Samuel P. Golden made history as the first Ombudsman of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, meaning he was responsible for making sure the federal banking system operated within the confines of rules and regulations–a vital occupation.

Impressively, he ascended to this prominent government position as a Black man from a segregated town in rural Texas. In his deeply personal memoir, A Golden Legacy: Family, Faith and a Life of Purpose, he shares intimate details of his journey that has been defined by resilience, integrity, and service.

In ascending to the OCC’s first Ombudsman, he became a trailblazer for fairness and accountability in the U.S. banking system. Along the way, though, he confronted systemic racism, shattered assumptions, and stood firm in the face of crisis, including the national banking collapse of the 1980s.

A Golden Legacy, written with Angie Ransom-Jones, is a heartfelt tribute to the values that shaped him, the family that sustained him, and the faith that guided him, from the front lines of regulatory reform to a personal battle with cancer.

More than a record of professional milestones, this is the story of a servant-leader who chose purpose over prestige and justice over silence. It is a powerful and timely reminder that the greatest impact we make is not in titles held, but in the lives we touch.

Golden will share his story over lunch (yes, we’re adding a tasty, light lunch with registration for 2026) during an insightful Q&A.