1st Franklin Financial Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

1st Franklin Financial has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, marketing, finance, and human resources.

Committed to accessible lending, 1st Franklin Financial delivers personalized financial solutions to families while fostering strong community relationships through local branch support and digital service channels.

Leadership Roles at 1st Franklin Financial

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jerry J. Harrison
  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Virginia Herring
  • Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President - Jenna Hood
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Gary McQuain
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President - Kristin Dunn
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Mary Zimmerman
  • Jerry J. Harrison - Chief Executive Officer

    Jerry J. Harrison, the Chief Executive Officer at 1st Franklin Financial, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. This leadership role involves guiding the company through complex financial landscapes while maintaining a focus on consumer-centric lending solutions. By overseeing the expansion of personal loan services, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm remains a reliable partner for individuals managing home improvement or medical expenses. Jerry J. Harrison maintains close alignment with the Board to drive sustainable growth across the regional footprint. The Chief Executive Officer prioritizes operational excellence and the continuous improvement of community-based financial assistance programs. Through rigorous oversight of market positioning, the Chief Executive Officer secures the company's reputation as a leader in the consumer finance sector. This executive leadership fosters a culture of integrity and service, directly impacting the financial well-being of families throughout the operational territory.
    Jerry J. Harrison

    Virginia Herring - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Virginia Herring, the Chief Executive Officer & President at 1st Franklin Financial, manages the daily execution of corporate objectives and organizational health. This role requires balancing high-level strategic planning with the practical demands of providing debt consolidation and personal loan services. Virginia Herring drives the integration of digital service platforms with traditional branch-based support to enhance customer accessibility. As the Chief Executive Officer & President, this leader coordinates with other C-suite members to optimize internal processes and ensure compliance with industry standards. The Chief Executive Officer & President monitors regional performance metrics to identify opportunities for service enhancement. By championing a mission of community-based financial assistance, the Chief Executive Officer & President strengthens the company's market presence. This leadership position demands constant attention to economic shifts, ensuring the firm adapts effectively to the evolving financial needs of individuals and families across the service area.
    Virginia Herring

    Jenna Hood - Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President

    Jenna Hood, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President at 1st Franklin Financial, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. This role involves managing the financial risks associated with personal lending and ensuring the company maintains a stable balance sheet. Jenna Hood directs the budgeting processes and financial reporting, providing the transparency necessary for informed strategic decision-making. As the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, this leader monitors the economic environment to protect the firm's assets while supporting growth initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President collaborates with the Board to ensure long-term financial sustainability and regulatory compliance. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President enables the company to continue offering essential financial solutions to families. This executive role is critical for balancing profitability with the firm's commitment to community-based financial assistance.
    Jenna Hood

    Gary McQuain - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Gary McQuain, the President & Chief Operating Officer at 1st Franklin Financial, directs the internal infrastructure and daily operational workflows of the company. This role focuses on the efficiency of branch operations and the seamless delivery of lending services to families. Gary McQuain manages the logistical aspects of the business, ensuring that local branches maintain high standards of customer service and financial accuracy. As the President & Chief Operating Officer, this leader implements scalable systems that support the company's mission of providing accessible financing. The President & Chief Operating Officer works closely with the executive team to streamline debt consolidation processes and improve loan processing times. By optimizing operational performance, the President & Chief Operating Officer directly contributes to the firm's ability to serve a broad customer base. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of branch productivity and the effective allocation of resources to meet regional demand for financial solutions.

    Kristin Dunn - Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President

    Kristin Dunn, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President at 1st Franklin Financial, architects the brand identity and customer acquisition strategies for the firm. This role involves developing targeted campaigns that highlight the availability of personal loans for unexpected needs and home improvements. Kristin Dunn oversees the communication channels that connect the company with diverse communities, ensuring the value proposition remains clear and accessible. As the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, this leader collaborates with operations teams to align marketing output with actual service delivery capabilities. The Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President analyzes consumer behavior data to refine outreach efforts and improve engagement rates. By driving brand awareness across the regional market, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President supports the company's growth objectives. This executive role ensures that the firm's commitment to financial assistance reaches the individuals who require support most effectively.
    Kristin Dunn

    Mary Zimmerman - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mary Zimmerman, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at 1st Franklin Financial, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the firm. This role involves building a workforce capable of delivering high-quality financial services and maintaining strong customer relationships. Mary Zimmerman oversees the training programs that ensure staff members understand the nuances of personal loans and community-based financial assistance. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, this leader fosters a corporate culture centered on service and professional excellence. The Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer manages performance evaluation systems to align individual contributions with the company's broader mission. By driving employee engagement and retention, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational stability of the entire branch network. This leadership position ensures the firm attracts and retains the talent necessary to meet the evolving needs of the consumer finance market.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding 1st Franklin Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads 1st Franklin Financial?
    1st Franklin Financial is led by Jerry J. Harrison (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Virginia Herring (Chief Executive Officer & President) and Jenna Hood (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President).
    Who is part of 1st Franklin Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of 1st Franklin Financial includes leaders such as Jerry J. Harrison (Chief Executive Officer), Virginia Herring (Chief Executive Officer & President), Jenna Hood (Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does 1st Franklin Financial have?
    1st Franklin Financial has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in 1st Franklin Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of 1st Franklin Financial includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & President, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, President & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President.