Leadership Overview
1st Franklin Financial has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, human resources, marketing, and financial management.
Committed to accessible lending, 1st Franklin Financial delivers personalized financial solutions to individuals and families while fostering strong community relationships through local branch support and digital services.
Committed to accessible lending, 1st Franklin Financial delivers personalized financial solutions to individuals and families while fostering strong community relationships through local branch support and digital services.
Leadership Roles at 1st Franklin Financial
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. Harrison oversees the expansion of consumer finance services, ensuring that personal loan products remain accessible to families across diverse regional markets. By aligning internal resources with the mission of providing debt consolidation and home improvement financing, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on sustainable growth and community-based financial assistance. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine lending policies and enhance the digital service infrastructure. Jerry J. Harrison drives the company toward operational excellence by prioritizing customer relationships and ethical lending practices. Through rigorous oversight of market trends, Harrison secures the competitive position of the firm within the consumer finance sector, ultimately ensuring that the organization meets the evolving needs of clients while maintaining robust financial health.

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 performance. Herring leads the integration of local branch operations with modern digital lending platforms to streamline the delivery of personal loans. As the Chief Executive Officer & President, Herring monitors the effectiveness of financial solutions provided for medical costs and unexpected expenses, ensuring that service delivery remains consistent with company standards. This position requires balancing operational efficiency with the maintenance of deep-rooted community ties. Virginia Herring drives initiatives that improve customer satisfaction and loan accessibility across the entire operational footprint. By supervising the executive team, Herring fosters a culture of accountability and service-oriented growth. Through strategic decision-making, the Chief Executive Officer & President strengthens the market presence of the firm, ensuring that the organization continues to provide essential financial support to individuals and families in need.

Jenna Hood - Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President
Jenna Hood, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President at 1st Franklin Financial, directs the financial planning, reporting, and capital management strategies of the organization. Hood oversees the fiscal health of the company, ensuring that resources remain available to support the lending services provided to individuals and families. As the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Hood manages the risk assessment processes associated with personal loans and debt consolidation products. This role involves maintaining the financial integrity of the firm while supporting growth initiatives across regional markets. Jenna Hood drives the budgeting and forecasting activities that allow the company to remain competitive in the consumer finance industry. By collaborating with the Board and other executives, Hood ensures that financial decisions align with the long-term mission of the firm. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President secures the financial stability required to continue providing essential community-based financial assistance.
Gary McQuain - President & Chief Operating Officer
Gary McQuain, the President & Chief Operating Officer at 1st Franklin Financial, architects the internal processes that support the delivery of consumer finance products. McQuain oversees the logistical framework of local branch networks, ensuring that every location provides high-quality service for debt consolidation and home improvement loans. As the President & Chief Operating Officer, McQuain optimizes the workflow between branch staff and corporate support teams to enhance operational speed and accuracy. This role involves managing the infrastructure required to scale lending services across various regions. Gary McQuain drives efficiency by implementing standardized procedures that reduce overhead while increasing the volume of financial assistance provided to clients. By monitoring performance metrics, McQuain ensures that the company maintains its commitment to accessible financing. Through the coordination of daily business activities, the President & Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of the firm, securing operational stability and consistent service delivery for all customers.
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 necessary to support a growing consumer finance business. Zimmerman oversees the recruitment of staff for local branches and corporate offices, ensuring that the workforce remains aligned with the company's focus on community-based financial assistance. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Zimmerman manages employee engagement programs and professional development initiatives that enhance service quality. This leadership role involves fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes customer empathy and ethical lending. Mary Zimmerman drives the implementation of human capital policies that support the long-term retention of skilled professionals. By aligning personnel strategies with corporate goals, Zimmerman ensures that the organization possesses the talent required to deliver effective personal loan solutions. Through these efforts, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer strengthens the internal foundation of the firm.
Kristin Dunn - Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President
Kristin Dunn, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President at 1st Franklin Financial, architects the brand strategy and customer acquisition campaigns that drive awareness of personal loan services. Dunn oversees the development of marketing materials that highlight the availability of financial solutions for home improvement, medical costs, and debt consolidation. As the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Dunn manages the digital presence of the firm, ensuring that online services reach individuals seeking accessible financing. This role involves analyzing market data to identify new opportunities for growth and community outreach. Kristin Dunn drives the messaging that connects the company with families in need of financial support. By coordinating with other executives, Dunn ensures that marketing efforts reflect the core values of the organization. Through strategic brand positioning, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President expands the reach of the firm, effectively communicating the value of the financial services provided to diverse customer segments.

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