This program is designed for self-starters, bankers who want to proactively direct their own careers. Group study exercises and activities promote a team-learning environment where the focus is more than just on the individual but on the ‘we’ as a team, where everyone works together to achieve a common goal.

This executive-level program appeals to critical thinkers who want to challenge their understanding of the banking industry, who are eager to learn and share their newly discovered knowledge in better serving their organizations.

This program is designed for those:

• Motivated and driven to succeed
• With at least three years in a management position or equivalent banking experience
• Key producers that a bank wants to retain for the long term and develop for significant leadership roles
• High-potential employees poised to move into new positions
• Anyone considering attending Pacific Coast Banking School would find this an excellent precursor

What is the target audience for this program?
This program is designed for self-starters, bankers who want to proactively direct their own careers. Group study exercises and activities promote a team learning environment where the focus is more than just on the individual but on the ‘we’ as a team, where everyone works together to achieve a common goal. This executive-level program appeals to critical thinkers who want to challenge their understanding of the banking industry, who are eager to learn and share their newly discovered knowledge in better serving their organizations.

This program is designed for those:

• Motivated and driven to succeed
• With at least three years in a management position or equivalent banking experience
• Key producers that a bank wants to retain for the long term and develop for significant leadership roles
• High-potential employees poised to move into new positions
• Anyone considering attending Pacific Coast Banking School would find this an excellent precursor

Where will the program be held?
EDP features a mix of in person and virtual sessions. Please check the program brochure for specific dates, times, and locations. In person classes will be held in downtown Seattle venues at or near the Washington Athletic Club, 1325 Sixth Avenue and virtual ones will be on Zoom.

What are the attendance requirements for the program?
Attendance is required at all sessions. WBA recognizes that certain absences cannot be avoided and will approve missed courses on a case by case basis. It is still expected that all course work be completed for any missed class. In order to complete the entire program, there can be no more than two absences.

It is each student’s personal responsibility to attend all scheduled classes and events, complete all homework assignments, and fully participate in all group assignments and team building exercises.

Is there homework associated with the program?
Participants are required to complete 6-8 hours of homework prior to each class. This prepares them to best understand the topics, challenges them to be proactive in their learning, and to seek out the advice of key individuals within their own institution when needed. After completing their individual homework the participants then confer with an assigned and diversified study group (bankers with differing skill sets) within their class to compare notes and learn how their peers approached the questions.

Is a program mentor required?
One of the unique aspects of the EDP is the mentorship program. It was designed to pair EDP students with an executive mentor from their bank who works with them on a monthly basis to reinforce the classroom learning experience, introduce them to key executives at their institution, and pair them with business experts for assistance in their homework preparation. Each student is required to have a mentor for the duration of the program; they are expected to interact frequently with them and to use them as a sounding board to assist them in understanding topics that may be outside their current knowledge base. This is one of the few banking related executive development programs in the country where mentor and mentee are partnered to ensure the most complete development of the student.

Do I need my supervisor's approval to participate in the program?
Managerial and Executive Management approval is required for the program.

• Access to exceptional instructors, with years of industry insights and experience.
• Participation in interactive sessions focusing on the important economic, regulatory and competitive pressures facing the industry.
• One-on-one mentorship with an executive from your institution – one of only a few such financial mentorship programs in the country – which supports the classroom learning experience and facilitates introductions to key employees within the bank.
• A convenient schedule designed with the busy professional in mind. Classes take place over a twelve-month course period and only 6-8 hours of homework prior to each class.
• Many opportunities to network with class peers, as well as program alumni and other bank executives.
• Practical skills and lessons that can be put into immediate practice.
• A solid foundation for their career and an excellent precursor to financial educational opportunities such as the Pacific Coast Banking School.

The Executive Development Program consists of twelve individual sessions designed specifically to enhance each attendees’ learning experience.

Content Includes:

• The Big Picture and Bank Evolution
• Leading Yourself: Building Credibility, Competence and Confidence
• Understanding Bank Financial Statements
• Bank Profitability
• Understanding the Fundamentals of Fintech
• Credit and Risk Review
• Asset Liability Management
• Legislation, Politics and the Economy
• Audit and Compliance
• Leading Others: The Art of High Impact Conversations
• Leading Teams: Creating and Sustaining High-Performing Teams
• Credibility and Ethics

Homework
Participants are required to complete 6-8 hours of homework prior to each class. This prepares them to best understand the topics, challenges them to be proactive in their learning, and to seek out the advice of key individuals within their own institution when needed. After completing their individual homework the participants then confer with an assigned and diversified study group (bankers with differing skill sets) within their class to compare notes and learn how their peers approached the questions.

Mentorship
One of the unique aspects of the EDP is the mentorship program. It was designed to pair EDP students with an executive mentor from their bank who works with them on a monthly basis to reinforce the classroom learning experience, introduce them to key executives at their institution, and pair them with business experts for assistance in their homework preparation. Each student is required to have a mentor for the duration of the program; they are expected to interact frequently with them and to use them as a sounding board to assist them in understanding topics that may be outside their current knowledge base. This is one of the few banking related executive development programs in the country where mentor and mentee are partnered to ensure the most complete development of the student.

Attendance 
Attendees are required to attend 85% (10/12) of the courses to be considered a graduate of the program.

Register here for the program

January 12 - November 3, 2026 | Virtual/In-Person

• Duncan Taylor, SVP/Chief Operating Officer, WBA
• Matt Sheehan, Managing Director, Brean Capita
• Dr. Michelle Wheatley and Chris Wheatley, Wheatley Leadership Group
• Vice Beatty, Retired CFO, WaFd Bank
• Dave DeFazio, Partner, StrategyCorps
• Joe Sullivan, President & CEO, Market Insights
• Kate Dixon, SVP/Director of Credit Review, Heritage Bank
• Nick Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, OneAccord
• Megan Managan, Director of Public Affairs, WBA
• Issac Kastama & Carrie Tellefson, WBA Lobbyists
• Steve Scranton, CFA, Chief Economist, Washington Trust Bank
• Brett Goodnack, Compliance Advisor, Compliance Alliance
• Karl Alrichs, Founding Partner, Hiring Smart

please email the team at:
registrations@calbankers.com