Claremont Savings Bank is proud to announce Chrissy Askren, Senior Vice President – Human Resource, recently completed the Paul W. Barret, Jr. Graduate School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee’s rigorous three-year program as part of the Class of 2026.
Eighty-three students graduated this year after successfully completing the comprehensive curriculum during the May 17–22 session held on the campus of Christian Brothers University. Mike Hobbs, Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Paul W. Barret, Jr. School of Banking, addressed the class during the ceremony and congratulated graduates on behalf of the Board.
In addition to coursework, students participated in the annual Paul W. Barret, Jr. Lecture Series. This year’s featured speaker, Darren Woodson—three-time Super Bowl Champion and successful business leader—shared insights on leadership, teamwork, and performance excellence with school participants and invited guests.
For more than fifty-five years, Paul W. Barret, Jr. Graduate School of Banking has served as a premier institution for advanced banking education. The program is designed to equip banking professionals with a deep and practical understanding of all aspects of commercial banking. Over the course of three years, graduates complete more than 200 hours of classroom instruction and develop in-depth analytical reports across eight key functional areas.
The importance of continuing education for the employees at Claremont Savings Bank cannot be overstated. As the bank continues to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment, evolving technology, and changing customer expectations, well-educated professionals are critical to maintaining sound operations and delivering exceptional service. Programs like the Barret School provide the technical knowledge, strategic perspective, and leadership development necessary to prepare our team for these challenges.
Claremont Savings Bank is committed to investing in their employees’ professional development. Supporting advanced education opportunities not only strengthens our teams’ capabilities, but also enhances organizational performance, fosters innovation, and contributes to long-term success. Chrissy is returning to CSB better equipped to make informed decisions, manage risk, and lead her teams effectively.
“We are incredibly proud of Chrissy’s accomplishment and her dedication to professional growth,” said David Finnerty, President and CEO of Claremont Savings Bank. “Investing in continuing education like the Barret School of Banking is an investment in the future of our organization and the communities we serve. Programs like this ensure our team remains knowledgeable, forward-thinking, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The 2026 session brought together 230 financial services professionals representing thirty states, highlighting the program’s national reach and reputation for excellence.
