Join us for an engaging Ask the Experts panel featuring seasoned financial services executives who will share timely insights on industry trends, regulatory considerations, client relationship strategies, and operational excellence. This interactive session offers attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly and gain practical, real-world perspectives from leaders navigating today’s evolving financial services environment.
Monday, March 2
9:30 AM-11:30 AM
Ybor Salon I-III
LeAnn Rummel
President & Chief Executive Officer
Cetera Investment Services | Cetera Financial Group
LeAnn Rummel joined Cetera Investment Services in 1992 and currently serves as President and CEO, overseeing all aspects of the business. She leads the firm’s executive committee and also serves as President of Cetera’s Insurance Agencies.
An active industry leader, LeAnn serves on the board of the Bank Insurance Securities Association (BISA) and was inducted into BISA’s Circle of Excellence in 2014, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the financial services industry. She also serves as executive sponsor for CFG’s advisor-led Diversity & Inclusion Council, reflecting her commitment to inclusive leadership.
Prior to her current role, LeAnn served on PrimeVest’s executive committee and held leadership roles within ING Advisors Network Marketing, including Vice President of the Financial Institution Channel and Product Marketing. Earlier in her career at PrimeVest, she was Vice President of Product Sales and Marketing, overseeing creative services and leading teams focused on cash management, life insurance, retirement planning, financial planning, and investment advisory services.
With more than 30 years of experience in financial services, LeAnn holds Series 7, Series 24, and Series 63 securities licenses, along with insurance licenses. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a marketing emphasis from Iowa State University.
Renee R. Brooks
Chief Operating Officer | SEVP
SouthState Bank
Renee Brooks serves as Chief Operating Officer of SouthState Bank, bringing more than 30 years of banking experience, including 28 years with SouthState.
Since joining the bank in 1996, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Commercial Banking Manager, Head of Retail Banking, Corporate Secretary, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer. In her current role, she oversees IT, Operations, Enterprise Project Management, Service Delivery and Customer Care, Corporate Services, Marketing and Communications, and Digital Strategy.
A native of Anderson, South Carolina, Renee earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Clemson University and an MBA from Queens University of Charlotte. She is actively involved in her community and primarily resides in Columbia, South Carolina.
diane young
Chief Operating Officer
Navy Federal Financial Group
Diane Young serves as Chief Operating Officer of Navy Federal Financial Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navy Federal Credit Union. In her role, she develops and implements strategic initiatives that deliver products and solutions designed to help members achieve financial stability.
Prior to joining Navy Federal, Diane was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs, where she developed and launched a digital securities-based lending program. She has also led the launch and repositioning of financial planning programs at Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, TD Ameritrade, and E*TRADE.
Diane is a graduate of Adelphi University.
Wade dokken
Chief Executive Officer
WealthVest LLC
Wade Dokken brings more than 40 years of financial services leadership experience. He co-founded WealthVest in 2009 with Lincoln Collins. For the past seven years, WealthVest has been the #1 independently owned distributor of fixed and index annuities in banks and broker-dealers, raising more than $30 billion since inception.
Prior to WealthVest, Wade led American Skandia from its U.S. market entry in 1989 through its rise to the #1 variable annuity seller in the first quarter of 2000. As CEO, he spearheaded the company’s sale to Prudential Life in 2003. During his tenure, American Skandia raised more than $50 billion.
Wade is the author of New Century, New Deal, a public policy analysis addressing the challenges facing Social Security. He has also written for FA Magazine and authored white papers on topics including sustainable withdrawal rates, sequence of returns, and portfolio optimization.
Michael wilson
Wealth and Consumer Banking Executive
First Citizens Bank
With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Michael brings a strong track record, extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge in the wealth management industry. Having been a member of our First Citizens team since 2013, he is responsible for overall leadership, strategic planning and management of the company’s wealth division, which includes Brokerage and Insurance, Wealth Planning, Trust, Investment Management, Institutional, Retirement Services and Private Banking. As a seasoned wealth industry executive, Michael has served as a trust officer, financial advisor, portfolio manager, national sales manager and chief operating officer. Prior to joining First Citizens, he served in various management roles in wealth management. His responsibilities included strategic planning, technology, marketing, sales, compensation and product development for the division. Regardless of what his position is or where he works, focusing on customers is something Michael always keeps in mind. His main focus is to ensure customers receive expert wealth management advice related to the whole spectrum of life events, whether those involve saving for college, receiving an inheritance or preparing for retirement. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Assumption College in Worcester, Mass. He holds series 7, 9, 10 and 66 securities licenses and received a certificate of trust administration from the New England School of Banking at Williams College.
MODERATORS
Tim sease
EVP | Managing Director
SouthState Bank
CONNIE L. Gregory
Regional Director
Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group