11/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/05/2026 11:41
Accomplished banking executive to lead Knoxville market, brining 30+ years of experience
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 5, 2026) - FirstBank today announced that Tiffany Elkins Gardner, CTP, has joined the company as Market President for Knoxville. In this leadership role, Gardner will oversee FirstBank's Knoxville market operations, lead local relationship banking teams, and further strengthen the bank's position as a financial and community partner for businesses and individuals across the region.
"Tiffany's combination of local roots, deep commercial banking expertise, and proven leadership makes her an outstanding addition to our Knoxville team," said Chris Holmes, President and CEO at FirstBank. "She understands the Knoxville community and the needs of its businesses, and we are confident she will help drive continued growth while delivering the local decision-making and relationship focus that define FirstBank."
A Knoxville native with more than 30 years of experience advising businesses of all sizes, Gardner brings deep expertise in commercial and corporate banking, relationship management, and treasury solutions. She began her career with NationsBank (now Bank of America) in Nashville before continuing as a Relationship Manager in North Carolina. She later served as City Executive for the Statesville and Hickory markets with RBC Centura Bank. Upon returning to Knoxville in 2006, she advanced into progressively responsible commercial and corporate banking leadership roles, most recently managing a team focused on businesses with revenues of $25 million and above.
"I am excited to join FirstBank and take on this opportunity to lead in the market where I grew up and have spent the majority of my career," said Gardner. "FirstBank's commitment to local leadership, community involvement, and putting customers first aligns strongly with my values. I look forward to partnering with businesses and organizations across Knoxville to support their growth and success."
Gardner graduated with a finance degree from the University of Tennessee and holds the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation from the Association for Financial Professionals.
Active in the local community, Gardner currently serves on the Industrial Development Board of Knox County and the University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business Finance Advisory Board. She is a graduate of Leadership Knoxville's Class of 2011, was recognized by the Knoxville Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2009, and has held numerous board positions with community and nonprofit organizations throughout her career.
ABOUT FB FINANCIAL CORPORATION
FB Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK) is a financial holding company headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. FB Financial Corporation operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, FirstBank, in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia. FB Financial Corporation has approximately $17.1 billion in total assets and operates 91 full-service bank branches across its footprint.
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