OAKLAND, MD — First United Bank & Trust proudly announces that Denise Greenbeck Hess, Deposit Relationship Manager, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 ABA Emerging Leaders Scholarship. The scholarship provides an opportunity for rising banking professionals to attend the American Bankers Association (ABA) Emerging Leaders Forum and Washington Summit, taking place March 9-11, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Each spring, bankers from across the country gather in the nation’s capital for the ABA Washington Summit to meet with regulators and members of Congress to advocate for the banking industry and the communities it serves. More than a decade ago, ABA launched the Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program in partnership with state bankers’ associations to ensure the next generation of banking professionals has a voice in shaping public policy.
As a 2026 scholarship recipient, Hess will participate in exclusive leadership development programming, connect with banking peers and executives from across the country, and engage directly with policymakers on Capitol Hill.
“The Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program ensures that the future of banking advocacy remains strong by empowering emerging leaders early in their careers,” said Caitlin Taylor, Vice President, State Association Alliance, American Bankers Association. “We are proud to see Denise Greenbeck Hess represent Maryland Bankers Association and First United Bank & Trust at this national event and contribute to important conversations shaping our industry.”
The ABA Emerging Leaders Forum is designed to foster collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful engagement with banking peers, industry leadership and policymakers. Through initiatives such as the Emerging Leaders Exchange and Secure American Opportunity®, participants continue their leadership development and advocacy well beyond the Summit.
Member of FDIC. First United Corporation operates one full-service commercial bank, First United Bank & Trust. The Bank has a network of community offices in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick counties in Maryland, as well as Mineral, Berkeley, and Monongalia counties in West Virginia. First United’s website can be located at MyBank.com. As of 12/31/2025, the corporation posted assets of $2.1 billion.