There’s a member of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve system, the chair of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the co-leader of the New York/New Jersey Host Committee for the World Cup.
How’s that for a lineup?
The New Jersey Bankers Association’s annual Economic Leadership Forum will have an all-star list of speakers Thursday at the Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset.
There will be keynotes from:
- Michelle W. Bowman, governor, Federal Reserve System;
- Lindsey Piegza, chief economist, Stifel Financial;
- Kevin O’Toole, chairman, board of commissioners, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
And there will be numerous breakout sessions, including one that features Lauren Nathan LaRusso, co-leader of the New York/New Jersey Host Committee, and Eric Brophy, deputy chief of staff for economic growth in Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration.
They will headline a panel discussion on the impact of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which will play eight games — including the final — in MetLife Stadium.
NJ Bankers CEO Michael Affuso was thrilled by the lineup of the always can’t-miss event.
“We are excited to have a great lineup of speakers this year who will address both the changes and challenges facing the financial services industry in 2024 and beyond,” he said. “The annual Economic Leadership Forum is a venue for us to come together, learn, share ideas and discuss the future of the banking industry in the Garden State.”
Here is the agenda:
9:10 a.m: Bowman;
9:40 a.m.: Piegza;
10:40 a.m.: Three morning breakouts:
- Sight vs. Vision: Preparing Your Balance Sheet for the Future (Scott Hildenbrand, Piper Sandler);
- A Strategic Upgrade Through Fintech Partnership (James Branco, Upgrade Inc.);
- Swaps for Borrowers: Custom Solution with Fee Contribution (Bob Newman, Chatham Financial);
11:40 a.m.: Excellence in Diversity Award;
11:45 a.m.: The Impact of the Joint Base on New Jersey’s Economy and the Nation’s Security;
12:15 p.m.: The Impact of the Port on New Jersey’s Economy (O’Toole);
12:45 p.m.: The Economic Value of the World Cup (LaRusso, Brophy);
1:30 p.m.: Workshops.
