The Pennsylvania Bankers Association’s Women in Banking Conference brings together women from across the banking industry for a day of learning, connection, and celebration of leadership in action.
Recently, I traveled to the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center to attend the PA Bankers Association’s 2026 Women in Banking annual conference. I’ve been attending for several years now, and it’s truly become one of my favorite events because I always leave feeling inspired.
Women in Banking Recognition of Excellence Program
Schneider Downs sponsored a portion of the conference: the Women in Banking Recognition of Excellence Program. This program includes the presentation of the Women in Banking Recognition of Excellence Awards, which honor women who consistently go above and beyond to uplift others and move the banking industry forward.
This year’s honorees exemplified what it means to lead with intention.
Kerri Mueller of AmeriServ Financial was recognized with the Patricia A. Husic Woman of Influence Award. As her accomplishments were shared, it was clear why she was selected. Kerri was celebrated as a change agent who consistently demonstrates courage and ethical leadership. Her enthusiasm for her profession, organization, and community resonated with many of us in the audience.
The Champion for Women Award was presented to Danielle Maurer of cfsbank. Danielle’s commitment to fostering growth and helping women maximize their potential was a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t only about titles; it’s about advocacy, mentorship, and showing up for others.
During the ceremony, remarks captured the spirit of the moment and highlighted the influence these women have not just through measurable results, but through the workplace cultures they help shape and the people they inspire along the way. Hearing that message in person underscored why programs like this matter so much.
I left the conference feeling energized and grateful to have experienced such a meaningful celebration of leadership and community. Congratulations again to Danielle and Kerri on their well-deserved recognition and thank you to the Pennsylvania Bankers Association for continuing to bring bankers together to learn, grow, and lead with purpose.
Our Commitment to Community
At Schneider Downs, our mission is to be great for our people, our clients, and our communities. Events like the Women in Banking Conference bring that mission to life. Supporting the Women in Banking Recognition of Excellence Program reflects our belief in mentorship, inclusion, and creating space for leaders to grow with purpose. Being part of this celebration reinforced why culture matters and why investing in people who lead with integrity, care and, intention ultimately strengthens our industry and the communities we serve.
About Schneider Downs Financial Services
The Schneider Downs Financial Services industry group supports financial institutions as they navigate evolving risk, regulatory, and governance challenges. Our professionals work with institutions to strengthen internal audit, risk advisory, and related risk management programs that support sound decision‑making, operational effectiveness, and regulatory expectations.
Through services spanning internal audit, risk advisory, IT risk advisory, third‑party risk management, fraud risk advisory, and enterprise risk and compliance, we help financial institutions design and enhance resilient, risk‑based programs aligned with their strategic objectives and operating environment.
To learn more, visit our Financial Services Industry Group page.
