S.R. Snodgrass Podcast

In this episode of the S.R. Snodgrass podcast, Lenore Seifer is joined by Michael Adelman, President and CEO of the Ohio Bankers League, for a conversation about community banking, advocacy, technology, and the future of the financial industry.

Michael shares his background in public service and how his career path led him to the Ohio Bankers League. He discusses the important role banks play in local economies, explaining how banks help communities thrive by supporting businesses, homeowners, and individuals through lending and trusted financial relationships.

The episode also covers the Ohio Bankers League’s mission, including advocacy, banker education, and professional development. Michael shares insight into current industry priorities, including regulatory right-sizing, fraud prevention, technology adoption, tokenized deposits, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in banking.

Listeners will also hear Michael’s perspective on banking careers and why the industry offers meaningful opportunities far beyond traditional finance and accounting roles.

Topics covered include:

• Michael Adelman’s background in public service and advocacy
• The history and mission of the Ohio Bankers League
• Why banks are essential to thriving communities
• Regulatory right-sizing and advocacy priorities
• Technology, fraud prevention, and tokenized deposits
• Career opportunities in banking
• The importance of trust and relationships in community banking
• AI use cases for banks
• Michael’s outlook on the future of community banking

Listen to the full episode and subscribe to the S.R. Snodgrass podcast for more conversations on banking, business, and financial services.

In this episode of the S.R. Snodgrass Podcast, Lenore Seifer is joined by Kevin Shivers, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, for a conversation about the evolving financial landscape and the critical role community banks continue to play in supporting local economies.

Kevin shares his personal journey into the banking world, beginning with childhood memories of helping his mother review loan applications at the kitchen table, and explains how those experiences shaped his passion for entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community development.

The conversation explores the mission of community banks, the challenges they face today, and the growing policy debates surrounding stablecoins, cryptocurrency, fraud prevention, and financial regulation. Kevin also discusses why new bank formation is slowing, what that means for local communities, and how organizations like PACB are working to create a stronger future for community banking.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• Why community banks remain essential to local economies
• How community banks support small businesses and agriculture
• The growing impact of cryptocurrency and stablecoins
• Why fraud prevention and payment systems are evolving rapidly
• The importance of policy, advocacy, and regulatory guardrails
• Challenges surrounding new bank formation and industry consolidation
• How community banks are preparing for the future

As financial technology and regulation continue to evolve, Kevin emphasizes the importance of ensuring community banks can continue serving as trusted, local economic engines for generations to come.

🎧 Listen now to hear why community banking still matters—and what’s ahead for the industry.

In this episode of the S.R. Snodgrass Podcast, Chris Kreutzer joins Lenore Seifer to break down the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in businesses. From generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to agentic AI that automates workflows, Chris explains the key differences between these technologies and provides advice for businesses considering their implementation.

Key topics discussed include:

• The pros and cons of Generative vs. Agentic AI
• How AI is changing jobs and business operations
• The critical need for AI policies and clear guidelines
• Security risks and the growing threat of AI-enabled phishing and social engineering
• Vendor management considerations for companies using AI tools

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of AI's current and future impact on businesses—plus actionable insights on how to protect your organization while harnessing AI's full potential.

Episode 23: 80 Years of Snodgrass

In this milestone episode of the S.R. Snodgrass Podcast, host Lenore Seifer, Director of Human Resources, sits down with Charles E. Marston, President and Tax Principal, to celebrate 80 years of S.R. Snodgrass.

Charles reflects on his nearly 30-year journey with the firm and shares lessons learned from helping lead an organization through decades of growth, change, and industry evolution. From remaining proudly independent to investing early in technology and talent, this conversation highlights the values and decisions that have shaped Snodgrass—and continue to guide its future.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

 • What it takes to build a firm that lasts across generations

 • The importance of taking care of employees and clients

 • Staying true to core values while adapting to change

 • Remaining independent in a shifting accounting landscape

 • Preparing for the future, including technology and AI

 • Why relationships are the foundation of long-term success

As Snodgrass marks 80 years, this episode offers a thoughtful look back—and an optimistic look ahead.

🎧 Subscribe to the S.R. Snodgrass Podcast and follow us on LinkedIn for more conversations with firm leadership and subject matter experts.

The newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OB3 Bill) introduces major updates to personal income tax rules impacting deductions, charitable giving, year-end planning, and documentation requirements for individuals.

In this episode, host Lenore Seifer is joined by Bill Hall, Senior Tax Manager at S.R. Snodgrass, to break down what taxpayers need to know heading into the 2025 tax season. Bill walks through what has changed, what remains uncertain pending IRS guidance, and how individuals can start preparing now.

In This Episode:

• What makes the OB3 Bill unprecedented
• Expanded SALT deduction limits and who benefits
• New rules for charitable giving (cash, non-cash, stock, and QCDs)
• Standard deduction increases—especially for those age 65+
• Documentation requirements taxpayers must follow
• What’s changing in 2026 and why planning now matters
• Why IRS guidance delays may affect filing timelines
• Practical steps individuals can take before year-end

Whether you're preparing your own return or advising others, this episode provides clear, practical insights into some of the biggest tax changes coming in years.

Episode 21: Strengthening Audit Committee Effectiveness in Community Banks

In this episode, Lenore Seifer, Director of Human Resources, welcomes back Brendan Whalen, Audit and Assurance Principal, to explore the vital role of audit committees in promoting effective governance and risk management within community banks.

Brendan breaks down what makes an audit committee truly effective from its structure and member composition to its oversight responsibilities and culture of accountability. The discussion highlights how continuous education, proactive communication, and diverse experience can elevate audit performance and resilience.

Key Discussion Points:

• What defines audit committee effectiveness in community banks
• Optimal size, structure, and member composition
• The importance of professional skepticism and independence
• How to balance financial oversight with emerging risks like cybersecurity and AI
• Building culture through transparency and tone at the top
• Conducting annual effectiveness evaluations and charter reviews
• How audit committee roles are evolving amid regulatory change

Guest: Brendan Whalen, Principal, Audit & Assurance

Host: Lenore Seifer, Director of Human Resources

Connect with us:

🌐 www.srsnodgrass.com

🔗 LinkedIn | S.R. Snodgrass

In this episode, Lenore Seifer, Director of Human Resources at S.R. Snodgrass, welcomes Chris Kreutzer, Principal in Information Technology Services, to discuss practical information-security best practices for organizations of every size.

Chris outlines common oversights businesses make—from incomplete patch management to unverified backups—and explains how automation and AI can both strengthen and complicate cybersecurity. Together, they explore strategies for employee training, system documentation, and communication with managed service providers to keep data and operations safe.

You’ll learn:

• How automation and AI impact modern security practices
• What to check when implementing new systems or upgrades
• Why backups and verification processes are non-negotiable
• How employee training reduces real-world risk
• What to know before using AI tools like ChatGPT in your business

Guest: Chris Kreutzer, Principal, Information Technology Services
Host: Lenore Seifer, Director of Human Resources

Connect with us:
 🌐 www.srsnodgrass.com

🔗 LinkedIn | S.R. Snodgrass

In this episode of S.R. Snodgrass’s podcast series, Lenore Seifer welcomes back Brendan Whalen, Audit and Assurance Principal. Together, they unpack the FDIC Improvement Act (FDICIA), its history, and the significant regulatory changes proposed in July 2025. Brendan explains how these updates could reduce compliance burdens for banks, what institutions should watch for in terms of timing, and the potential implications for internal controls, independence requirements, and HUD audits.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
 00:31 Background and History of FDICIA
 02:20 Overview of Compliance Thresholds ($500M, $1B, $3B)
 04:00 Evolution of Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICFR)
 05:45 Proposed Changes to Asset Size Thresholds
 07:26 What the Updates Mean for Community Banks
 09:00 Independence Requirements and Management Burden
 11:00 Likelihood and Timing of Implementation
 13:00 Effective Dates and Prospective Compliance
 14:20 Recommendations for Banks by Asset Size
 16:00 Additional Relief from HUD Audit Requirements
 17:30 Risks, Negatives, and Safe Risk Management Practices
 18:45 Outdated Thresholds and Why Change is Needed
 20:00 Planning with Audit Committees and External Auditors
 21:40 Key Dates and Next Steps for Banks
 22:30 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

For more information or expert assistance, please connect with Brendan through the S.R. Snodgrass website or LinkedIn.

Website: https://www.srsnodgrass.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/srsnodgrass

In this episode of the S.R. Snodgrass podcast, Lenore Seifer welcomes back Brendan Whalen, Assurance Principal and Managing Partner at the Eastern Regional headquarters. They discuss the recent relocation to Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and its significance for expanding S.R. Snodgrass' presence in the eastern U.S. regions.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:20 New Office Excitement
00:54 Client and Market Expansion
02:15 Industry Opportunities and Growth
03:38 Talent Acquisition and Retention
04:48 Modern Office Amenities
06:57 Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
08:01 Employee Development and Culture
15:29 Conclusion and Farewell

For more information or expert assistance, please contact Brendan through the S.R. Snodgrass website or LinkedIn.

Website: https://www.srsnodgrass.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/srsnodgrass

In this episode of S.R. Snodgrass's podcast series, Lenore Seifer welcomes back Kaitlyn Gasper, who has recently been promoted to principal in the risk advisory division. They take a deep dive into Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) model validations, emphasizing their importance, common issues identified, and examiner expectations.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:17 Promotion Announcement and Team Introduction
00:31 Deep Dive into BSA Model Validations
00:40 Target Audience for BSA Model Validations
02:46 Differences Between BSA Audit and Model Validation
04:21 Third-Party Model Validation Explained
05:06 Getting Started with Model Validations
07:26 Common Issues in Model Validations
11:59 Examiner Expectations and Recommendations
13:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

For more information or expert assistance, please contact Kaitlyn through the S.R. Snodgrass website or LinkedIn.

Website: https://www.srsnodgrass.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/srsnodgrass