David Penn has 20 years of experience as a writer, blogger, and journalist covering the financial markets, small business, and technology. One half of the research team at Finovate.com, he authors Finovate Global, a weekly look at fintech in developing markets around the world.

Jody brings deep operating experience in financial services – managing direct channels, launching digital ventures, and leading digital transformation programs. He was previously a Partner at McKinsey & Company, where he helped financial institutions define and execute digital transformation programs to drive customer growth and operating efficiency. Jody also served in senior digital operating roles at U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and Providian. In these positions, he led digital sales and service functions and direct to consumer businesses to deliver organic growth and enhanced customer experience. Jody has an MBA from Northwestern University and a BS in Computer Engineering from The University of Michigan.

Mr. Westhues was born and raised in Jefferson City Missouri. He attended Westminster College, Fulton Missouri, where he received a BA with a minor in Marketing and Communications. He started his career in banking in branch management after moving to Columbia Missouri. In 1995, while continuing to work, he attended William Woods University and received his MBA in Management in December of 1997.

In 1997, Mr. Westhues was hired as Director of E-Commerce for Central Bank company, a 13 bank holding company headquartered in Jefferson City Missouri. There he developed the company’s first Internet presence and online banking applications. After a successful rollout, managing three years of growth and the development of a second-generation web product, Mr. Westhues took a position with Central Bank, located in Jefferson City Missouri and the lead bank of Central Bank company, as head of their branch network and sales force overseeing 130 employees, 11 banking centers, marketing, and business development.

In 2012, Mr. Westhues returned to Central Bank company and was named Senior Vice President - Director of Marketing and Retail Banking. His responsibilities include Corporate Marketing, Product Development and Ecommerce, and the company’s overall branch network covering Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Kansas.

Today, Mr. Westhues serves as Executive Vice President of Central Bank company. He oversees innovation and customer facing technology, product development, corporate marketing, card operations, and Retail Banking