This feature is in our weekly Monday Morning Report newsletter, which showcases our highest-level members. Leaders You Should Know highlights community leaders who are making a notable impact in the Nashville region.
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Tell us about yourself.
I am the Senior Vice President, Market Leader for Wilson Bank & Trust’s Nashville/West End market. With over 30 years in the financial industry, I specialize in business development, serving as a commercial lender and community development leader. My journey with Wilson Bank & Trust (WBT) began in 1999, where I helped manage the opening of the bank’s first office outside of Wilson County in Hermitage. Throughout my 25+ years at WBT, I have held various managerial and lending roles, helping the bank expand its reach and commitment to the community.
I am a graduate of Murray State University and hold credentials from the Southeastern School of Banking, the Southeast School of Commercial Lending, and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Active in the community, I’m a member of the Nashville Rotary Club, serve on the advisory board for The Housing Fund, and am a graduate of Leadership Donelson-Hermitage and Leadership Middle Tennessee. My wife and I have been together over 30 years and live in Hendersonville, where we are proud parents to two adult children, Haylee, a nurse at Vanderbilt, and Jack, a recent University of Tennessee Chattanooga graduate.
Tell us about your business/industry?
Wilson Bank & Trust (WBT) is a full-service community bank founded in 1987 with a mission to help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through personalized, community-driven banking. With 30 locations across ten counties in Tennessee, WBT takes pride in being deeply embedded in the communities it serves, offering everything from personal banking to business loans and wealth management.
What sets WBT apart is our commitment to treating every customer like a neighbor. We offer tailored financial solutions to meet the specific needs of each community. Our in-school banking programs and financial literacy initiatives are just one example of how we empower our communities with the knowledge they need to succeed.
In addition to traditional banking, WBT supports local first responders, military personnel, and organizations with specialized services. We believe that being a community bank means going beyond financial transactions—it’s about building long-term relationships and providing resources that help individuals and businesses thrive.
WBT has grown steadily over the years, but our focus remains on providing excellent customer service and being a reliable partner for financial success. We believe that integrity, customer satisfaction, and personalized care are what make us different from larger, national banks. Our team is passionate about helping customers at every stage of their financial journey, and we remain committed to giving back to the communities that we support.
What should we know about you?
Growing up in a small Kentucky town where the impact of a local bank was evident in every community transaction, it felt natural to join the banking industry. My career started at a small community bank, where I learned the powerful role local banks play in supporting businesses and individuals. After moving to Nashville in 1993, I had the privilege of raising my own family in Wilson and Sumner counties. Witnessing the growth of Nashville and surrounding areas over the past three decades, I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to contribute to that growth through my work at WBT. I believe strongly in the value of community, and it’s the philosophy that guides my career and personal life.
How did you get to your current position?
My journey with WBT began in 1994 when I met John McDearman, now CEO, in a management training program. Even prior to hire, I was impressed by the culture of WBT. When WBT expanded into Hermitage, John reached out, knowing I had local knowledge and experience. After learning more about the bank’s mission, I proudly joined WBT in 1999. I spent 16 years managing the Hermitage office before transitioning to commercial lending full-time in 2016. In 2017, I began to lead our West End office and was named Senior Vice President. My natural ability to build relationships, unwavering loyalty, and commitment to community have opened the doors necessary along the way to achieving my current role.
What value do you see in Chamber involvement?
For me personally, being involved with the Chamber is an essential part of connecting with the Nashville community and supporting local businesses. The Chamber provides valuable networking opportunities, educational resources, and access to key community leaders, all of which help drive economic growth in the region. I see the Chamber as a critical player in attracting new businesses to Nashville and expanding the city’s economic footprint, making it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in the area.
What do you enjoy most about being a leader?
My greatest fulfillment as a leader comes from seeing others succeed. Early in my career, I focused on personal performance, but over time, I have discovered that true joy, for me, comes from mentoring others. I place high value on being able to act as a resource for those I work with, providing guidance and support to help them grow professionally. I believe that when employees feel cared for and supported, they are motivated to excel and achieve success.
How do you stay engaged in the community?
As I mentioned before, the core values that WBT and I share have always aligned; interestingly, community involvement is one of those core values—and I actively strive to embody this commitment both in and out of the office. The bank encourages employees to be active in their communities, whether through school involvement, coaching, or volunteering with local organizations. I prioritize this time, serving on boards, participating in leadership programs, and being actively engaged with local chambers and civic groups. My philosophy is simple: the more you invest in your community, the more people know they can trust and depend on you.
What advice would you give a student about entering the workforce?
Students entering the workforce should focus on building relationships and exceeding expectations. While applying for jobs online is essential, I still believe that personal outreach—whether through phone calls or in person—sets candidates apart. I would encourage persistence and perseverance; the ability to bounce back from setbacks and learn from what might feel like failures is key to long-term success. I have learned, through my own experiences, to view failure as a valuable learning experience, one that builds resilience and drives future success.
What do you like to do in your spare time outside of work? Where will we find you on the weekends?
Outside of work, I enjoy the simple things like spending time with my family, especially now that my children are grown. On weekends, you’ll often find me screening basketball games or spending time on the golf course. During the spring and fall months, I regularly participate in a points game at Country Hills Golf Course, staying active and competitive while appreciating the outdoors.