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Developing strong, confident leaders throughout your organization

To be a successful leader in today’s organization, you have to do more than just “lead.” You have to be a leader who can inspire teams to pull together, solve problems creatively and achieve amazing results.

Program Overview & Application -- Class of 2024-25

Application Deadline: Friday, May 3

About Banking Leadership Missouri

The Missouri Bankers Association’s Banking Leadership Missouri program is designed to actively enhance the leadership, organizational and performance skills of highly motivated mid- to upper-level bankers. The program establishes a network of future bank leaders who understand and can respond to local and national issues affecting the banking industry and their communities. The 12-month program is practical, hard-hitting and quality driven.

We will focus on developing a solid understanding of the banking industry and the skills necessary for leadership that participants can put into practice immediately. A class of up to 25 Missouri bankers is selected to participate.

Who Should Apply

This leadership program is for high-potential bankers who have or are preparing to take on broader responsibilities, bankers who have experienced or will soon undergo the transition from a functional to a general management role, or bankers who have potential for senior management.

Program Schedule

Attendance to all six sessions held at various locations across the state and MBA NextGen in Banking Conference is mandatory. The MBA Washington Legislative Visit/ABA’s Washington Summit & Forums is optional. Registration fees and travel expenses are not covered in the Banking Leadership Missouri tuition.

Session One: Orientation -- Leadership Styles, Skills & Personal Development

June 4-6 - Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel

Members of the Banking Leadership Missouri class will be introduced to MBA members at the annual convention in Branson.

Session Two: Better Results With Style for Emerging Leaders

Sept. 11-12 - MBA Office, Jefferson City  

NextGen in Banking Conference

Oct. 3-4 - Kansas City Marriott Country Club Hotel 

Registration fee included in tuition for Banking Leadership Missouri.

Session Three: Leadership Excellence Through Effective Communication

Nov. 6-7 - MBA Office, Jefferson City 

Session Four: Decision Making, Strategy, Government Relations and Ethics in Banking

Feb. 26-27 - MBA Office, Jefferson City

MBA Washington Legislative Visit -- American Bankers Association Washington Summit & Forums

March 2025 - Washington, D.C.

Stipends from The Max & Cindy Endowment for Advocacy and Leadership Training will be offered to Banking Leadership Missouri class members to attend the American Bankers Association’s Washington Summit and Emerging Leaders Forum in Washington, D.C. Participants will have the opportunity to engage firsthand in the advocacy process with MBA leadership and bankers from across the nation.
Participation in this visit is optional.

Session Five: The Banking Leadership Missouri Capstone Experience

April/May 2025 - Location TBD

Session Six: Program Celebration and Graduation

June 10-12 - Chateau on the Lake Resort, Branson

This final session celebrates the class' successful completion of Banking Leadership Missouri with a graduation ceremony and reception.  

Tuition

$3,500 -- this includes registration fees for the 2024 NextGen in Banking Conference.

For More Information

Contact Cheri Messerli at MBA at 573-636-8151.  

“Applying to Banking Leadership Missouri was an excellent choice in my career development. From learning more about leadership skills and the Missouri banking climate to enjoyable networking events, I could not have asked for a better experience. The relationships I gained in Banking Leadership Missouri, both with peers from across the state and MBA staff, will benefit me greatly in my banking career. I encourage any banker interested in growth to consider joining the program.”
Chelsea Wichern
Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President
Alliance Bank, Jackson

“The Banking Leadership Missouri experience was a great opportunity for me professionally. In addition to session content, the ability to build a close professional relationship with 20 other bankers in the state is an invaluable resource that I have carried with me throughout my banking career. Banking Leadership Missouri is a ‘must-do’ for young Missouri bankers seeking leadership opportunities, which is why our bank identifies a banker to participate in the program nearly every session.”
Tom Klebba
President
Legends Bank, Linn