Monday, August 4, 2025 – Tracy Walder, Keynote Speaker

Tracy Walder is a former CIA officer, FBI Special Agent, educator, and bestselling author who brings a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and integrity. With a career rooted in national security and international affairs, she has served on the front lines of global intelligence as an officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations and later as a Special Agent at the FBI.

Today, Walder shares the lessons she learned from navigating high-stakes environments with audiences across the country. She is a sought-after speaker known for empowering others to challenge limitations and embrace a “why not” mindset—encouraging individuals to pursue their goals without fear or hesitation.

In addition to her public speaking, Walder serves as an adjunct professor, teaching courses in criminal justice and terrorism. Her bestselling memoir, The Unexpected Spy, chronicles her unconventional path through the intelligence community and continues to inspire readers with its candor, courage, and authenticity.

As keynote speaker for the Graduate School of Banking’s 2025 Distinguished Speaker Series, Walder will offer banking professionals fresh insights into leadership, critical decision-making, and thriving under pressure—skills essential in today’s evolving financial landscape.