Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for April 6, 2026.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for March 30, 2026.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for March 23, 2026.

First Horizon Bank announced that Greg Wilson, executive vice president and Maryville market president, has been promoted to community bank executive overseeing the bank’s community banks across East Tennessee. In this expanded role, Wilson will lead teams serving clients in Maryville, Cookeville, Cleveland, Sevierville, Morristown and Greeneville.

“Greg is a proven leader, and I’m proud to have him on our team. Under his leadership, Maryville has delivered consistently strong results. In his expanded role, he will be outstanding in partnering with our Community Bank Group and will continue advancing our commitment to community, responsible growth, and an outstanding experience for our associates and clients,” said Richard Shaffer, First Horizon Bank East Region President.

With 36 years of experience in banking, Wilson joined First Horizon in 1999 and has held leadership roles focused on client experience, growth and community engagement. He is a graduate of Murray State University and holds a professional degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

“I am honored to work alongside our community banks across East Tennessee. Our associates are exceptional, and together we will serve our communities, support our associates and deepen relationships with our clients,” Wilson said.

A longtime Blount County advocate, Wilson has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving his community. He currently serves as chair of the Blount County Economic Development Board and is a member of the Blount Partnership Joint Operating Committee, the Maryville City Foundation board of directors and the Pellissippi State Foundation board of directors.

His previous service includes chairing the Blount Memorial Foundation in 2019, 2020 and 2024; serving on the Blount County Chamber board of directors (2011 chair); the Blount County United Way board of directors (2010 campaign chair); the Blount Partnership Foundation board of directors (2013 chair); the Maryville City School Foundation board of directors; the Blount County chapter of the American Red Cross board of directors; the East Tennessee Development District loan committee (SBA 504 loans); and Leadership Blount, Class of 2000.

Wilson and his wife, Jennifer, live in Maryville and have two daughters, Morgan and Claire.

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) highlighted organizational growth, a successful leadership transition, and new community partnerships during its 57th Annual Meeting held Friday, March 6, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Ballroom.

Nearly 150 members, employees, and leadership gathered for the annual business meeting and celebration, which included governance updates, board elections, and recognition of the credit union’s continued focus on member experience and community engagement across Tennessee.

Board Chair Mike McNeil presided over the meeting, presenting highlights from the organization’s 2025 Annual Report, reflecting on the credit union’s $560 million in assets milestone, and overseeing board elections. Members voted to renew the terms of McNeil, Michael Carter, and Trudy Hughes to the UTFCU Board of Directors.

Reflecting on the past year, McNeil noted the organization’s smooth leadership transition and continued commitment to its members and communities.

“We had a seamless CEO transition this year, and it positioned us well for the future,” McNeil said. “Community is central to who we are as a credit union, and members will see even more of that in the years ahead.”

President and CEO Kenyon Warren also addressed attendees, marking the completion of his first year leading the credit union.

“To our members, thank you. Your trust is our greatest asset,” Warren said. “The credit union exists because of you and for you. Every product we design, every branch we open, and every technology investment we make begins and ends with the member experience.”

During the event, UTFCU also highlighted its new multi-year partnership with the Knoxville Ice Bears, established in October 2025 and running through the team’s 2029–2030 season. The collaboration will include community initiatives such as financial education programs for fans, players, and staff, along with exclusive experiences and benefits for UTFCU members.

Before the formal meeting, members attended a reception featuring appearances by Knoxville Ice Bears players and the team’s mascot, Chilly Bear. Following the meeting, attendees received tickets to the Ice Bears game at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, where McNeil delivered the ceremonial puck drop as the Ice Bears defeated the Evansville Thunderbolts 3–0.

“Moments like this reflect what makes credit unions unique,” Warren said. “Our members aren’t customers; they’re owners. Opportunities to come together, celebrate, and connect beyond everyday transactions are part of what makes this community so strong.”

Founded more than 50 years ago, UT Federal Credit Union serves individuals, families, and businesses across Tennessee and remains committed to helping members achieve financial well-being while strengthening the communities it serves.

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for March 9, 2026.

In recognition of the vital role that transportation plays in the nation’s economy and infrastructure, ETHRA, Oak Ridge Transit and Lakeway Transit, is proud to celebrate National Transportation Week, taking place March 16 – 18, 2026.

This annual observance, established by Congress, honors the devoted professionals—from bus operators, mechanics, call-centers for scheduling, dispatch, to logistics planners, transit accountants and managers—who sustain the nation’s transportation systems.

“This week, we honor the people and systems that keep East Tennessee moving,” said Cynthia Plemens, ETHRA Transportation Marketing and Communications Manager.”

Whether it is connecting individuals to their jobs and communities, driving them to medical appointments, the grocery store or other interests, our transit workers and infrastructure professionals are the backbone of our economy. ETHRA’s transit door-to-door service operates from 7am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, excluding all major holidays.

Throughout the week, ETHRA Transportation will highlight accomplishments of ETHRA Transportation, goals achieved with employee recognition, transportation safety blogs, gift card awards for ETHRA Transportation employees and much more!

Key Highlights for the Week:

March 16, 2026: Highlighting the efforts of our transportation workers via social media outlets.

March 17, 2026: Showcasing new and future transportation employee outerwear.

March 18, 2026: Focusing on transit safety and innovation.

March 19, 2026: Picture-day! Showcasing various snapshots of our transportation staff.

March 20, 2026: Say thank you to a driver.

National Transportation Week also coincides with efforts to modernize transit, including initiatives aimed at transitioning to greener energy, enhancing safety, and improving accessibility for all riders.

ETHRA Transportation, Oak Ridge Transit and Lakeway Transit encourages the public to join in celebrating by thanking a local transit operator, supporting local transit systems, and staying safe on our roads.

For more information about ETHRA Transportation, visit http://www.ethra.org