Banking Out Loud

Beyond the Buzzword: Culture in Community Banking Today

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

Modernizing Canadian Check Clearing: Community Bank Insights

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

2026 Banking Predictions: A discussion with PCBB’s President

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 [https://www.pcbb.com/bid/2026-01-29]

Industry Experts Discuss Today's Existential Banking Challenges

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 [https://www.pcbb.com/] PANELISTS: Gary Steven Findley, Esq. President Gary Steven Findley & Associates [https://www.findley-reports.com/our-company] Aaron Donaldson Financial Institutions Consulting Co-leader and Principal RSM US LLP [https://rsmus.com/] John Pietrzak President and CEO Devrai Capital [https://devraicap.com/]

Strategic Planning Tips From PCBB’s CEO: AI, Change & Growth

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 [https://go.pcbb.com/rs/548-BSO-504/images/PCBB-Podcast-Strategic-Planning-Episode24_Takeaway-Guide.pdf?version=0] Check out this PCBB BID article for even more Strategic Planning insight from Curt Hecker. READ ARTICLE [https://www.pcbb.com/bid/2025-09-16-2026-strategic-planning-tips-from-pcbbs-ceo#podbean]