Academy Bank Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Academy Bank has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology infrastructure, operational efficiency, marketing, information security, sales growth, and legal compliance.

Committed to community-focused financial solutions, Academy Bank delivers comprehensive banking services for individuals, businesses, and commercial clients while maintaining a strong regional presence.

Leadership Roles at Academy Bank

  • Chief Executive Officer - Martin Oduor-Otieno
  • President, Chief Executive Officer - Larry Ellington
  • Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group - Kati Kati
  • Chief Financial Officer - Dennis Ambroske
  • Chief Operating Officer - Thomas Kientz
  • Chief Technology Officer - Doug Earp
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Cynthia Sheridan
  • Chief Information Officer - Shannon Gilley
  • Chief Sales Officer (CSO) - Teresa Ascencio
  • Chief Legal Officer - Jane Kress
  • Martin Oduor-Otieno - Chief Executive Officer

    Martin Oduor-Otieno, the Chief Executive Officer at Academy Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. By aligning institutional goals with the needs of commercial and individual clients, the Chief Executive Officer ensures sustainable growth across the Midwest market. Martin Oduor-Otieno monitors competitive landscapes to refine service offerings, ensuring the bank remains a pillar of community finance. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health and regulatory compliance. Through rigorous oversight of all banking divisions, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and long-term value creation. By fostering a culture of accountability, the executive maintains high standards of service delivery. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the bank's position as a trusted financial partner, balancing risk management with aggressive expansion strategies to meet evolving customer demands in a complex economic environment.
    Martin Oduor-Otieno

    Larry Ellington - President, Chief Executive Officer

    Larry Ellington, the President, Chief Executive Officer at Academy Bank, manages the daily execution of corporate objectives and long-term business development. Overseeing the integration of commercial banking services, the President, Chief Executive Officer ensures that all departments function in harmony to support the bank's mission. Larry Ellington evaluates market trends to identify new opportunities for expansion within the regional footprint. This leadership role requires frequent interaction with senior management to optimize resource allocation and improve service efficiency. By prioritizing client relationships, the executive strengthens the bank's market position. The President, Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational stability, ensuring that all financial products meet the diverse needs of the customer base. Through strategic planning and disciplined management, the executive drives consistent performance, reinforcing the bank's reputation for reliability and excellence in the competitive financial services sector.

    Kati Kati - Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group

    Kati Kati, the Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group at Academy Bank, architects the high-level corporate structure and governance frameworks. By coordinating group-wide initiatives, the Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group ensures that all business units adhere to the core mission of providing accessible banking solutions. Kati Kati monitors macro-economic indicators to guide the bank's long-term investment strategies and risk mitigation efforts. This leadership role involves deep engagement with stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment with institutional values. By streamlining complex organizational processes, the executive enhances overall productivity and service quality. The Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the bank remains resilient against market volatility. Through decisive leadership, the executive fosters an environment of innovation, enabling the bank to adapt to changing financial landscapes while serving the community effectively.

    Dennis Ambroske - Chief Financial Officer

    Dennis Ambroske, the Chief Financial Officer at Academy Bank, manages the financial health and capital structure of the institution. Overseeing all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the bank maintains robust liquidity and capital adequacy. Dennis Ambroske directs the analysis of financial performance to support strategic decision-making across all commercial and retail banking segments. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the Board to manage risk and ensure compliance with federal banking regulations. By optimizing the balance sheet, the executive supports the bank's ability to provide competitive lending products to the community. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic shifts to adjust financial forecasts, ensuring the bank remains profitable in diverse market conditions. Through disciplined fiscal management, the executive secures the financial foundation necessary for the bank to continue its long-standing tradition of service and growth.

    Thomas Kientz - Chief Operating Officer

    Thomas Kientz, the Chief Operating Officer at Academy Bank, manages the internal processes and operational workflows that sustain the bank's daily activities. Overseeing the efficiency of branch operations and administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all services meet the high standards expected by the community. Thomas Kientz directs the optimization of service delivery models to improve customer satisfaction and reduce operational costs. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to streamline workflows and enhance cross-functional communication. By focusing on process improvement, the executive ensures that the bank remains agile and responsive to client needs. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to identify areas for operational enhancement, supporting the bank's overall growth strategy. Through disciplined management of internal resources, the executive maintains the operational excellence required to support the bank's diverse range of financial products and services.

    Doug Earp - Chief Technology Officer

    Doug Earp, the Chief Technology Officer at Academy Bank, directs the development and maintenance of the bank's digital infrastructure. Overseeing the implementation of secure banking platforms, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technological systems support the seamless delivery of financial services to customers. Doug Earp architects scalable solutions that enhance the user experience for both individual and commercial clients. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to align technology investments with the bank's broader strategic goals. By prioritizing cybersecurity and system reliability, the executive protects sensitive financial data while enabling digital transformation. The Chief Technology Officer evaluates emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the banking industry. Through continuous improvement of digital tools, the executive drives operational efficiency and supports the bank's commitment to providing modern, accessible, and secure banking solutions to the community.

    Cynthia Sheridan - Chief Marketing Officer

    Cynthia Sheridan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Academy Bank, directs the brand strategy and market positioning of the institution. Overseeing all advertising, public relations, and customer engagement initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the bank's value proposition resonates with individuals and businesses. Cynthia Sheridan architects campaigns that highlight the bank's commitment to community-focused financial services. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to identify growth opportunities and refine the bank's outreach efforts. By managing the brand identity, the executive strengthens the bank's reputation as a trusted financial partner. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with sales teams to ensure that marketing efforts directly support revenue generation and customer acquisition goals. Through creative and data-driven strategies, the executive drives brand awareness and loyalty, ensuring that the bank remains a top choice for clients seeking reliable and personalized banking solutions in the region.

    Shannon Gilley - Chief Information Officer

    Shannon Gilley, the Chief Information Officer at Academy Bank, manages the information systems and data governance frameworks that support the bank's operations. Overseeing the integrity and security of all banking data, the Chief Information Officer ensures that information flows efficiently across the organization. Shannon Gilley directs the implementation of data management strategies that enable informed decision-making for commercial and retail banking. This leadership role involves working closely with the technology team to ensure that information systems are resilient and compliant with industry standards. By prioritizing data privacy, the executive protects the bank's reputation and maintains client trust. The Chief Information Officer evaluates new data tools to improve analytical capabilities, supporting the bank's strategic objectives. Through rigorous management of information assets, the executive ensures that the bank remains secure and capable of delivering high-quality financial services to the community.
    Shannon Gilley

    Teresa Ascencio - Chief Sales Officer (CSO)

    Teresa Ascencio, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Academy Bank, directs the sales strategy and business development efforts for the institution. Overseeing the growth of the commercial and retail loan portfolios, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) ensures that the bank meets its revenue targets through effective client acquisition. Teresa Ascencio architects sales programs that focus on building long-term relationships with businesses and individuals. This leadership role involves training and mentoring sales teams to deliver exceptional service and financial advice. By analyzing market demand, the executive identifies new segments for expansion and tailors sales strategies to meet specific client needs. The Chief Sales Officer (CSO) collaborates with marketing and operations to ensure that sales efforts are supported by effective brand messaging and efficient service delivery. Through proactive sales management, the executive drives the bank's growth and strengthens its position as a leading financial service provider.
    Teresa Ascencio
    Jane Kress, the Chief Legal Officer at Academy Bank, manages the legal affairs and regulatory compliance of the institution. Overseeing all legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the bank operates within the framework of federal and state banking laws. Jane Kress directs the development of policies that protect the bank's interests while facilitating business growth. This leadership role involves providing counsel to the Board and senior management on complex legal matters and governance issues. By monitoring regulatory changes, the executive ensures that the bank remains compliant and prepared for evolving legal requirements. The Chief Legal Officer manages relationships with external legal counsel and regulatory bodies to resolve disputes and maintain the bank's standing. Through diligent legal oversight, the executive mitigates risk and supports the bank's commitment to ethical conduct and responsible financial management in the community.
    Jane Kress

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Academy Bank Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Academy Bank?
    Academy Bank is led by Martin Oduor-Otieno (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Larry Ellington (President, Chief Executive Officer) and Kati Kati (Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group).
    Who is part of Academy Bank’s executive team?
    The executive team of Academy Bank includes leaders such as Martin Oduor-Otieno (Chief Executive Officer), Larry Ellington (President, Chief Executive Officer), Kati Kati (Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Academy Bank have?
    Academy Bank has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Academy Bank’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Academy Bank includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Executive Officer, Joshua Oigara Group Chief Executive Officer and MD, Group, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.