Leadership Overview
Academy Bank has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, operations, information, marketing, sales, legal, and regional management.
Focused on community-centric financial solutions, Academy Bank delivers comprehensive banking services for individuals and commercial clients while maintaining a commitment to regional economic growth and stability.
Focused on community-centric financial solutions, Academy Bank delivers comprehensive banking services for individuals and commercial clients while maintaining a commitment to regional economic growth and stability.
Leadership Roles at Academy Bank
Larry Ellington - President, Chief Executive Officer
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 business units, the President, Chief Executive Officer ensures that community banking standards remain consistent across the entire organization. This leadership role involves managing relationships with the Board of Directors to drive sustainable profitability and market expansion. By prioritizing customer-centric financial solutions, Larry Ellington directly impacts the competitive positioning of the bank within the broader financial landscape. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and risk management, the President, Chief Executive Officer maintains the integrity of the institution. Ultimately, Ellington secures the future of the bank by fostering a culture of excellence and operational efficiency that supports the diverse needs of individual and commercial clients throughout the regional market footprint.
Dennis Ambroske - Chief Financial Officer
Dennis Ambroske, the Chief Financial Officer at Academy Bank, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the bank maintains a robust balance sheet capable of supporting long-term growth. This leadership role involves providing critical insights to the executive team regarding market trends and economic shifts that influence the bank's investment portfolio. By maintaining strict oversight of financial controls, Dennis Ambroske directly impacts the stability and profitability of the institution. Through the development of comprehensive financial models, the Chief Financial Officer supports the strategic objectives of the bank while mitigating potential risks. Ultimately, Ambroske ensures that the financial foundation remains strong, allowing the bank to continue providing essential banking services to individuals and commercial clients across the region.
Thomas Kientz - Chief Operating Officer
Thomas Kientz, the Chief Operating Officer at Academy Bank, directs the daily operational workflows and internal processes that sustain the bank's service delivery. Overseeing the efficiency of branch operations and administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all departments function in harmony to meet client expectations. This leadership role involves refining internal procedures to reduce friction in the customer experience and improve overall productivity. By standardizing operational protocols, Thomas Kientz directly impacts the quality and speed of banking services provided to the community. Through the management of cross-functional teams, the Chief Operating Officer aligns internal resources with the strategic goals established by the executive leadership. Ultimately, Kientz optimizes the operational infrastructure, ensuring that the bank remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the commercial and individual banking sectors.
Doug Earp - Chief Technology Officer
Doug Earp, the Chief Technology Officer at Academy Bank, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern banking operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced financial software, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all digital platforms remain secure, scalable, and user-friendly for the diverse client base. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite members to implement innovative solutions that streamline transaction processing and enhance data security. By optimizing the technological framework, Doug Earp directly impacts the efficiency of the bank's service delivery models. Through the continuous evaluation of emerging financial technologies, the Chief Technology Officer maintains a competitive edge in the digital banking sector. Ultimately, Earp drives the digital transformation of the institution, ensuring that all technological assets align with the broader mission of providing reliable and accessible financial services to the community.
Shannon Gilley - Chief Information Officer
Shannon Gilley, the Chief Information Officer at Academy Bank, manages the information systems and data governance frameworks that underpin the bank's operations. Overseeing the security of sensitive client information, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all data management practices comply with industry regulations and internal security standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with the technology department to protect the integrity of the bank's information assets. By implementing robust data protection strategies, Shannon Gilley directly impacts the trust and reliability associated with the institution's brand. Through the continuous monitoring of information flows, the Chief Information Officer supports the strategic decision-making processes of the executive team. Ultimately, Gilley maintains the security and accessibility of critical information, ensuring that the bank can effectively serve its clients while safeguarding against emerging cyber threats in the financial industry.

Cynthia Sheridan - Chief Marketing Officer
Cynthia Sheridan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Academy Bank, directs the brand strategy and market outreach initiatives that define the bank's presence in the community. Overseeing the development of marketing campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the bank's value proposition resonates with both individual and commercial clients. This leadership role involves analyzing market data to identify growth opportunities and tailoring communication strategies to reach target demographics. By elevating the brand profile, Cynthia Sheridan directly impacts the acquisition and retention of customers across the regional market. Through the alignment of marketing efforts with the bank's core mission, the Chief Marketing Officer supports the overall growth objectives of the institution. Ultimately, Sheridan drives the public perception of the bank, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with reliability, community support, and professional financial service.
Teresa Ascencio - Chief Sales Officer (CSO)
Teresa Ascencio, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Academy Bank, directs the sales strategies and revenue generation efforts for the institution. Overseeing the performance of the sales teams, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) ensures that the bank meets its growth targets through the effective promotion of financial products and services. This leadership role involves training and motivating staff to provide exceptional service to commercial and individual clients. By optimizing the sales funnel and identifying new business opportunities, Teresa Ascencio directly impacts the revenue streams of the bank. Through the implementation of performance metrics, the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) maintains high standards of accountability and success across all sales channels. Ultimately, Ascencio drives the expansion of the client base, ensuring that the bank continues to grow its market share while delivering value to the community.

Jane Dickinson Kress - Chief Legal Officer
Jane Dickinson Kress, the Chief Legal Officer at Academy Bank, directs the legal affairs and regulatory compliance efforts of the institution. Overseeing the interpretation of banking laws, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all corporate activities adhere to federal and state requirements. This leadership role involves providing counsel to the executive team on risk management and contractual obligations. By navigating the complex regulatory environment, Jane Dickinson Kress directly impacts the legal standing and reputation of the bank. Through the proactive management of legal risks, the Chief Legal Officer supports the strategic initiatives of the organization while protecting the interests of stakeholders. Ultimately, Kress ensures that the bank operates within the bounds of the law, providing a secure and compliant environment for all financial transactions and client interactions across the regional market.

Mary Westfall - Regional Executive
Mary Westfall, the Regional Executive at Academy Bank, directs the operational and business development activities within the assigned geographic territory. Overseeing the performance of local branches, the Regional Executive ensures that the bank's services meet the specific needs of the regional community. This leadership role involves coordinating with local management to drive growth and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. By fostering strong relationships with local businesses and individuals, Mary Westfall directly impacts the market penetration of the bank in the region. Through the implementation of corporate strategies at the local level, the Regional Executive supports the broader mission of the institution. Ultimately, Westfall ensures that the bank remains a vital part of the regional economy, providing consistent and reliable financial support to the community while achieving the performance goals set by the executive leadership.
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