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Author: Sarah Poss

First Freedom Staff sitting around the tablescape and surrounding decorations

First Freedom Sponsors Wilson Books from Birth Fundraiser

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News.

First Freedom Bank sponsored a table at the 2025 Imagination Dinner, held on April 17th at the Farm Bureau Exposition Center. Hosted by Wilson Books from Birth, the local chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the event is a major fundraiser for this organization and supports their goal of early childhood literacy and helps them to continue to provide free books to children aged five and younger across Wilson County.

The bank’s theme this year was inspired by the children’s book Tea Party Rules and featured a playful tablescape and a tea service for teddy bear and baby doll “guests.” Our table received the “Whimsical Creation” award.

Those in attendance included Maliea Oakley, SVP and Director of Human Resources, Blake Smith, Accounting Clerk, Shelia Ferrell, SVP and Managerial Lender, Helen Green, Lebanon Administrative Assistant, Blair Fry, Assistant VP and Credit Analyst, Kayla Ring, Assistant VP & Construction Manager, and Ashley Montgomery, VP & Mt. Juliet Office Manager.

Bank staff stands side by side with life-sized Dolly Parton figure at the event

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Rebecca Jennings talking with a student at the event.

First Freedom’s Jennings Speaks at Cumberland University

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Involvement.

First Freedom’s Rebecca Jennings, CPA, VP and Controller, recently participated in a speaking engagement hosted by the Tennessee Society of CPAs at Cumberland University, where she is also an alumna.

During the session, she spoke with students about her journey into accounting, shared important lessons from her career, and offered guidance on becoming a CPA. She also answered questions and provided practical advice for entering the profession. The engagement encouraged open discussion about career opportunities in accounting and finance.

Rebecca Jennings stands with Cumberland student at the event

First Freedom is proud to see Rebecca sharing her experiences and insights with future professionals. To discover how our team members are making an impact within and beyond the bank, please interact with the buttons below!

Community Engagement
Staff Recognition

Bank Employees hold winning piggy banks while standing with contest winners.

First Freedom Sponsors Jackson County 4-H Contest

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Contests, Community Involvement.

First Freedom Bank is proud to once again to sponsor the annual Jackson County 4-H Piggy Bank contest. Students that participated in the contest created their own piggy bank and the winners received a cash prize. Each year, the piggy banks are displayed in the lobby of our Gainesboro office.

Pictured above are Sara Beth Kinnaird (Left), Gainesboro Senior Personal Banker, Shelby Meadows (Right), Gainesboro Senior FSR & UC Training Coordinator, alongside contest winners Keira Huff and Evan Perry.

To learn more about the Gainesboro office and our recent involvement in the community, please interact with the buttons below.

Gainesboro Office
Community Involvement

First Freedom staff stands with MJSAC Staff for a photo

First Freedom Promotes Financial Literacy at MJSAC

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Involvement.

First Freedom Bank recently hosted its annual financial literacy event at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC). The event aimed to help seniors better understand essential financial topics including budgeting, fraud prevention, and money management during retirement. Attendees enjoyed a casual lunch and learn program that encouraged questions and open conversations.

Pictured at the event are Jennifer Mancuso, Mt. Juliet Personal Banker, Valissa Saindon, MJSAC Executive Director, Jennifer Pinto, MJSAC Program Coordinator, and Ashley Montgomery, VP & Mt. Juliet Office Manager. Their ongoing partnership plays a significant role in supporting the senior community through education and outreach.

To learn more about how we are celebrating Tennessee Financial Literacy Week, please click the buttons below to follow us on our social media channels!

First freedom bank employees stand holding a large check for United Way

First Freedom Participates in 2025 United Way Campaign

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Involvement, Sponsorships/Community.

First Freedom Bank recently participated in the 2025 United Way of Wilson County and the Upper Cumberland Employee Campaign. As part of this initiative, bank employees raised $7,184, which will be distributed to several nonprofit organizations serving the Middle Tennessee and Upper Cumberland regions.

We appreciate the participation of our employees and the leadership of Ryan Woodall, MBA, VP & Relationship Manager. Ryan also serves as a Vice Chair for the United Way Board of Directors and his efforts helped coordinate our contribution to this campaign.

Pictured above are First Freedom staff with their campaign contribution check.

First Freedom Bank values the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives that serve our communities. To learn more about our community involvement, please interact with the buttons below!

Community Involvement
Customer Testimonials

Ashley Montgomery standing with MJPD Officers at the training

First Freedom Partners with Mt. Juliet Police Department

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Involvement, Sponsorships/Community.

First Freedom Bank is proud to uphold its commitment to financial education through our partnership with the Mt. Juliet Police Department. This initiative has provided officers with essential financial literacy training and ongoing support to enhance their financial well-being.

As part of this collaboration, First Freedom Bank facilitated the department’s annual in-service training for officers, covering key financial literacy topics such as budgeting, saving, and credit management. This training equipped officers with the necessary knowledge to make informed financial decisions, build long-term stability, and plan for the future.

In addition to the annual training, First Freedom now conducts monthly financial literacy sessions at the police department. These sessions provide officers with direct access to financial guidance, allowing them to ask questions and receive personalized support as needed. Whether seeking advice on budgeting, credit improvement, or long-term financial planning, officers have a dedicated resource available to assist them.

Pictured at the annual training are Records Clerk Monica West, Lt. Josh Workman, Ashley Montgomery, VP & Mt. Juliet Office Manager, Sgt. Scott Fulton, and Cpl. Kyle Holtmeyer.

First Freedom Bank is dedicated to promoting financial literacy throughout our communities and strives to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed for long-term financial wellness. To learn more about how we can support you in reaching your financial goals, please interact with the buttons below!

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Jennifer Mancuso and Miah Lamb posing with Betty Morgan.

First Freedom Volunteers at Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Sponsorships/Community.

On February 28th, First Freedom Bank employees volunteered at the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center (MJSAC), where they served root beer floats to attendees. This event provided a great opportunity to engage with the community and express our gratitude for local seniors.

First Freedom Bank is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves and is appreciative of the Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center for hosting this lively event. The team members had a great time connecting with everyone who came by to enjoy a float!

Pictured above are Jennifer Mancuso, Mt. Juliet Personal Banker, and Miah Lamb, Providence Personal Banker, alongside MJSAC member Betty Morgan. Additionally, Miah is depicted below serving root beer floats at the event.

Miah Lamb serving root beer floats to MJSAC Members

We are proud to engage with our community and appreciate the opportunity to serve our neighbors. For more information about our initiatives and impact, please interact with the buttons below!

Community Involvement
Customer Testimonials

First Freedom Sponsors Valentine Gala

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Involvement, Sponsorships/Community.

First Freedom Bank was honored to sponsor and attend the Lebanon Senior Citizen Center’s annual Valentine Gala, a formal dinner and dance held at The Mill at Lebanon on February 15th. This event serves as one of the center’s largest fundraisers, and we are glad to offer our support.

First Freedom associates, including Holly Wolfe, Lebanon Senior Personal Banker, and Brooke Weldy, Lebanon Personal Banker, are pictured at the event alongside other Gala attendees.

To learn more about our recent involvement in the community, please interact with the button below!

Community News

First Freedom Supports Cookeville-Putnam Co Annual Meeting

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Involvement, Sponsorships/Community.

First Freedom Bank was proud to support and attend the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber‘s Annual Meeting held at the Leslie Town Center on February 11th. This event provided a valuable opportunity to network and learn more about the positive impact the Chamber has on our local economy. This year, the keynote speaker was Bobby Wilder, Tennessee Tech Head Football Coach. We value our partnership with the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber and are proud to support their efforts to foster growth and prosperity in our region.

Pictured in attendance are Meleah Payne, Cookeville FSR, Rachel Honaker, VP & Putnam County Market Manager, Sarah Poss, First VP & Director of Retail Banking, Donna Elrod, VP and Gainesboro Office Manager, Bryan Sweet, Cookeville Personal Banker, Ashley Tippit, Gainesboro Assistant Office Manager, and Kelly Emory, Cookeville Assistant Office Manager.

First Freedom Bank believes in the power of community and collaboration. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a vibrant and thriving business environment. To learn more about how we can support you and your business, please interact with the buttons below!

Business Loans
Business Conveniences

First Freedom Supports Annual Mt. Juliet Chamber Celebration

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, Community Involvement, Sponsorships/Community.

First Freedom Bank was proud to once again support the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce at their annual celebration. Held at the Hilton Garden Inn & Tru on January 31st, this celebration recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact in the business community over the past year.

Pictured in attendance from left to right is Kaitlin Wattenbarger, Providence Personal Banker, Jennifer Mancuso, Mt. Juliet Personal Banker, Miah Lamb, Providence Personal Banker, Denise Bingham, VP & Providence Office Manager, Sarah Poss, First VP & Director of Retail Banking, and Ashley Montgomery, VP and Mt. Juliet Office Manager.

To discover more about First Freedom Bank and our involvement in the community, please interact with the buttons below.

Community Involvement
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