2019 Speaker Bios
Craig Dismuke, Vining Sparks
Craig Dismuke is the Chief Economist for Vining Sparks IBG. Craig is responsible for the projection and publication of Vining Sparks' economic and interest rate forecasts. He evaluates economic developments and fixed income sector performance to identify risks and opportunities within the U.S. market. Craig publishes research articles for Vining Sparks as well as other national publications. He speaks often at industry conferences on the health of the U.S. economy, expectations for interest rates, and relevant fixed income strategies. He is a frequent guest on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg TV as well as being quoted often in the financial news. Prior to joining Vining Sparks, Craig was a Managing Director in Institutional Fixed Income at Bear Stearns and Company. Craig lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife Ashley, and three children.
Craig Dismuke is the Chief Economist for Vining Sparks IBG. Craig is responsible for the projection and publication of Vining Sparks' economic and interest rate forecasts. He evaluates economic developments and fixed income sector performance to identify risks and opportunities within the U.S. market. Craig publishes research articles for Vining Sparks as well as other national publications. He speaks often at industry conferences on the health of the U.S. economy, expectations for interest rates, and relevant fixed income strategies. He is a frequent guest on CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg TV as well as being quoted often in the financial news. Prior to joining Vining Sparks, Craig was a Managing Director in Institutional Fixed Income at Bear Stearns and Company. Craig lives in Memphis, Tennessee with his wife Ashley, and three children.
Kevin Christensen, SVP Market Intelligence & Data Analytics, Shazam
Big data is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but do you really understand the power behind the information you already own? Kevin’s expertise provides powerful insight for opportunities that may be hidden in an organization’s data. Using his dry wit and charm, Kevin provides context and meaning to these potentially confusing and sometimes frustrating topics.
Big data is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but do you really understand the power behind the information you already own? Kevin’s expertise provides powerful insight for opportunities that may be hidden in an organization’s data. Using his dry wit and charm, Kevin provides context and meaning to these potentially confusing and sometimes frustrating topics.
Charlie Garrison, Fortner, Bayens, Levkulich & Garrison
Charlie is the Chief Executive Officer and Shareholder at FBLG. He previously worked at two banks in Colorado, as both a loan officer and CFO. In 1994, Charlie joined the firm as a staff auditor and has accumulated more than 20 years experience in the banking industry.
He has also taught various banking-related courses and has been a speaker at numerous conventions and seminars. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting from Colorado State University.
Charlie is the Chief Executive Officer and Shareholder at FBLG. He previously worked at two banks in Colorado, as both a loan officer and CFO. In 1994, Charlie joined the firm as a staff auditor and has accumulated more than 20 years experience in the banking industry.
He has also taught various banking-related courses and has been a speaker at numerous conventions and seminars. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting from Colorado State University.
Sean Hoar, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith
Sean Hoar is a partner in the Portland office of Lewis Brisbois and chair of the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice. Sean Hoar, CISSP, GISP, CIPP/US, has extensive experience managing responses to digital crises and effectively marshalling resources to contain and remediate information security incidents. He served as the lead cyber attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oregon where he was the point of contact for the FBI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security in system intrusions and other digital crime emergencies. He now manages responses to data breaches and counsels businesses on best practices in data privacy and information security. He also facilitates incident response planning, table top exercises, and risk assessments.
As a veteran security and privacy attorney and an accomplished litigator prosecuting cybercrime, identity theft, Internet fraud, and other matters for the U.S. Department of Justice, Sean managed compliance with the Fourth Amendment, the Stored Communications Act, and other constitutional and regulatory frameworks for federal law enforcement. He trained federal investigators and prosecutors about the acquisition and use of digital evidence, and he trained foreign officials, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, about anti-terrorism and cybercrime awareness. He taught courses in cybercrime and privacy law and serves as the executive director of the Financial Crimes & Digital Evidence Foundation. A frequent author and speaker on privacy and security matters, Sean has received numerous accolades from the FBI, the Secret Service, the IRS, and the DEA throughout his career.
As referenced above, Sean holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the Global Information Security Professional (GISP), and the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credentials. These are often required to perform certain types of information security system audits.
Sean Hoar is a partner in the Portland office of Lewis Brisbois and chair of the Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice. Sean Hoar, CISSP, GISP, CIPP/US, has extensive experience managing responses to digital crises and effectively marshalling resources to contain and remediate information security incidents. He served as the lead cyber attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Oregon where he was the point of contact for the FBI, Secret Service, and Homeland Security in system intrusions and other digital crime emergencies. He now manages responses to data breaches and counsels businesses on best practices in data privacy and information security. He also facilitates incident response planning, table top exercises, and risk assessments.
As a veteran security and privacy attorney and an accomplished litigator prosecuting cybercrime, identity theft, Internet fraud, and other matters for the U.S. Department of Justice, Sean managed compliance with the Fourth Amendment, the Stored Communications Act, and other constitutional and regulatory frameworks for federal law enforcement. He trained federal investigators and prosecutors about the acquisition and use of digital evidence, and he trained foreign officials, on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, about anti-terrorism and cybercrime awareness. He taught courses in cybercrime and privacy law and serves as the executive director of the Financial Crimes & Digital Evidence Foundation. A frequent author and speaker on privacy and security matters, Sean has received numerous accolades from the FBI, the Secret Service, the IRS, and the DEA throughout his career.
As referenced above, Sean holds the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the Global Information Security Professional (GISP), and the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credentials. These are often required to perform certain types of information security system audits.
Tiffany Couch, Aquity Forensics
Tiffany Couch is an award-winning speaker on the topics of fraud, forensic accounting, and investigative skills. She has presented to audiences throughout North America, from accountants to legal firms to business organizations in a myriad of industries. She serves as a faculty member for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and is also the winner of their 2014 James R. Baker Speaker of the Year, honoring an individual who has demonstrated the true spirit of leadership in communication, presentation and quality instruction. Her engaging style and practical advice consistently earns her high marks with her audiences.
Tiffany Couch is an award-winning speaker on the topics of fraud, forensic accounting, and investigative skills. She has presented to audiences throughout North America, from accountants to legal firms to business organizations in a myriad of industries. She serves as a faculty member for the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and is also the winner of their 2014 James R. Baker Speaker of the Year, honoring an individual who has demonstrated the true spirit of leadership in communication, presentation and quality instruction. Her engaging style and practical advice consistently earns her high marks with her audiences.
Tim Zimmerman - Immediate Past Chairman, ICBA
CEO of Standard Bank in Monroeville, PA, Tim Zimmerman has been a community banker for more than 35 years. He serves on the ICBA Executive Committee, board of directors and Federal Delegate Board. He is the Executive Committee liaison for the ICBPAC Committee and the Mutual Bank Council, chairman of the Nominating Committee, and a member of the Policy Development Committee. He is also a director on the ICBA Consolidated Holdings Group and ICBA Services Network boards. He previously served as chairman of the Mutual Bank Council and ICBA Securities board of directors, and was vice chairman of the Policy Development Committee. He is a member of the FASB Transition Resource Group of CECL.
Zimmerman served as secretary on the Executive Committee in 2013-15. He also was chairman of the Mutual Bank council and served on the Consumer Financial Services & Bank Education Committees. From September 2012-September 2015, Zimmerman served on the CFPB's Community Bank Advisory Council, serving as vice chairman and chairman during his term. He has also testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.
On the local level, Zimmerman has been a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers for more than twenty years and regularly served on the board of directors. He is a board member and vice president of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and chairman of its Audit, Budget, & Finance Committees. He also serves as coordinator for his bank's Make-A-Wish foundation annual campaign. Zimmerman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and did graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs. He lives in Frankiln Park PA with his wife Linda
CEO of Standard Bank in Monroeville, PA, Tim Zimmerman has been a community banker for more than 35 years. He serves on the ICBA Executive Committee, board of directors and Federal Delegate Board. He is the Executive Committee liaison for the ICBPAC Committee and the Mutual Bank Council, chairman of the Nominating Committee, and a member of the Policy Development Committee. He is also a director on the ICBA Consolidated Holdings Group and ICBA Services Network boards. He previously served as chairman of the Mutual Bank Council and ICBA Securities board of directors, and was vice chairman of the Policy Development Committee. He is a member of the FASB Transition Resource Group of CECL.
Zimmerman served as secretary on the Executive Committee in 2013-15. He also was chairman of the Mutual Bank council and served on the Consumer Financial Services & Bank Education Committees. From September 2012-September 2015, Zimmerman served on the CFPB's Community Bank Advisory Council, serving as vice chairman and chairman during his term. He has also testified before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.
On the local level, Zimmerman has been a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers for more than twenty years and regularly served on the board of directors. He is a board member and vice president of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and chairman of its Audit, Budget, & Finance Committees. He also serves as coordinator for his bank's Make-A-Wish foundation annual campaign. Zimmerman holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and did graduate work at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania and a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs. He lives in Frankiln Park PA with his wife Linda
Tina Giorgio, President & CEO, ICBA Bancard
Tina joined the company in 2016 and focuses on developing strategies to leverage the brand among current and new customers.
A former community banker with 25 years of experience, Giorgio served in senior leadership roles for nearly two decades at Sandy Spring Bank in Maryland, most recently as senior vice president of deposit operations and digital delivery. Her expertise also includes payment systems, digital banking, risk and fraud, vendor management, marketing, and client service. In addition, Giorgio has served on several boards and committees with the Federal Reserve, NACHA, and other industry organizations.
Giorgio holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Maryland University College and completed graduate work at the BAI program in Operations and Technology Management for Banking and Financial Services at Vanderbilt University. She has been an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) since 1993.
Tina joined the company in 2016 and focuses on developing strategies to leverage the brand among current and new customers.
A former community banker with 25 years of experience, Giorgio served in senior leadership roles for nearly two decades at Sandy Spring Bank in Maryland, most recently as senior vice president of deposit operations and digital delivery. Her expertise also includes payment systems, digital banking, risk and fraud, vendor management, marketing, and client service. In addition, Giorgio has served on several boards and committees with the Federal Reserve, NACHA, and other industry organizations.
Giorgio holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Maryland University College and completed graduate work at the BAI program in Operations and Technology Management for Banking and Financial Services at Vanderbilt University. She has been an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) since 1993.
Charlie Clark, WA Department of Financial Institutions
Charlie Clark was appointed Director of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) on April 1, 2019. He first joined DFI in 2012 and served in the roles of Division of Consumer Services Enforcement Program Manager and Division Director before serving as agency Deputy Director beginning in November 2016. Prior to joining the DFI, Charlie represented the DFI as its lead litigation counsel as an Assistant Attorney General from 2005 through 2011. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, he worked as an attorney in private practice.
Charlie currently sits on the Board of Directors and serves as President of the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Consumer Credit Administrators, and serves on the Nondepository Supervisory Committee of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. He received his undergraduate degree in Accounting and an M.B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. He received a J.D. degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
Charlie Clark was appointed Director of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) on April 1, 2019. He first joined DFI in 2012 and served in the roles of Division of Consumer Services Enforcement Program Manager and Division Director before serving as agency Deputy Director beginning in November 2016. Prior to joining the DFI, Charlie represented the DFI as its lead litigation counsel as an Assistant Attorney General from 2005 through 2011. Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, he worked as an attorney in private practice.
Charlie currently sits on the Board of Directors and serves as President of the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators, serves on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Consumer Credit Administrators, and serves on the Nondepository Supervisory Committee of the Conference of State Bank Supervisors. He received his undergraduate degree in Accounting and an M.B.A. from California State University, Sacramento. He received a J.D. degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
Roberta Hollinshead, WA Department of Financial Institutions
Roberta S. Hollinshead was appointed as Director of Banks for Washington DFI on December 1, 2016. As Director, she is responsible for chartering and supervising the activities of all Washington state-chartered commercial banks and trust companies. Roberta works closely with stakeholders to promote sound economic development in the banking industry supporting a prosperous economy in Washington.
Roberta’s tenure with DFI began in July of 2001 as a financial examiner. Roberta worked her way up the ranks and prior to becoming the Director she served as the Chief of Examinations for the Division of Banks.
Roberta holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration, with a Finance concentration, from the University of Washington. In addition, Roberta has a Master’s in Business Administration from Seattle University and a degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.
Roberta S. Hollinshead was appointed as Director of Banks for Washington DFI on December 1, 2016. As Director, she is responsible for chartering and supervising the activities of all Washington state-chartered commercial banks and trust companies. Roberta works closely with stakeholders to promote sound economic development in the banking industry supporting a prosperous economy in Washington.
Roberta’s tenure with DFI began in July of 2001 as a financial examiner. Roberta worked her way up the ranks and prior to becoming the Director she served as the Chief of Examinations for the Division of Banks.
Roberta holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration, with a Finance concentration, from the University of Washington. In addition, Roberta has a Master’s in Business Administration from Seattle University and a degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado.
Jerry V. Teplitz, JD, PhD, CSP
Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz' background is as unique as the techniques and approaches he teaches. He originally graduated from Hunter College and Northwestern University School of Law and practiced as an attorney for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Jerry then studied and received Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Wholistic Health Sciences, and over the last 32 years, has gained wide-spread acknowledgement for his expertise in helping others achieve their ultimate best in all areas of life.
Dr. Teplitz has been a field manager for the Carlson Learning Company, (now Inscape Publishing), since 1979, and President of his own consulting firm since 1974. A Certified Brain Gym Instructor, Jerry conducts seminars in the areas of stress management, employee productivity, and sales development.
The list of clients Dr. Teplitz has consulted for include such organizations as: Century 21, IBM, Holiday Inns, International Management Council, Young Presidents’ Organization, Sales and Marketing Executives, GlaxoSmithKline, EDS, American Bankers Association, American Society of Association Executives, American Accounting Association, plus over four hundred colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.
Jerry is the author of eight books, including Switched-On Living, Brain Gym for Business, and his two latest books are Managing Your Stress in Difficult Times and Switched-On Selling: Balancing your Brain for Sales Success. Articles on Jerry have appeared in such publications as Prevention Magazine, Successful Meetings, Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine, Golf Illustrated, and The Los Angeles Times.
As a professional speaker, he has spoken to over one million people. Dr. Teplitz has also been honored by his peers in the National Speakers Association by receiving the "Certified Speaking Professional" designation, and has been selected as "Top Rated Speaker" by the International Platform Association.
Dr. Jerry V. Teplitz' background is as unique as the techniques and approaches he teaches. He originally graduated from Hunter College and Northwestern University School of Law and practiced as an attorney for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Jerry then studied and received Masters and Doctorate Degrees in Wholistic Health Sciences, and over the last 32 years, has gained wide-spread acknowledgement for his expertise in helping others achieve their ultimate best in all areas of life.
Dr. Teplitz has been a field manager for the Carlson Learning Company, (now Inscape Publishing), since 1979, and President of his own consulting firm since 1974. A Certified Brain Gym Instructor, Jerry conducts seminars in the areas of stress management, employee productivity, and sales development.
The list of clients Dr. Teplitz has consulted for include such organizations as: Century 21, IBM, Holiday Inns, International Management Council, Young Presidents’ Organization, Sales and Marketing Executives, GlaxoSmithKline, EDS, American Bankers Association, American Society of Association Executives, American Accounting Association, plus over four hundred colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.
Jerry is the author of eight books, including Switched-On Living, Brain Gym for Business, and his two latest books are Managing Your Stress in Difficult Times and Switched-On Selling: Balancing your Brain for Sales Success. Articles on Jerry have appeared in such publications as Prevention Magazine, Successful Meetings, Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine, Golf Illustrated, and The Los Angeles Times.
As a professional speaker, he has spoken to over one million people. Dr. Teplitz has also been honored by his peers in the National Speakers Association by receiving the "Certified Speaking Professional" designation, and has been selected as "Top Rated Speaker" by the International Platform Association.
Brad Tower, Phillips Burgess Government Relations
Brad Tower is a second generation governmental affairs professional with more than 15 years’ experience in contract lobbying. The Olympia native has effectively advocated for a wide variety of interests in this state, including those of health care professionals and facilities, manufacturing companies, agricultural concerns, local governments, retail businesses, financial institutions, and victims of crime.
An accomplished writer and regular contributor to numerous trade publications and the media, Brad maintains a year-round presence in the state capitol, nurturing relationships with legislative and administrative agency staff members. He is a recipient of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Ron Gjerde Award for outstanding contributions to the business community by a lobbyist.
In addition to lobbying, Brad has created a web-based legislative tracking and reporting service widely used by Washington’s top tier governmental affairs professionals (www.legitrak.org). He also contributes time in the community as a football coach for Thurston County Youth Football League and YMCA Flag Football, a regular blood donor, and an advisory board member for Raise for Rowyn, a nonprofit supporting families dealing with the death of a child.
A High Honors graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, the recurrent political campaign volunteer is a repeat presenter on effective advocacy strategies and the role of lobbyists in public policy at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs, the Jennifer Dunn Leadership Institute, and Seattle University School of Law.
Brad Tower is a second generation governmental affairs professional with more than 15 years’ experience in contract lobbying. The Olympia native has effectively advocated for a wide variety of interests in this state, including those of health care professionals and facilities, manufacturing companies, agricultural concerns, local governments, retail businesses, financial institutions, and victims of crime.
An accomplished writer and regular contributor to numerous trade publications and the media, Brad maintains a year-round presence in the state capitol, nurturing relationships with legislative and administrative agency staff members. He is a recipient of the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Ron Gjerde Award for outstanding contributions to the business community by a lobbyist.
In addition to lobbying, Brad has created a web-based legislative tracking and reporting service widely used by Washington’s top tier governmental affairs professionals (www.legitrak.org). He also contributes time in the community as a football coach for Thurston County Youth Football League and YMCA Flag Football, a regular blood donor, and an advisory board member for Raise for Rowyn, a nonprofit supporting families dealing with the death of a child.
A High Honors graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara, the recurrent political campaign volunteer is a repeat presenter on effective advocacy strategies and the role of lobbyists in public policy at the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Affairs, the Jennifer Dunn Leadership Institute, and Seattle University School of Law.
