This four-part eLearning series is designed to equip community bank leaders with the practical insights, strategies, and tools needed to effectively plan for both leadership and ownership transitions. As the industry continues to evolve, proactive succession planning is critical to maintaining stability, preserving culture, and ensuring long-term independence and success.
Through expert-led sessions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to build strong leadership pipelines, retain top talent, and navigate the financial, legal, and tax complexities of ownership transition.
September 1 – Leadership Succession Planning, Larry Williams, ExecutiveSense Consulting
This session will focus on the foundational elements of leadership succession planning within a bank. Participants will learn how to define what success looks like in any executive role, identify and match the best-fit candidates, and create intentional development pathways to build a sustainable pipeline of future leaders. The session will also explore mentoring, coaching, and aligning succession efforts with long-term strategic goals.
October 6 – Financial Tools for Leadership Retention, Josh Miskovich, Executive Benefits Network
This session explores financial strategies banks can use to attract, motivate, and retain key talent. Participants will gain insight into compensation structures, deferred compensation plans, equity participation, and how to create long-term incentives that align leadership success with the overall success of the bank.
November 4 – Legal Considerations in Ownership Succession, Amber Kramer & Tony Moch, Winthrop & Weinstine
This session will address key legal considerations in ownership succession planning. Topics include governance structures, regulatory requirements, shareholder agreements, and identifying potential risks. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how to structure ownership transitions effectively while maintaining compliance.
December 1 – Tax Planning & Ownership Transfer Strategies, Josh Juergensen, CLA
This session will introduce a comprehensive framework for ownership transition built around the four key pillars of readiness: business, personal, financial, and family/shareholder alignment. Rather than focusing narrowly on tax or transaction mechanics, the session is designed to help community bank leaders assess their overall preparedness for transition, identify potential gaps, and align stakeholders around a sustainable path forward. Through insights from CLA’s ownership transition and banking professionals, participants will gain a practical, high-level understanding of how to approach succession planning in a thoughtful, well-rounded way that supports long-term independence and continuity.
Series Outcome: By the end of this series, participants will have a well-rounded understanding of leadership and ownership succession planning. They will be better prepared to develop a coordinated approach that strengthens their bank’s future, supports leadership continuity, and preserves independence.