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Tag: Staff Recognition

First Freedom Recognizes Employees with All Stars Awards

Written by Trey Watkins on . Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

At First Freedom Bank we like to recognize employees for their outstanding job performance. These employees went above and beyond for our customers and exceeded the goals for the bank. We want to congratulate and thank those staff members for their distinguished performances!

Pictured above is our Middle Tennessee All Stars recipients from left to right: Trey Watkins, Providence Personal Banker, John Lancaster, Chairman & CEO, John Bradshaw, President/COO & CLO, Holly Wolfe, Lebanon Senior Personal Banker, Meagan Brown, Lebanon Senior Personal Banker, Sarah Poss, First Vice President & Director of Retail Banking, Kaye Fajardo, Providence FSR Manager & Personal Banker, Brooke Weldy, Assistant Vice President & Mt. Juliet Office Manager, Kaitlin Wattenbarger, Providence Personal Banker, Sydney Hughes, Jacob Shiarla, Mt. Juliet Senior Personal Banker, Tatum Ortlepp, Assistant Vice President & Retail Banking Sales Manager, Chrissy Wright, Lebanon FSR Manager & MT Training Coordinator

Pictured below is our Upper Cumberland All Star recipients from left to right: Meleah Payne, Cookeville FSR II, Abby McCann, Cookeville Assistant Office Manager, John Bradshaw, President/COO & CLO,  Sara Beth Kinnaird, Gainesboro Senior Personal Banker, Gracie Rhoten, Gainesboro FSR II, Hannah Philpot, Algood Assistant Office Manager, Ashley Tippet, Gainesboro Assistant Office Manager, Bryan Sweet, Accounting Officer, Sarah Poss, First Vice President & Director of Retail Banking, Rebecca Birman, Gainesboro FSR Manager, John Lancaster, Chairman & CEO, Tatum Ortlepp, Assistant Vice President & Retail Banking Sales Manager

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
Staff Recognition

First Freedom Promotes Ring & Weldy

Written by Trey Watkins on . Posted in Bank News, New Hires/Promotions, Press Releases.

Kayla Ring has been promoted to Vice President. Kayla previously served as an Assistant
Vice President. She will continue to serve as Construction Manager for the bank,
overseeing the bank’s residential construction lending program.

“I am delighted to see Kayla continue to grow within our company. She is a top-tier member
of our team here at First Freedom and it shows in her job performance on a daily-basis.
Kayla’s dedication to her clients and to our bank is second to none. In every position she
has held at the bank over the years she has excelled,” stated J.B. Owens, Executive Vice
President of First Freedom.

Kayla joined our team in August of 2013 as a FSR at our Lebanon Office. She then moved
into the FSR Manager role, before joining our lending team in 2017

Kayla grew up in Lebanon, and now resides in Bethpage with her
husband Michael, and their son. Kayla and her family attend New
Rivers International Church where she is actively involved. Kayla
volunteers annually for Christmas for All, Imagination Library, and
Wilson County CASA.

Brooke Weldy has been promoted to Assistant Vice President and Mt. Juliet Office
Manager. Brooke previously served as a Personal Banker at our main office in Lebanon.

“Customers are at the heart of our operations, and Brooke exemplifies that in everything
she does,” said Sarah Poss, First Vice President and Director of Retail Banking. “I am proud
to see her grow in her role with our team and have no doubt her passion for helping others
and banking expertise will lead the Mt. Juliet office to further successes.”

Brooke joined our team in April of 2022 as Financial Services
Representative at our Lebanon Office. During her time with us she
moved into a management role as the FSR Manager at the Mt. Juliet
Office, shortly thereafter going back to the Lebanon Office as Personal
Banker. She has shown exceptional technical skills and customer
service in all her career stages, as well as consistently performing as a

Brooke grew up in Lebanon and still resides there with her husband and their 4 children.
They attend Hillcrest Baptist Church, where she has been a life-long member and part of
the choir team.

About Us
Wilson County

First Freedom Recognizes Employees for Exceptional Performance & Years of Service

Written by Trey Watkins on . Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

Each year we recognize employees for their exceptional performance and years of service. Awards winners are selected 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 acknowledge those that have been part of our team for five years as a show of appreciation for their work and commitment.

Holly Wolfe, Senior Personal Banker, Meagan Brown, Senior Personal Banker, and Veronica Acuña, Deposit Operations Clerk were presented with First Freedom Jackets in recognition of their five-years of service.  Thank you for your dedication!

Kaye Fajardo was presented with the Red Carpet Service Award. Kaye started with us in 2023 as an FSR and now is our FSR Manager and Personal Banker for our Providence office. Kaye always has a warm smile for customers and a great attitude to go along with it. She provides next level customer service and is an esteemed co-worker!

Jaylan Clemmons was presented with the Internal Service Award. Jaylan joined our operations team in 2024 and has been a helping hand from the start. Jaylan works diligently to serve his colleagues and always maintains a bright and positive demeanor that delights everyone that works with him.

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
Ashley at TSSB 2025

Montgomery Graduates Southeastern School of Banking

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

This past month, First Freedom Bank’s Ashley Montgomery graduated from the Southeastern School of Banking. This prestigious two-year program is held at Belmont University where it focuses on critical baking functions, developing analytical skills, and honing management techniques. Ashley, who is our Mount Juliet office manager and Vice President, helped lead her team to first place in the school’s bank simulation assignment.

We are very proud of Ashley and her accomplishments inside and outside the bank. She is such a valuable part of what we do here at First Freedom and exemplifies leadership in her work with the bank and in the community.

Ashley Montgomery has been working in our Mt. Juliet market since 2015, and is a familiar face in the community. To learn more about the Mt. Juliet Office or to read about our involvement in the area, click the buttons below.

Mt. Juliet Office
Mt. Juliet Involvement
Pictured L-R is Trace Blankenship with Sarah Poss, TBA scholarship recipient.

First Freedom’s Poss TBA Washington Scholarship Recipient

Written by First Freedom Bank on . Posted in Bank News, Press Releases.

First Freedom’s Sarah Poss, First Vice President and Director of Retail Banking, was the recipient of The Tennessee Banker Association’s 2025 Washington Conference Scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded to a 2024 second-year student of The Southeastern School of Banking through a partnership between The Tennessee Bankers Association Young Bankers Division and the Government Relations Committee. With this scholarship, Sarah was able to attend the TBA’s annual Washington Conference, a three-day visit to D.C. which brings bankers together with bank regulators, national banking associations, and Tennessee’s congressional delegation.

Pictured above is Trace Blankenship, TBA Government Relations and Legal Committee member and partner at Spencer Fane, with Sarah Poss. Pictured below are conference attendees on the last day of congressional visits.

Sarah Poss is a member of our leadership team in her role as retail director. Each member of that team knows the importance of keeping pace with industry changes and supporting organizations like the Tennessee Bankers Association. To learn more about others in leadership, or read more blogs on staff recognition, click the buttons below.

Leadership Team
Staff Recognition
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

First Freedom Recognizes Employees with Chairman’s Cup Award

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News.

First Freedom recognized several Financial Services Representatives (FSRs) this past quarter for their exceptional performance in enhancing and expanding customer relationships. Their outstanding achievements allowed them to earn the prestigious recognition of Chairman’s Cup Member for the quarter.

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

Sarah Ensey, Mt. Juliet FSR

Kaye Fajardo, Providence FSR Manager

Rebecca Birman, Gainesboro FSR Manager

Shelby Meadows, Gainesboro Senior FSR

Chrissy Wright, Lebanon FSR Manager & Training Coordinator

Alexia Borrero, Lebanon FSR II

Miah Lamb, Providence Personal Banker

Sydney Hughes, Providence FSR

Anna Jean Ellis, Gainesboro FSR II

Rayne Grace, Lebanon FSR

Hannah Philpot, Algood FSR Manager

Abby McCann, Cookeville FSR Manager

Rebecca Birman received additional recognition as the Chairman’s Cup Top Performer for achieving the highest overall performance score among all participants. Additionally, three FSRs attained a perfect operational score for the quarter, demonstrating exemplary quality of work. These outstanding professionals are Miah Lamb, Sydney Hughes, and Rebecca Birman.

Pictured in attendance are John Lancaster, Chairman & CEO, Sarah Ensey, Sarah Poss, First VP & Director of Retail Banking, Rebecca, Kaye, Chrissy, Miah, Alexia, Sydney, Shelby, Anna Jean, and Tatum Ortlepp, Assistant VP & Retail Banking Sales Manager.

First Freedom Announces Staff Promotions

Written by First Freedom Bank on . 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 . 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 Recognizes Employees with Chairman’s Cup Award

Written by Sarah Poss on . Posted in Bank News.

First Freedom acknowledged several Financial Services Representatives (FSRs) this past quarter for their exceptional job performance and for surpassing their individual goals in enhancing and expanding customer relationships. Their outstanding achievements earned them the prestigious recognition of Chairman’s Cup Member for the quarter.

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

Holly Cox, Cookeville FSR

Chrissy Wright, Lebanon FSR Manager

Alexia Borrero, Lebanon FSR II

Rayne Grace, Lebanon FSR

Miah Lamb, Providence FSR Manager & Personal Banker

Kaye Fajardo, Providence FSR II

Hannah Philpot, Algood FSR Manager

Brittany Agee, Gainesboro FSR

Jessi Boyd, Cookeville FSR

Rebecca Birman, Gainesboro FSR Manager

Shelby Meadows, Gainesboro FSR

Jaedyn Stafford, Gainesboro FSR

Anna Jean Ellis, Gainesboro FSR

LiTisha Jobe, Lebanon FSR

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

Pictured above, back row and left to right, is Chrissy, Shelby, Anna Jean, John Lancaster, Chairman & CEO, Rebecca, Brittany, and Holly. Pictured front row and left to right is Tatum Ortlepp, Retail Banking Sales Manager, Jaedyn, LiTisha, Alexia, and Sarah Poss, Vice President & Director of Retail Banking.