to 4.5 CPE credits for which no prerequisite is required. A sign-up sheet will be available at the event.
Fields of Study:
Personal Development – 2.5
Specialized Knowledge – 2
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Live
Learning Objective:
To provide leaders in the banking industry with leadership and professional development knowledge that will enhance their careers and networks.
For information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and program cancellations, please contact Amy Ivey at 816-881-5752.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website.
Hotel Room Block:
A limited number of discounted hotel rooms are available at the Embassy Suites for $159/night plus tax for the evening of Monday, April 27. This rate is only available through March 28, so we encourage you to book your accommodation early.
AGENDA
8:00 a.m. Breakfast and Networking
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks
Cortney Cowley – Oklahoma City Branch Executive and Assistant Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
9:10 a.m. Beyond the Headlines: Decoding Bank Performance and Supervision and How it Impacts You - Tara Humston – Executive Vice President, Supervision and Risk Management Division, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
In this dynamic environment, hear an update on current banking conditions and legislation to broaden your perspective as an industry leader.
10:10 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Leading Well: A Systematic Approach to Burnout Prevention for Leaders and Teams - Paula Davis – Founder and Chief Executive Officer The Stress and Resilience Institute
The pace of work, constant change and uncertainty, and the scaling of AI technology have left teams and leaders exhausted. Burnout is a business risk that impacts the entire organization, yet most attempts to help focus on quick-fix strategies aimed at individuals. In this program, Paula will focus on a holistic approach to burnout prevention, providing actionable strategies for individuals, leaders, and teams.
11:45 a.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions
- Raising the Cyber Shield: Protecting Banking Systems Against Emerging Threats - Elizabeth Williams Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Oklahoma City Branch
- This presentation delivers an analysis of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, specifically targeting the financial sector. Drawing from the latest CSBS Survey data highlighting cybersecurity as a top concern for bankers, we’ll examine the most prevalent threat vectors impacting financial institutions today. Attendees will gain insight into cascading effects of third-party service disruptions and emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence. The presentation also provides practical guidance on building resilient defense strategies, including incident response planning. You will leave with an
understanding of the current threats, common mitigation practices, and resources to
strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity framework.
- This presentation delivers an analysis of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, specifically targeting the financial sector. Drawing from the latest CSBS Survey data highlighting cybersecurity as a top concern for bankers, we’ll examine the most prevalent threat vectors impacting financial institutions today. Attendees will gain insight into cascading effects of third-party service disruptions and emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence. The presentation also provides practical guidance on building resilient defense strategies, including incident response planning. You will leave with an
- Leveling Up on Stablecoin and Digital Assets: What to Know - Geron Morgan – Partner and Oklahoma Market Sector Leader, Forvis Mazars
- Digital assets are impacting the financial landscape, making it essential for community
bank directors to understand the core concepts behind this technology. This session
provides a clear, accessible introduction to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum,
and stablecoins, along with the broader category of digital assets. We’ll break down how
these assets work, why they matter, and the key risks and challenges they present. We’ll
also dive into the role auditors play in bringing trust and transparency to the digital assets
industry. Participants will leave with a solid grasp of the fundamental principles that
define the digital asset ecosystem and the trends driving its evolution.
- Digital assets are impacting the financial landscape, making it essential for community
1:50 p.m. Break
2:10 p.m. Leadership Fireside Chat
Cortney Cowley – Oklahoma City Branch Executive and Assistant Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Rhonda Hooper – President and Chief Executive Officer Jordan Advertising
In this fireside chat, hear from two engaging and down-to-earth women as they reflect on
the chapters that have shaped their leadership style and careers. Through candid stories
and shared insights, they’ll explore what it takes to lead with confidence, navigate change
and define success on their own terms.
3:10 p.m. Closing Remarks
Cortney Cowley – Oklahoma City Branch Executive and Assistant Vice President
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
3:15 p.m. Adjourn