Fortune Media and Great Place To Work Name SmartBank to 2026 Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance List, Ranking No. 11
Knoxville, Tenn.— Great Place To Work® and Fortune have selected SmartBank for the 2026 Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance™ List. This is SmartBank’s 2nd time being named to this prestigious list, this year coming in at 11th place in the small and medium category. Earning a spot means that SmartBank is one of the best companies to work for in the country.The Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance list is based on analysis of survey responses
HARDY JOINS SMARTBANK’S MONTGOMERY TEAM
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – SmartBank is pleased to welcome Chase Hardy to its Montgomery team as a Senior Vice President, Corporate Relationship Manager. With a career spanning 16 years of banking experience and a deep understanding of the local market, Hardy will play a key role in strengthening client partnerships and supporting the bank’s continued growth in the region. “We are excited to welcome Chase to the team,” said Jay Baker, Market President. “His dedication to helping clients achieve their financial
SMARTBANK PROMOTES JAY BAKER TO MARKET PRESIDENT
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – SmartBank is pleased to announce Jay Baker has been promoted to Market President for Montgomery County, Alabama. In his previous position as Corporate Relationship Manager, Baker dedicated over four years to cultivating strong partnerships with commercial clients and driving significant business growth across Montgomery. Leveraging extensive experience in commercial credit, underwriting, portfolio management, and advanced financial analysis, he brings a collaborative and forward-looking
DONNA COOPER ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT, LEAVING A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – SmartBank today announced the retirement of Donna Cooper, Market President in Montgomery, effective December 19, 2025. Cooper is stepping down after a remarkable 45-year career in banking, which includes what she describes as the ‘BEST years’ of her career at SmartBank. “Donna is without a doubt, an industry icon in the banking sector,” said Billy Carroll, SmartBank CEO. “Her dedication, market expertise, and deep commitment to our clients and community have been foundational to
