Skip to main content
FDIC FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government

First Freedom Sponsors Wilson Books from Birth Fundraiser

First Freedom was a table sponsor at the annual Wilson Books from Birth Imagination Dinner, held this past week at the Farm Bureau Expo Center. Funds raised during the Imagination Dinner go toward the Books from Birth program, which provides books at no cost to children across the county. Each table chooses a theme based on a children’s book. Our theme this year was based on Full Moon Pups. We were delighted to be awarded “Most Whimsical,” which marks the third year in a row that we have received an award for our tablescape. This was a night of fun and celebration, and we are always happy to be part of it!

Pictured above from Left – Right: Trey Watkins, Senior Personal Banker and Marketing Specialist, Shelia Ferrell, Senior Vice President and Managerial Lender, Kayla Ring, Vice President and Construction Manager, Sarah Poss, First Vice President and Director of Retail Banking, Tatum Ortlepp, Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Sales Manager, Blake Smith, Accounting Clerk, Brooke Weldy, Assistant Vice President and Mt. Juliet Office Manager.


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

First Freedom Hosts Fraud Bingo with Cedar Seniors

In honor of April being recognized as National Financial Literacy Month, First Freedom hosted a Fraud Bingo Day at Cedar Seniors this past week. Fraud Bingo educates players on the different types of financial fraud to better prepare them for real-life scenarios. For more financial educational programs from the American Bankers Association, click here!

Cedar Seniors, Inc. is located in Lebanon and provides community meals and activities for local senior citizens.

Pictured above, from left to right, is Blake Smith, Accounting Clerk, Tatum Ortlepp, AVP and Retail Sales Manager, and Ken Nelson Sr., President of Cedar Seniors. Pictured below are Fraud Bingo winners.


First Freedom Bank’s first office and headquarters opened in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 2006. We are a true community bank: of our more than 1,000 initial investors, more than 98% were from Middle Tennessee. Since then, the bank has expanded to six offices across three counties. We continue to invest in our communities, as evidenced by our regular support of the Wilson County FCA’s annual banquet fundraiser. To learn more about our main office in Lebanon, or to read more community blogs, click the links below.

First Freedom Raises Funds for United Way

Each year First Freedom organizes an employee campaign to raise funds for the United Way of Wilson County and Upper Cumberland. This year we raised $7,000! These proceeds will be given to different non-profits across Middle Tennessee and the Upper Cumberland. We want to thank our employees and the leadership of Ryan Woodall, MBA, VP & Relationship Manager and Chairman of the Board for United Way. We are always appreciative to support an organization that yields so many positive changes to our communities.

Pictured above is First Freedom staff presenting the donation to United Way.


We’re proud to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to serve our neighbors and friends. To learn more about our community involvement and how we’re working to make a difference, click the buttons below.

First Freedom Plants Seeds of Support at CSAC

As part of our 20-year anniversary initiative to give back to our local communities, several of our staff volunteered to plant the Cookeville Senior Activity Center garden beds. Staff hand tilled four raised garden beds, sowed seeds, and planted herbs. It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to give back to a wonderful organization like this, but it’s extra enjoyable when we can do so in the sun on a beautiful day!

The Cookeville Senior Activity Center has been a staple in the Cookeville community. Their mission to open opportunities and provide activities and services for the senior population of Cookeville and surrounding areas is not unnoticed. We are pleased to have this continuous relationship with them.

Pictured above from L-R: Hannah Philpot, Algood Assistant Office Manager, Taylor Chandley, Cookeville FSR, Tatum Ortlepp, Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Sales Manager

Pictured below: Hannah and Taylor planting veggies and herbs.


We’re proud to be a part of this community and to have the opportunity to serve our neighbors and friends. To learn more about our community involvement and how we’re working to make a difference, click the buttons below.

First Freedom Supports Lebanon Senior Citizens Center Valentine’s Gala

The Lebanon Senior Citizens Center is a non-profit community center for the aging population of Wilson County and surrounding communities. Every year they host their Valentine’s Gala, held at The Mill in Lebanon. It is their biggest fundraiser of the year, and they hold a live auction during the dinner, as well as a silent auction throughout the event. This is the center’s 47th year of service. All funds raised at this event help the senior center maintain affordable daily meals for senior citizens and support the wide variety of educational and entertaining programs and activities offered each day. We were happy to be in participation, and to support this amazing event!

Picture above at the First Freedom table is Denise Bingham, Assistant Vice President & Providence Office Manager, with her husband Todd Bingham, and guests.


To learn more about our recent involvement in the community, click the buttons below!

First Freedom a Putnam County Chamber Event Sponsor

First Freedom was a table sponsor at the annual Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber Annual Meeting. This event showcased the impactful work of the chamber over the past year. The keynote speaker was Alfonzo Alexander, President & CEO of Alexander Success Group. The Chamber also honored the 2026 Member Awards.

L-R : Meleah Payne, FSR II Cookeville, Nathan Apgar, FSR Manager Cookeville, Abby McCann, Cookeville Assistant Office Manager, Rachel Honaker, Vice President and Putnam County Market Manager,  Hannah Philpot, Algood Assistant Office Manager, Tatum Ortlepp, Assistant Vice President and Retail Banking Sales Manager, Gracie Rhoten, FSR II Gainesboro, and Ashley Tippit, Gainesboro Assistant Office Manager


First Freedom Bank believes in the power of community and collaboration. Being an active supporter of local organizations and serving our communities is part of our mission. To learn more about our past community involvement in the Putnam County market, click the buttons below.

First Freedom Supports Mt. Juliet Chamber Celebration

The Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce held their annual Chamber Celebration at the Hilton Garden & Inn & Tru this past Friday, January 30th. The theme of the event this year was Olympics, and the event helped to recognize some of the individuals and businesses who go above and beyond in the community. First Freedom was happy to support such a wonderful event.

Pictured from Left to Right: Trey Watkins, Personal Banker, Providence office, Sarah Poss, Director of Retail Banking & First Vice President, Kaye Fajardo, FSR Manager & Personal Banker, Providence office, Tatum Ortlepp, Assistant Vice President & Retail Banking Sales Manager, Denise Bingham, Providence Office Manager & Vice President, and Kaitlin Wattenbarger, Senior Personal Banker, Providence office.


First Freedom Bank’s headquarters opened in Middle Tennessee in 2006. We are a true community bank: of our more than 1,000 initial investors, more than 98% were locally sourced. Since then, the bank has expanded to six offices across three counties, and in every market we serve we prioritize support the local chamber. To learn more about our presence in the Mt. Juliet community, click the buttons below.

First Freedom Sponsors Christmas Business After Hours

First Freedom was honored to be a sponsor and to attend the Putnam County Christmas After Hours that the Cookeville – Putnam County Chamber of Commerce holds annually. This was the last Chamber event of the year and closed out 2025 with festive fun and networking opportunities. The dress code was “classy Christmas,” and it was held at the Leslie Town Centre. We were happy we could conclude the year at this phenomenal event put on by the Chamber!

Pictured from L-R: Meleah Payne, Cookeville FSR, Abby McCann, Cookeville Personal Banker, Hannah Philpot, Cookeville Personal Banker, Kaitlyn Kovalchik, Accounting Office, and Tatum Ortlepp,  AVP & Retail Banking Sales Manager.


Our support for initiatives like this demonstrates our dedication to the communities we serve and the students whose compassion inspires us every day. To learn more about how we connect with our communities or to find more about our Putnam Offices, please click the buttons below!

First Freedom Supports Rehab 23 Christmas Breakfast

Rehab 23 hosted their annual Christmas Breakfast this past week, allowing members of the community to show their support for local emergency responders. Rehab 23 is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing support to Wilson County First Responders. This year’s guest speaker was Tyler Smith, a Forensics Analyst for the U.S. Secret Service. First Freedom was happy to co-sponsor and attend this year’s breakfast. Rehab 23 accepts donations through their website or drop off can be arranged with the organization.

Pictured Above from L – R: Meagan Brown, Lebanon Personal Banker, Denise Bingham, VP and Providence Office Manager, Jim Carrol, President of Rehab 23, Tyler Smith, Network Intrusion Forensics Analyst, U.S. Secret Service, and Tatum Ortlepp, AVP and Retail Banking Sales Manager.


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

First Freedom Supports FCA Fundraiser

First Freedom Bank sponsored a table at the annual Wilson County Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) fundraiser. Formerly an evening banquet, it was converted to a breakfast event this year, with Darryl Strawberry, former New York Met, as the keynote speaker.

In attendance, from left to right, was Sarah Poss, First VP and Director of Retail Banking, John Bradshaw, President / COO & CLO, Helen Green, Administrative Assistant, Li Tisha Jobe, Lebanon FSR II, Tatum Ortlepp, AVP and Retail Banking Sales Manager, Trey Watkins, Providence Personal Banker, and John Hawkins, VP / Specialized Lending and FCA Board Member.


First Freedom Bank’s first office and headquarters opened in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 2006. We are a true community bank: of our more than 1,000 initial investors, more than 98% were from Middle Tennessee. Since then, the bank has expanded to six offices across three counties. We continue to invest in our communities, as evidenced by our regular support of the Wilson County FCA’s annual banquet fundraiser. To learn more about our main office in Lebanon, or to read more about our bank’s beginnings and mission, click the links below.