Keynote

KEYNOTE SPEAKER UPDATE:

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances, Catie Griggs is now longer able to participate as our keynote. We are thrilled to announce WaFd Bank's Vice-Chairman, President and CEO, Brent Beardall, will be our featured speaker. WaFd Bank is the largest bank headquartered in Washington State with over $20.5 billion in assets and 201 offices located in eight western states.  In 2022 WaFd Bank was recognized as the best bank in four of its eight states (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and New Mexico) by Newsweek. 

Mr. Beardall joined WaFd Bank in 2001 as Vice President & Controller. In 2003 he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer, a position he served in for eleven years. Prior to this he served as Chief Banking Officer where he was responsible for all client-facing activities of the bank. He was awarded the title of President & CEO in 2017, becoming only the sixth CEO in the bank’s 105-year history. 

In 2018 WaFd undertook a bold initiative “Vision 2025” to transform into a “digital first bank,” with the vision of having a real time understanding of clients’ financial health, anticipating their needs, and helping them make better financial decisions.  His simple ask of all employees is to “love what they do and make a difference.”