By Christie Summervill

What an electrifying experience at FinComp 2025, held in the stunning coastal haven of La Jolla, California! This year’s symposium was a powerhouse of inspiration, equipping HR professionals with cutting-edge tools to lead with confidence, navigate economic challenges, and revolutionize compensation strategies in a dynamic industry. The energy was palpable, the insights were transformative, and the connections forged will shape the future of HR leadership.
A Stellar Lineup of Visionaries
FinComp ‘25 kicked off with a bang, led by the dynamic keynote from Urs Koenig, best-selling author of Radical Humility. His bold vision for leadership in today’s fast-paced world set an exhilarating tone for the event.
Amy Downs’ keynote was also a defining moment. Her journey from surviving the Oklahoma City bombing to becoming a trailblazing CEO at Allegiance Credit Union was a testament to the power of perseverance. Her message of overcoming obstacles with unwavering determination resonated deeply, leaving attendees motivated and profoundly moved.
The speaker roster was nothing short of exceptional. A few noteworthy moments:
- Marta Turba, VP of Total Rewards Content Strategy at WorldatWork, delivered actionable insights
- Chief Economist Steven Rick from TruStage provided a razor-sharp analysis of today’s economic landscape.
- CHRO Virginia Whitham from Rally Credit Union and Deborah Arndell from ARMOR Advisory Group shared their expertise, alongside Dolly Penland from Business Results.
- BalancedComp’s own Phil Asselin helped close out the conference with his highly anticipated session on Performance-Based Pay, and Rachel Prine captivated attendees with her deep dive into the ROI of Competitive Compensation.
Each speaker ignited fresh ideas and actionable strategies to drive HR excellence.
Unforgettable Networking and Collaboration
Beyond the powerhouse sessions, this event served as a hub for connection and collaboration. The daily afternoon HR Roundtables were a highlight, sparking lively discussions on critical topics like executive benefits, incentive pay, PTO, and remote work. “I think attendees look forward to these roundtables as much as they do the speakers,” said Jacqualyn Summervill, COO at BalancedComp, and the event’s vibrant emcee. These sessions fostered meaningful exchanges, enabling HR professionals to share ideas, address challenges, and cultivate lasting relationships with peers from across the industry.
In a nutshell:
- Attendees arrived from 26 states nationwide
- Blend of 50+ banks and credit unions
- ~One-third repeat attendees
- 28% attended FinComp with their team
- 53% C-Suite & V-Suite executives
- 31% Mid-MGMT (Directors & Managers)
Full Speed Ahead to Boston in 2027!
As the conference drew to a close, COO Jacqualyn Summervill shared an enthusiastic invitation: “A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in La Jolla! We’re beyond excited to welcome you to Boston in 2027 for even more education, networking, and leadership inspiration!”
While the exact dates for FinComp 2027 have yet to be announced, the promise of another transformative gathering is already generating buzz.
Ready to join the movement? Visit fincomp.balancedcomp.com for the latest updates on FinComp 2027 and to stay connected with this vibrant community of HR leaders!
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