First Farmers and Merchants Bank’s Tim Pettus was named a Leader in Banking Excellence by the Tennessee Bankers Association (TBA) at a ceremony held on August 11.
The honor recognizes an elite group representing Tennessee bankers, past and present, who have excelled in the areas of banking, community service, and civic involvement. A plaque of Pettus highlighting his career will hang at TBA's headquarters in Nashville.
The ceremony, held at the bank’s Northside office, featured remarks by First Farmers’ Chairman and CEO Randy Stevens, TBA Chairman, Chris Holmes, president and CEO, FirstBank, and TBA President Colin Barrett.
Pettus, who began his banking career in 1973, established himself as a highly respected member of the Tennessee banking community through his business acumen and mentorship of many of the state’s bankers. After spending 29 years at Commerce Union Bank and its successors, Pettus joined First Farmers and Merchants Bank in 2002 as a regional president. At First Farmers he was recognized for revitalizing the bank’s sales culture and growing a successful presence in Davidson and Williamson counties.
The established civic leader chaired five human development/education foundations as well as serving on the board of trustees for MTSU and Columbia State. He was recognized as the Lawrence County Citizen of the Year in 1993 and Boy Scout of the Year in 2017.
TBA-member banks can submit nominations for the honor. The TBA board of directors reviews and approves the applications.
"One of the main missions of the Tennessee Bankers Association is to encourage our members to be involved in making our industry better and in making their communities better places to work and live," said Barrett. " Leaders in Banking Excellence recognizes those who have made a difference, and we hope it will be an inspiration to other bankers across the state.
