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Leadership Elevation & Development

Emerging Leaders · Massachusetts Bankers

Leadership Elevation & Development

LEAD brings together the next generation of community bankers from across Massachusetts. Meet your peers, grow as a leader, and help move the industry forward. No title required.

Who We Are

Anyone can be an Emerging Leader.

LEAD was created at the request of bank CEOs who saw a need to develop the next generation of leaders in the industry. It gives rising professionals across our member banks the connections and the room to grow into that role.

You don't need a certain title, age, or number of years in banking. If you want to grow your career, develop as a leader, and give back to the industry, LEAD is for you.

What We Offer

Networking

Meet and build relationships with peers and senior leaders at banks across the state.

Professional Development

Attend programs designed to build your leadership skills and deepen your knowledge of the industry.

Leadership Opportunities

Serve on the committee or a subcommittee, help plan the programming, and steer where LEAD goes next.

Get Involved

Find your way in.

There are plenty of ways to take part, whatever your title, tenure, or bank. Start with one.

Come to an event and meet peers from across our member banks.
Volunteer for the committee and help plan the programming.
Bring LEAD opportunities back to your bank and colleagues.
Sign up for LEAD news and event announcements.

The door is open.

It doesn't take a title or years on the job to belong here. Come get involved.

Programs & Events

Upcoming events

Programs and gatherings throughout the year, from our signature conference to smaller workshops and networking nights.

15–16Oct 2026

Emerging Leaders Conference

Newport, RI

Our signature annual event brings together emerging leaders from across the region for two days of networking, leadership development, and industry insights.

Fall2026

Day On the Hill

State House, Boston, MA

Banking leaders and Emerging Leaders will come together to meet with legislators, share industry perspectives, and strengthen relationships with policymakers. This unique event blends advocacy, networking, and leadership development, giving both seasoned executives and rising professionals the chance to make their voices heard at the State House.

8–10Dec 2026

Leadership Development Program

Babson Executive Conference Center, Wellesley, MA

The Leadership Development Workshop is a highly interactive two-and-a-half-day program designed for senior and aspiring leaders in financial institutions. In a supportive, small-group setting, participants explore the responsibilities of leadership through peer interaction, self-evaluation, and case study discussions. The program is ideal for graduates of the New England School of Financial Studies as well as other middle and senior managers looking to strengthen their leadership skills and impact within their organizations.

4–5Feb 2027

CEO/Senior Management Workshop

Westin Hotel, Waltham, MA

Our two-day CEO & Senior Management Workshop brings together bank executives for high-level learning, idea exchange, and peer networking. The program features expert speakers, timely discussions on industry challenges, and opportunities to collaborate on strategies that strengthen leadership and organizational performance. In the past, Emerging Leaders were invited to join us for the first day of the program. Based on valuable feedback from CEOs, we are pleased to extend this invitation to both days of the workshop. This will provide Emerging Leaders with more time to learn alongside senior executives, engage in meaningful conversations, and build stronger connections with today’s industry leaders.

23–27May 2027

New England School for Financial Studies

Babson Executive Conference Center, Wellesley, MA

The New England School for Financial Studies provides banking professionals with the tools they need to manage effectively in today’s changing industry. An intensive two-year program of studies broadens the skills of supervisory personnel and trains you to make decisions that promote the profitability of the bank as a whole. As of last year, the school graduated more than 4,085 bankers.

Year-round

Networking Events

In addition, the committee hosts smaller networking events and workshops throughout the year to keep members engaged and connected.

Looking Back

Past-event highlights

A look at where LEAD has been: conferences, workshops, and the connections made along the way.

The Committee

Meet the committee

The LEAD Committee guides programming and serves as a resource for participants.

The LEAD Committee
ChairBenjamin LordEVP & Chief Operating Officer, Bluestone Bank
Emma Bargende
Commercial Credit Analyst, Coastal Heritage Bank
Shanna Cahalane
Chief Communications & Community Strategy Officer, SVP, Reading Cooperative Bank
Pia Cordes
AVP, Project and Core Banking Manager, MutualOne Bank
Ashleigh Cummins
VP, Strategic Initiatives & Implementation, Bluestone Bank
Chelsea Depault
VP, Commercial & Municipal Lender, Greenfield Co-operative Bank
Steve Hebner
SVP, Finance, Centreville Bank
Laura Hickson
Director of Financial Crimes Compliance / BSA Officer, Charlesbridge Group
Kyle Martin
VP, Director of Compliance, BankNewport
Jill Tremblay
VP, Commercial Banking Development Program Director, Bristol County Savings Bank
MBA staff: Meghan McCarthy
Questions about Emerging Leaders? Contact Meghan McCarthy, Vice President of Professional Development, at mmccarthy@massbankers.org.