Andrew Wilkens
Denver, CO
Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers®
Next Cohort Begins October 2026 | Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel | Broomfield, CO
Executive Education
This 19-month program is designed to prepare internal candidates for executive management roles at community banks.
Overview
The Graduate School of Banking at Colorado’s Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers is a program for up-and-coming C-level executives whose work efforts influence the future direction of their banks. Participants attend four 4-day sessions in Colorado every six months, and may begin in April or October. A dual curriculum of advanced leadership and bank management strategies prepares participants for the challenges associated with leading a community bank in today’s increasingly competitive environment.
Curriculum
Leadership Development
- 10+ hours of individual executive coaching
- Mentoring by a community bank executive from a similar institution outside the participant bank’s trade area
- Extensive use of leadership, coaching, team building and communication diagnostic tools
Bank Management
- Bank-specific initiatives to increase non-interest income and/or reduce non-interest expense
- Comprehensive internal risk assessment and strategic objectives
- Bank-specific talent management analysis with strategies for employee growth and development
Preparedness: Financial Primer Courses
Participants of the optional EDI Preparedness Financial Primer program are those who are or intend to be enrolled in GSBC’s Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers (EDI). The goal of the Financial Primer program is to provide incoming EDI students with foundational financial knowledge they may not have.
Admission & Fees
Are you a C-level officer or the named successor of one at your bank? Do you anticipate a promotion to executive management in the next 2-3 years? If so, EDI may be for you! See what it takes to apply, including applicable tuition and fees and program dates for the upcoming 19-month program.
Facilities & Accommodations
Participants will stay and learn at the Renaissance Boulder Flatiron Hotel in Broomfield, Colorado. Surrounded by a plethora of the area’s most beloved hot spots, the Renaissance offers unparalleled access to a wealth of destinations, including downtown Denver, Boulder and the Flatiron Crossing Mall. Hotel accommodations are reserved for participants by GSBC, and are included in program costs.
Continuing Professional Education
Executive Management Roundtable
This Executive Management Roundtable is an exclusive, invitation-only event designed for senior leaders who have completed GSBC’s EDI program. This one-day, in-person forum promotes candid dialogue, peer learning, and expert insight into the most pressing strategic, regulatory and financial challenges facing community banks today.
Participants can also count their EDI coursework toward Continuing Professional Education. GSBC is registered with the NASBA as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses.
Faculty, Mentors & Coaches
Our faculty members are nationally recognized bankers, consultants, executive coaches and academics who are leading experts in their fields. They bring real-life examples, case studies and unique models of technical instruction to facilitate a lively and open learning environment.
Andy Anderson
Rolling Fork, MS
Andy Churgin
Lafayette, CO
Andy Marshall
Amarillo, TX
Anita Drentlaw
Lakeview, MN
Blake Crow
Des Moines, IA
What People Are Saying
EDI isn't just about developing skills for the C-suite—though it certainly achieves that. The real, enduring value comes from the deep relationships forged during the program, building a lifelong network of like-minded industry partners. This network will not only help you build on your professional accomplishments but will also provide a strategic, competitive advantage for your community bank for years to come.
Krista Gibson
CLASS OF 2025The Executive Development Institute for Community Bankers® was instrumental in my professional development. The material is challenging yet understandable, and the instructors are both knowledgeable and approachable. I particularly appreciated the focus on developing leadership skills. As a result, I now feel more equipped to lead our bank effectively and support our team as they grow in their roles. Lastly, the camaraderie built among the cohort is outstanding; you truly develop relationships that will last a lifetime!
Matt Morris
CLASS OF 2024The EDI Program at GSBC has been hands-down the most beneficial program I have participated in, and I believe it to have been one of the most important stepping stones in the progression of my banking career. I have continued to use so much of what we learned to improve the operations and communication of our bank. Moreover, enough cannot be said about the positive impact of the relationships that were fostered and the ideas that continue to be shared between the members of our cohort.
Abbie Bowen
CLASS OF 2023NEXT STEPS
Request Information
Are you interested in attending EDI or sending one of your employees? Complete this form for more information about any of our community banking programs.
Apply Now
Are you ready to take the next step in advancing your career? Learn more about EDI’s admission requirements and get started on your application today!