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Rachel Payne

Honaker to Lead First Freedom in Putnam County

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, New Hires/Promotions, Press Releases.

Rachel Honaker has been promoted to Putnam County Market Manager, announced John Lancaster, Chairman and CEO.

 Rachel began her career with First Freedom in 2021 as a Personal Banker at the Cookeville Office. She received multiple promotions, ultimately serving as the Algood Office Manager.  Under Rachel’s leadership, the Algood office experienced tremendous growth and outperformed many First Freedom Offices in key metrics.  With this promotion to Putnam County Market Manager, Rachel will oversee the operations of both the Cookeville and Algood offices, representing $120 million in customer deposits.

“Rachel is an outstanding young banker and very deserving of this critical position,” stated Lancaster.  She understands that top-shelf service is our brand, and that local decision-making and community commitment is key to our success.” 

Rachel has a B.S in Business Administration / Finance from Tennessee Tech, as well as several years of prior experience in the financial industry.  She is currently completing the Retail Banking Leadership Series through Tennessee Bankers Association. 

Having attended college and having worked for several years in the area, she is at home in Putnam County and prioritizes being an active member of the community.  Rachel currently serves on the Administrative Office Technology Advisory Board for TCAT-Livingston and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

First Freedom joined the Putnam County community in 2016, where we continue our legacy as an independent, community-focused, full service bank. Learn more about our two Putnam County offices by clicking the buttons below.

Cookeville Office
Algood Office

First Freedom Announces Promotions

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, New Hires/Promotions, Press Releases.

Sarah Poss has been promoted to Director of Retail Banking. Poss previously served as the Assistant Director of Retail Banking and assumes the role from her predecessor, Kenny Beavers, as he transitions into retirement.

“Sarah Poss is an excellent choice to lead our Retail Banking Division,” stated John Lancaster, Chairman and CEO of First Freedom, “She has held every position on the Retail side of the bank and has operational efficiencies, as well. She is immensely qualified and highly regarded among her peers.”

Poss began her career with First Freedom as a Financial Service Representative (FSR) in January of 2015 and advanced rapidly through the retail side of the bank.  She has served as FSR Manager, Training Coordinator, Personal Banker, Providence Office Manager, Virtual Office Manager, and Marketing Manager.  She has also gained a valuable background in bank operations where she is credited with establishing our branch audit program and online account-opening capabilities, in addition to serving as a BSA analyst. 

A graduate of Watertown High School, Poss earned a B.S. in Anthropology from Middle Tennessee State University and has completed additional coursework in Accounting and Economics through Vol State Community College.  She is currently pursuing her MBA through Tennessee Tech University. Professionally, Poss has completed the Tennessee Bankers Association’s Branch Leadership Series and is currently enrolled in their Southeastern School of Banking program.  

Tatum Ortlepp has been promoted to Retail Banking Sales Manager. Ortlepp previously served as the Assistant Office Manager at the bank’s main office. In her new role, she will oversee all things sales and service-related in our delivery system. 

“When it comes to the customer experience, Tatum Ortlepp is the Gold Standard,” stated Lancaster, “Her professionalism and her ability to educate and enhance every customer’s visit is unparalleled. I’m excited to see her in this role.”

Another great example of “Promotion from Within,” Ortlepp joined First Freedom in July of 2018 as a Financial Service Representative (FSR).  She was promoted to Personal Banker (PB) in 2019 and Senior PB in 2022. In January of 2023, she was promoted to Bank Officer and Assistant Office Manager of the Lebanon Office, where she has done an excellent job in continuously improving sales and product knowledge among the staff.  Consistently ranking as a top performer, Ortlepp was voted by her peers as the bank’s Red Carpet Service award winner in 2021. She also maintains additional responsibilities as our Shareholder Services representative.

Ortlepp is a graduate of Wilson Central High School and has completed numerous courses through the Tennessee Bankers Association.

Denise Bingham smiles at the camera against a grey background.

First Freedom Promotes Bingham

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News, New Hires/Promotions.

Denise Bingham has been promoted to Providence Office Manager and Assistant Vice President, announced John Lancaster, Chairman and CEO. Bingham’s prior role was as a Senior Personal Banker and Development Coordinator.

“I’m very excited to see Denise move into this important role,” stated Lancaster.  “Her coworkers love and respect her and her customers know she has a wealth of banking knowledge.  Denise is a top-shelf individual in every respect and I’m proud to have her representing First Freedom.”   

Bingham is a career banker with extensive experience in the retail division, as well as lending. Before joining First Freedom in 2017, she served as an Assistant Vice President and Branch manager with a corporate bank where she was recognized with a Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award. Over the last couple of years, she has served as an Ambassador for the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce.

A native of Lebanon, Bingham continues to reside there with her husband. They have two daughters and are members of Maple Hill Church of Christ.

First Freedom Bank, headquartered in Wilson County, was established in 2006.  A full service, community bank, First Freedom Bank offers personal and commercial banking services from six locations in Wilson, Putnam and Jackson Counties, and has approximately 70 employees. First Freedom Bank has assets in excess of $600 million and is owned by more than 1,100 shareholders throughout Middle Tennessee. First Freedom Bank is a member of the Better Business Bureau, an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additionally, First Freedom has earned the prestigious Five Star rating by Bauer Financial, the nation’s leading independent bank and credit union rating firm.