The Transformed Banking Experience - Sandy Spring Bank's Digital Journey

Behind the Vault Episode 46

How a 150-year-old institution drives digital innovation

In this episode, we dive deep with Sandy Spring Bank’s Chief Digital Officer Chris Orr and Director of Omni-Channel Strategy Jeff Weidley as they share their journey of leading digital transformation at a $14B institution. Through their unique paired leadership approach, Chris and Jeff reveal how they’ve orchestrated comprehensive changes in digital banking capabilities while maintaining focus on customer experience. They discuss the evolution of their technology stack, the challenges of post-pandemic modernization, and their innovative approach to in-house software development. The conversation illuminates how executive leadership, organizational alignment, and continuous customer feedback create the foundation for successful digital transformation.

Key topics from our conversation:

  • Integration and platform orchestration for enhanced customer experience
  • Building and scaling in-house software development capabilities
  • Managing organizational change across departments and reporting structures
  • Leveraging monthly releases for continuous improvement
  • Balancing legacy stability with digital innovation


Whether you’re a banking executive, IT strategist, or financial services professional, this episode offers valuable insights into how a 150-year-old institution successfully navigates the challenges of digital transformation while maintaining its commitment to customer service excellence.

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This is Behind the Vault: Conversations with Customer-Driven Bankers, the podcast dedicated to empowering CEOs, Presidents, and CMOs in the community banking and credit union industry. In this digital era, your role as a leader in these financial institutions is more crucial than ever. Join us as we explore the stories, strategies, and successes of fellow industry leaders, providing you with actionable insights to drive your institution toward unparalleled success.

To apply to be a guest on Behind the Vault: http://behindthevaultpod.com/guest

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