Press Releases Archives

First Freedom Announces Staff Promotions

Written by First Freedom Bank on January 16, 2025. Posted in Bank News, New Hires/Promotions, Press Releases.

We are excited to announce the following staff promotions at our bank:

Sarah Poss – First Vice President from Vice President

Sarah joined our bank in 2015 as a Financial Service Representative and currently serves as the Director of Retail Banking. Sarah has a B.S. in Anthropology from Middle Tennessee State University and is also a graduate of The Southeastern School of Banking and the Tennessee Bankers’ Retail Banking Leadership Series. She is currently enrolled in the MBA program at Tennessee Tech University.

Phillip Vance – First Vice President from Vice President

Phillip joined our Bank as a Relationship Specialist in 2014 and currently serves as a Relationship Manager. Phillip has a B.S. in Accounting from Tennessee Tech University and is also a graduate of the prestigious Stonier / ABA Graduate School of Banking at University of Pennsylvania. He is a Board Member of the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, currently serving as Chairman-Elect, and is also a member of the Lebanon Breakfast Rotary Club. He previously served as a Board Member of the United Way of Wilson County.

Ryan Woodall – Vice President from Assistant Vice President

Ryan joined our Bank as a Relationship Manager in 2019 and continues to serve in this role. Ryan has a B.S. in Political Science from Tennessee Tech University and an MBA from Cumberland University. He is also a graduate of the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending. Ryan is a Board Member of the Kiwanis Club of Lebanon, currently serving as President-Elect, and is also a Board Member of the United Way of Wilson County.

Ashley Montgomery – Vice President from Assistant Vice President

Ashley joined our bank in 2015 as a Financial Services Representative and currently serves as the Office Manager for our Mt. Juliet Office. She is an honor graduate of the Southeastern School of Lending, having graduated in the top 10%, and is currently enrolled in the Southeastern School of Banking and the American Bankers Association General Accounting Program. Ashley is a Board Member of the Mt. Juliet Noon Rotary Club, presently serving as Club Membership Chairman.

Rachel Honaker – Vice President from Assistant Vice President

Rachel joined our bank in 2021 as a Personal Banker and currently serves as the Putnam County Market Manager. She has a BS in Finance from Tennessee Tech University and is a Graduate of the Tennessee Bankers’ Retail Banking Leadership Series. Rachel is a Board Member of CASA of the Tennessee Valley and an Advisory Board Member of Tennessee College of Applied Technology. She is also a Member of the Rock House Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Denise Bingham – Vice President from Assistant Vice President

Denise joined our Bank in 2017 as a Personal Banker and currently serves as the Office Manager for our Providence Office. Denise has an extensive career in the banking industry. Prior to joining our team, she served as an Officer and Branch manager with a large corporate bank.

Tatum Ortlepp – Assistant Vice President from Bank Officer

Tatum joined our bank in 2018 as a Financial Service Representative and currently serves as the Retail Banking Sales Manager and our Shareholder Services Representative. Tatum has consistently been ranked as a top performer and was voted by her peers as the bank’s Red Carpet Service Award winner in 2021.

Blair Fry – Assistant Vice President from Bank Officer

Blair joined our Bank in 2019 as a Financial Services Representative and currently serves as a Credit Analyst in the Commercial Division. Blair has a B.S. in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University.

Conner Bostion – Bank Officer

Conner joined our Bank in 2022 as a Financial Services Representative and currently serves as a Relationship Specialist in the Commercial Division. With this promotion, Conner will serve as a Relationship Manager. Conner received his B.S. with a double major in Finance and Economics from Tennessee Tech University.

We prioritize promoting from within and are always excited to have the chance to recognize our staff’s hard work and talents. We know that our successes are only possible with a great team, and we are proud to have that. You’ll find most of the people mentioned here make it a point to be a part of their community, and you can learn more about that by clicking the “Community News” button below. If you’d like to learn more about who we are as bank, click the “About Us” button.

Community News

About Us

First Freedom Recognizes Employees for Exceptional Performance & Years of Service

Written by Sarah Poss on January 13, 2025. Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

Each year we like to recognize employees for their exceptional performance and years of service. Those that receive awards are nominated by their coworkers and they are models of outstanding service, be it externally to our customers or internally to their fellow team members. We also like to acknowledge those that have been part of our team for five years as a show of appreciation for their work and commitment.

Kaitlyn Kovalchik and Kayla Ring Awards — *Kaitlyn Kovalchik & Kayla Ring*

Kaitlyn Kovalchik was presented with the Internal Service Award. Kaitlyn has been with us since 2018 and currently serves as an officer in our accounting department. There is no better person to have as part of your team than Kaitlyn. Not only is she exceptionally knowledgeable, but she is quick to help others and does so with a positive and upbeat attitude.

Blake Smith & Blair Fry Years of Service — *Blake Smith & Blair Fry*

Kayla Ring was presented with the Red Carpet Service Award. Kayla joined our bank in 2013 and currently serves as AVP / Construction Manager. You will never get less than top-notch service with Kayla. She truly wants to build genuine and long-lasting relationships with her customers, and she succeeds at it! Anyone that has the chance to work with Kayla knows quickly that they are in good hands.

Blair Fry, AVP / Credit Analyst, and Blake Smith, Accounting Clerk, were presented with First Freedom Jackets in recognition of their five-years of service.

We are thankful to have a team that exceeds expectations everyday. They are instrumental to our successes in all that we do. To learn more about our bank or to see what are staff are doing in the community, click the buttons below.

About Us

Community News

First Freedom Promotes Ragland

Written by Sarah Poss on August 26, 2024. Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

Teola Ragland has been promoted to Assistant Office Manager at the Algood Office, announced John Lancaster, Chairman and CEO. Ragland’s prior role was Financial Services Manager (FSR) and Personal Banker.

“I’m very pleased to see Teola move into this Assistant Manager role,” said Lancaster, “She is very knowledgeable, community minded, and takes pride in providing top-shelf customer service!”

Ragland has been with First Freedom Bank for eight years, having joined the bank in 2016 as a Personal Banker / FSR at the Gainesboro office. In 2022, she relocated to the Algood office where she undertook the role of FSR Manager and Personal Banker. Before joining the bank, Ragland worked for two years in the tax industry.

Community involvement has been an important facet of Ragland’s career. She is a member of the Young Professional Highland and is involved in Mom Co., a non-profit organization that supports mothers of young children to reach their potential as mothers, women, and leaders through partnerships with local churches. Ragland is also an active volunteer with Life Church, where she participates as part of their Dream Team at the Baxter Campus. The Dream Team manages the logistics and organization of the church services and extracurriculars.

Ragland currently resides in her hometown of Baxter with her two children.

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.

Algood Office

Cookeville Office

First Freedom Recognizes FSRs with Chairman's Cup Award

First Freedom Recognizes Employees with Chairman’s Cup Award

Written by Sarah Poss on August 22, 2024. Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

First Freedom recognized several Financial Services Representatives (FSR) this past quarter for exceptional job performance and for exceeding their individual goals for enhancing and broadening customer relationships. Their outstanding performance earned them the prestigious honor of Chairman’s Cup Member for the quarter.

Congratulations to the following staff for qualifying for Chairman’s Cup:

Abby McCann, Cookeville FSR Manager

Alexia Borrero, Lebanon FSR

Blake Smith, prior Lebanon FSR Manager, now Accounting Clerk

Chrissy Wright, Lebanon FSR Manager

Jessica Boyd, Cookeville FSR

Kaye Fajardo, Providence FSR

Miah Lamb, Providence FSR Manager & Personal Banker

Rebecca Birman, Gainesboro FSR Manager

Shelby Meadows, Gainesboro FSR

Teola Ragland, prior Algood FSR Manager & Personal Banker, now Algood Assistant Manager

Abby McCann received additional recognition as the Chairman’s Cup Top Performer for achieving the highest overall performance score among all participants.

Pictured back row and left to right is Kenny Beavers, Retail Executive, Miah, Shelby, Rebecca, and John Lancaster, Chairman & CEO. Pictured front row and left to right is Sarah Poss, Vice President & Director of Retail Banking, Kaye, Alexia, and Tatum Ortlepp, Retail Banking Sales Manager.

At First Freedom Bank, we look for opportunities to recognize and reward team members for exceptional performance, as we know that they are critical to our success as a bank. We have great people at all of our offices and in all of our markets. If you would like to learn more about these locations, or even just about us as a bank, click the buttons below.

Office Locations

About Us

First Freedom’s Sarah Poss Graduates Banking School

Written by Sarah Poss on August 9, 2024. Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

First Freedom Bank is proud to announce that Sarah Poss, Vice President and Director of Retail Banking, has graduated from The Southeastern School of Banking in Nashville.

Held on the campus of Belmont University, this 70-hour program provides a comprehensive education in general banking studies. Spanning across two years, students participate in on-site learning, a virtual banking simulation, and home studies. The Southeastern School boasts a long legacy of banking education, having been established in 1939. Its curriculum focuses on critical baking functions, developing analytical skills, and honing management techniques.

Poss has more than nine years of banking experience. She joined First Freedom in 2015 as a Financial Services Representative and rapidly progressed through the retail side of the bank. 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.

Poss earned a B.S in Anthropology from Middle Tennessee State University. She is currently pursuing her MBA through Tennessee Tech University. Professionally, Poss has completed the Tennessee Bankers Association’s Branch Leadership Series.

Rooted in Our Community

At First Freedom Bank, we’re as committed to the legacy of our communities as you are. We’ve started businesses and raised families, built homes, and made memories – right here. Our hopes and dreams, like yours, are rooted our communities. None are bigger supporters of this mission than our leadership team. Click the button below to learn more about who makes up that team.

Interested in what First Freedom can offer you with your checking account? Check out our personal checking conveniences with the button below.

Our Leadership Team

Personal Checking Conveniences

Honaker to Lead First Freedom in Putnam County

Written by Sarah Poss on August 1, 2024. 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.

Cookeville Office

Algood Office

First Freedom Announces Promotions

Written by Sarah Poss on April 11, 2024. 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.

First Freedom Recognizes Employees with the Chairman’s Cup Awards

Written by Sarah Poss on February 23, 2024. Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

First Freedom recognized several employees this past quarter for exceptional job performance and for exceeding their individual goals for enhancing and broadening customer relationships. Their outstanding performance earned them the prestigious honor of Chairman’s Cup Member for the quarter.

Congratulations to the following Staff for qualifying for Chairman’s Cup:

Blake Smith, Lebanon FSR Manager

Kasey Johnston, Lebanon FSR

Tori Oakley, FSR / Personal Banker

Miah Lamb, Providence FSR

Kaye Fajardo, Providence FSR

Chrissy Wright, Providence FSR Manager

Kyleigh Heady, Gainesboro FSR

Rebecca Birman, Gainesboro FSR Manager

Shelby Mayberry, Gainesboro FSR

Abby McCann, Cookeville FSR Manager

Kaylie Roberson, Cookeville FSR

Teola Ragland, Algood FSR Manager

Hannah Philpot, Algood FSR

Abby McCann, pictured below with John Lancaster, Chairman and CEO, received additional recognition as the Chairman’s Cup Top Performer for achieving the highest overall performance score among all participants.

Pictured above, back row, left to right is Kenny Beavers, Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Banking, Rebecca, Shelby, Miah, and John and pictured front row, left to right is, Sarah Poss, Vice President and Assistant Director of Retail Banking, Tori, Blake, Kasey, Abby, Kaye, and Kyleigh.

First Freedom’s Laura Johnson Graduates Advanced Banking School

Written by Sarah Poss on August 22, 2023. Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

Paul W. Barret, Jr. Graduate School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee recently announced the graduation of Laura Johnson, Senior Vice President, Information Security Officer and Deposit Operations Manager.

The school was held on the campus of Christian Brothers University in Memphis. Paul W. Barret, Jr. Graduate School of Banking has been providing advanced banking education for fifty-one years, with a curriculum designed to provide a high degree of understanding of all commercial banking functions. During the three-year program, graduates received in excess of 130 hours of instruction and prepared in-depth reports in eight areas of study. There were 246 financial industry professionals from thirty states participating in the 2023 session.

Johnson has twenty-four years of banking experience, compounded by a specialized education revolving around bank automation, money laundering, and information security. Johnson holds the Accredited ACH Professional certification (AAP) from the National Automatic Clearing House Association (NACHA) and the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist certification (CAMS) from the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. She holds a General Banking Diploma and a Bank Operations Diploma from The American Bankers Association.

First Freedom Ranked Top Performing Bank in Tennessee

Written by Sarah Poss on February 8, 2023. Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

First Freedom Bank was recently acknowledged as the top performing bank in Tennessee for 2022 by independent firm Financial Management Consulting Group (FMC). FMC utilizes public call report data submitted to the FDIC which is designed to collect financial data in the form of a balance sheet, income statement and supporting schedules. The Report of Condition schedules provide details on assets, liabilities, and capital accounts while the Report of Income schedules provide details on income and expenses. The state of Tennessee had 125 banks in the analysis.

FMC has been analyzing bank performance for 25 years and computes the rankings on a quarterly basis for 42 states. W. Timothy Finn, Principal of FMC, explains his firm utilizes eight key measurements in their analysis and stack ranks all banks in each of the categories. They then average the category rankings to stack rank the banks for overall performance. “It’s quite a task to get the top spot in overall performance,” said Finn, “First Freedom is to be commended for this significant accomplishment.”

John Lancaster, Chairman and CEO of First Freedom, stated, “We are honored to be recognized by FMC in this way. We have followed their analytical work for years and appreciate the transparency in their approach. These results are a testament to our thriving communities, our focused board, and our dedicated employees.”

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 approximately 1,000 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.