Maryland Bankers Association and Smith School Partner for Statewide Banking Fellows Program

The Maryland Bankers Association (MBA) and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business have launched a statewide Smith Banking Fellows Program to operate as a coordinated academic, experiential, and professional development initiative to prepare high-achieving undergraduates for careers in Maryland’s banking industry.

Beginning in summer 2026, selected sophomore and junior finance majors will participate in a structured program that integrates advanced coursework, paid summer internships with MBA member banks, and industry-led professional development. 

“This partnership exemplifies the mission of Smith’s fellows programs to connect students with industry leaders,” said Michael Padhi, associate clinical professor of finance and faculty champion for Smith’s existing banking fellows program, comprised of 50 students. “The initiative aims to strengthen Maryland’s banking talent pipeline while giving students early exposure to the skills and responsibilities required to lead modern financial institutions.”

Padhi has built experiential learning opportunities for students into the program, including leading teams in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 CSBS Community Bank Case Study Competitions. Through this national competition, Padhi incorporated a service-to-state component by establishing partnerships with Woodsboro Bank, Middletown Valley Bank, and Farmers and Merchants Bank, guiding students as they analyzed challenges facing community banks, including rising interest rates, inflation, succession planning, integrating new technology, meeting changing consumer preferences and managing regulatory burden. 

These collaborations helped lay the foundation for the new statewide partnership—announced as part of the Maryland Bankers Association’s annual First Friday Economic Outlook Forum on January 9, 2026.

During the forum, Gov. Wes Moore lauded the initiative, as well as the Smith students on hand representing the banking fellows program: Olusegun Akinnusi, Anaya Barrett, Michael Brown, Edomias Getaneh, Samuel Humes, Ryan Krucenski, Klarissa Patel, Pav-Marciano N. Rodrigues, Andrew Saccomandi, Steve Sanchez and Zach Soderstrom.

Moore echoed MBA President and CEO Tisha Edwards’ comments in the association’s announcement of the program. Edwards said, “The banking industry is navigating challenges that are as complex as they are consequential, from attracting and retaining top talent to keeping pace with rapid technological change. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of banking leaders by pairing strong academic foundations with real-world internship experience and industry-driven professional development. Together, we are equipping students with the skills, adaptability, and perspective needed to help banks of all sizes serve their communities and compete in a rapidly evolving environment.”

The program brings together the strengths of each partner:

• Rigorous academic preparation through the Smith School, where fellows complete advanced coursework in banking and financial institutions, including credit and market risk, interest rate risk, regulatory frameworks, and bank financial analysis. Students enter the program having completed foundational coursework in finance, accounting and statistics, and are selected through a competitive application process based on academic performance and demonstrated interest in banking.
• Paid summer internships hosted by MBA member banks beginning in 2026. These placements will provide hands-on experience in commercial banking, credit analysis, risk management, financial services innovation, and community banking leadership. Banks benefit from early access to emerging talent prepared to contribute from day one.
• Industry-led professional development facilitated by the Maryland Bankers Association, including training, networking and exposure to banking leaders across the state. Through MBA programming, fellows will gain insight into Maryland’s financial services ecosystem, regulatory and policy considerations, and long-term career pathways within the industry. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the Maryland Bankers Association's enthusiastic support of our Smith Banking Fellows in our undergraduate program at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business through the launch of summer internships that connect our Fellows with Maryland banks,” said Smith School Dean Prabhudev Konana. “MBA President and CEO Tisha Edwards commitment to investing in future banking leaders strengthens both our students' career success and the long-term vitality of Maryland banks and the state's economy. We also thank Commissioner Tony Salazar and Deputy Commissioner Michael Sprouse of the Office of Financial Regulation for making this relationship possible with the Maryland Bankers Association and helping launch this powerful partnership."

In the first week of the spring 2026 semester, the Maryland Bankers Association will assign a slate of candidates with banks that match the applying students' criteria (such as geography). The banks will receive their slate's candidates' application materials, hold interviews and make their hiring decisions.