Academy Bank Executive and Leadership Team

Larry Ellington, the President, Chief Executive Officer at Academy Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth initiatives for the institution. Overseeing the alignment of all departments with the core mission of providing accessible banking for individuals and businesses, the President, Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across the entire organization. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine market positioning and enhance service delivery. By prioritizing sustainable financial health, Larry Ellington directly impacts the ability of the bank to support community development. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, the President, Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive edge of the firm within the broader financial landscape. Ellington secures the future of the bank by fostering a culture of accountability and innovation, ensuring that every strategic decision translates into tangible value for clients and stakeholders alike.

Dennis Ambroske, the Chief Financial Officer at Academy Bank, manages the fiscal health, capital allocation, and financial reporting processes of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting and forecasting functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the bank maintains a strong balance sheet while pursuing growth opportunities. This leadership role involves monitoring economic indicators to mitigate financial risks and optimize investment strategies. By providing accurate financial insights, Dennis Ambroske directly impacts the strategic decision-making of the executive team. Through the rigorous management of assets and liabilities, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term stability of the bank. Ambroske drives financial performance by implementing cost-effective measures and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Ultimately, Ambroske secures the fiscal integrity of the organization, providing the necessary resources to support the bank's commitment to its clients and the community.

Thomas Kientz, the Chief Operating Officer at Academy Bank, directs the daily internal processes and administrative functions that support the bank's diverse service offerings. Overseeing the seamless execution of banking operations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all branches and departments function with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves streamlining workflows to enhance the customer experience for individuals and commercial entities. By managing the logistical aspects of the business, Thomas Kientz directly impacts the operational scalability of the institution. Through the implementation of standardized procedures, the Chief Operating Officer maintains consistency across all service channels. Kientz drives organizational productivity by identifying bottlenecks and deploying effective solutions that support the bank's growth objectives. Ultimately, Kientz ensures that the operational foundation remains strong, allowing the bank to deliver reliable financial services to the community with precision and speed.

Shannon Gilley, the Chief Information Officer at Academy Bank, manages the digital infrastructure and data integrity systems essential for modern banking operations. Overseeing the security of sensitive financial information, the Chief Information Officer implements robust protocols to protect client assets against evolving cyber threats. This leadership role involves integrating advanced data analytics to improve decision-making processes across the institution. By optimizing internal information workflows, Shannon Gilley directly impacts the efficiency of service delivery for both individual and commercial banking clients. Through the modernization of core systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the bank remains agile in a rapidly changing digital environment. Gilley drives the technological roadmap, aligning information systems with the broader business goals of the organization to maintain high standards of reliability and performance in every transaction processed.

Cynthia Sheridan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Academy Bank, architects the brand strategy and outreach initiatives designed to expand the market presence of the institution. Overseeing the development of targeted campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the value proposition of the bank reaches both individual and commercial audiences effectively. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to refine communication strategies and enhance brand loyalty. By crafting compelling narratives around the bank's community-focused mission, Cynthia Sheridan directly impacts the acquisition and retention of clients. Through the coordination of multi-channel marketing efforts, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the reputation of the firm within the competitive financial sector. Sheridan drives engagement by aligning promotional activities with the specific needs of the customer base, ensuring that the brand remains relevant and trusted in every market served by the organization.

Kyle Zdrojewski, the Chief Technology Officer at Academy Bank, directs the development and implementation of innovative software solutions that power the bank's digital banking platforms. Overseeing the engineering teams, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technological tools meet the highest standards of functionality and user experience. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging technologies to maintain the bank's competitive advantage in the fintech space. By building scalable software architectures, Kyle Zdrojewski directly impacts the accessibility of banking services for a broad range of clients. Through the continuous improvement of digital interfaces, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the convenience of daily financial management for users. Zdrojewski drives the technical roadmap, ensuring that the bank's digital offerings remain secure, intuitive, and capable of supporting the evolving needs of the modern banking customer.

Teresa Ascencio, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Academy Bank, directs the revenue generation strategies and client acquisition efforts across all banking segments. Overseeing the sales teams, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) ensures that the bank meets its growth targets by providing tailored financial solutions to individuals and businesses. This leadership role involves developing high-impact sales processes that prioritize client relationships and long-term value. By expanding the reach of the bank's commercial and retail services, Teresa Ascencio directly impacts the overall market share of the institution. Through the training and development of sales personnel, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) maintains a high standard of service excellence. Ascencio drives revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and fostering strong partnerships within the community, ensuring that the bank remains a preferred choice for financial services.

Jane Dickinson Kress, the Chief Legal Officer at Academy Bank, manages the legal framework, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all banking activities adhere to federal and state laws. This leadership role involves providing counsel on complex transactions and protecting the institution from potential litigation. By navigating the intricate regulatory landscape, Jane Dickinson Kress directly impacts the operational security and reputation of the bank. Through the proactive identification of legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer enables the business to pursue growth initiatives with confidence. Kress drives compliance by establishing clear policies and training programs that guide employee conduct. Ultimately, Kress ensures that the bank operates with the highest level of integrity, safeguarding the interests of clients, shareholders, and the community at large.

Mary Westfall, the Regional Executive at Academy Bank, directs the operational success and market penetration within specific geographic territories. Overseeing the performance of local branches, the Regional Executive ensures that the bank's services are delivered effectively to meet the unique needs of the community. This leadership role involves coordinating with local leadership to drive business development and enhance customer engagement. By fostering strong relationships with regional stakeholders, Mary Westfall directly impacts the growth and visibility of the bank in key markets. Through the implementation of corporate strategies at the local level, the Regional Executive maintains consistency in service quality. Westfall drives regional performance by identifying local opportunities and tailoring the bank's offerings to support the economic vitality of the area, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of the communities served.