1st Franklin Financial Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

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
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Mary Zimmerman
  • Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President - Kristin Dunn
  • 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 lending services, ensuring the company maintains a strong market position across the United States. By aligning branch operations with digital service capabilities, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine financial products that address home improvement, debt consolidation, and medical expenses. Jerry J. Harrison monitors market trends to ensure the company remains a reliable partner for individuals seeking financial assistance. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the firm. Harrison prioritizes the delivery of accessible financing solutions, reinforcing the commitment to community-based support that defines the business model.
    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 performance. Herring leads the integration of lending services across regional markets, ensuring consistent service quality for families and individuals. As the Chief Executive Officer & President, Herring coordinates with executive leadership to optimize the delivery of personal loans and financial solutions. This role involves driving operational excellence within the branch network to meet the diverse needs of customers. Virginia Herring evaluates performance metrics to enhance the efficiency of debt consolidation and medical cost financing programs. By fostering a culture of customer-centric service, the Chief Executive Officer & President strengthens the reputation of the company. Herring maintains focus on the core mission of providing accessible financial assistance, ensuring that all operational activities support the broader goal of community-based economic empowerment.
    Virginia Herring

    Jenna Hood - Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President

    Jenna Hood, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President at 1st Franklin Financial, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Hood oversees financial reporting, risk management, and the funding structures required to support personal loan portfolios. As the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Hood ensures the company maintains the liquidity necessary to provide consistent financial solutions for home improvement and debt consolidation. This role involves collaborating with other executives to analyze market data and optimize the pricing of lending products. Jenna Hood drives the development of financial models that support sustainable growth while mitigating exposure to market volatility. By maintaining rigorous oversight of the balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President secures the financial integrity of the firm. Hood ensures that all fiscal operations align with the broader goal of providing accessible and reliable financial assistance.
    Jenna Hood

    Gary McQuain - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Gary McQuain, the President & Chief Operating Officer at 1st Franklin Financial, manages the day-to-day operational workflows and service delivery systems. McQuain oversees the efficiency of the branch network, ensuring that personal loan processing and customer support meet high standards of excellence. As the President & Chief Operating Officer, McQuain coordinates the implementation of operational policies that streamline the delivery of financial solutions. This role involves optimizing internal processes to improve the speed and accessibility of lending services for families. Gary McQuain drives the integration of technology into branch operations to enhance the customer experience. By monitoring operational performance across regional markets, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company effectively addresses the financial needs of the community. McQuain maintains a focus on operational scalability, supporting the overall growth and stability of the organization through disciplined management of resources.

    Mary Zimmerman - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Mary Zimmerman, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at 1st Franklin Financial, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary for a growing finance company. Zimmerman oversees the recruitment, training, and retention of staff across the branch network to ensure high-quality customer interactions. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Zimmerman aligns workforce capabilities with the company mission of providing accessible financial solutions. This leadership role involves designing performance management systems that reward excellence in community-based financial assistance. Mary Zimmerman drives initiatives that promote professional growth and internal culture, supporting the overall business model. By managing human capital effectively, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the organization maintains the expertise required to handle complex personal loan services. Zimmerman secures the long-term success of the firm by cultivating a dedicated and skilled workforce.

    Kristin Dunn - Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President

    Kristin Dunn, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President at 1st Franklin Financial, directs the brand strategy and customer acquisition efforts across all service channels. Dunn oversees the development of marketing campaigns that highlight the availability of personal loans and financial solutions for families. As the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President, Dunn integrates digital outreach with local branch visibility to maximize market penetration. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer behavior to tailor messaging for specific financial needs like medical costs or unexpected expenses. Kristin Dunn drives the growth of the customer base by emphasizing the value of community-based financial assistance. By managing brand reputation and communication strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President ensures the company remains a top choice for individuals seeking reliable lending services. Dunn aligns marketing initiatives with the core mission of providing accessible and transparent financial support.
    Kristin Dunn

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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, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.