Alvernia launches program to train a new generation of finance industry leaders

Alvernia University has launched a new Banking and Financial Services Academy.

The two-year, cohort-based professional program was designed with regional banking executives to build the next generation of banking and financial services leaders, Alvernia said in a release.

The academy is open to financial institutions looking to upskill emerging and mid-level leaders across commercial lending, treasury, credit, operations and relationship management, Alvernia noted.

The program blends executive mentorship, case-based learning and an applied capstone that advances a growth objective for each participating institution, according to the university.

“Alvernia University’s academy model aligns educational innovation with workforce demands, meeting employers where they are and supporting learners in the ways they learn best,” Dr. Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Alvernia president, said in the release. “With flexible delivery, stackable learning and an applied project that drives measurable value for our partners, the Banking and Financial Services Academy reflects the university’s commitment to innovation and a culture of care for working professionals.”

Participants complete a 24-month sequence focused on: emotional intelligence and leadership development; relationship and sales mastery; commercial banking and corporate responsibility; and compliance and governance.

The learning model combines in-person intensives and online modules in a collaborative setting. It features speakers from the Federal Reserve and banking leadership from around the country, as well as industry investment experts, Alvernia noted.

Participants also earn credits toward an Alvernia MBA.

The academy is guided by an advisory and steering committee representing Fulton Financial Corp., Customers Bank, Tompkins Community Bank and Murphy McCormack Capital Advisors.

“As a banking executive and Alvernia trustee, I support this academy because it’s shaping the kind of ethical, relationship-focused leaders our industry needs, while upskilling their fundamental banking knowledge and developing the financial services leaders of tomorrow,” Ginger Kunkel, president at Tompkins Community Bank PA, said in the release.

Senior executives from Customers Bank, Visions Federal Credit Union, Orrstown Bank, and Alvernia serve as content curators and mentors.

“The future of banking depends on how well we prepare our next generation of leaders today,” said Tim Romig, Customers Bank executive vice president and head of middle market & community banking. “As experienced executives move toward retirement, we’re focused on upskilling and mentoring emerging talent to ensure our industry continues to thrive on growth, trust, and sound leadership. This program is a powerful step in that direction.”

Program participants meet twice per month the first year and once every two months during the second year.

It costs $10,000 per year, per participating institution, for up to three emerging leaders.

Organizations and prospective participants can learn more, request an information session or begin enrollment by contacting Missy Orlando, Alvernia assistant vice president, strategic partnerships and workforce/business development at Missy.Orlando@Alvernia.edu. or by visiting the University’s academy webpage.

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