1st Franklin Financial Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to accessible lending, 1st Franklin Financial delivers essential financial solutions to individuals and families while fostering strong community relationships through personalized 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
  • 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. By prioritizing sustainable growth within the consumer finance sector, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that lending services remain accessible for home improvement, debt consolidation, and medical expenses. Harrison oversees the alignment of branch operations with broader market objectives, maintaining a focus on community-based financial assistance. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of economic trends to refine the company's product offerings. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, Jerry J. Harrison drives the expansion of digital services to complement traditional local branch support. The Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of operational integrity, ensuring that all financial solutions meet the diverse needs of families across the operational footprint. Ultimately, Harrison secures the company's position as a reliable partner for personal financial stability.
    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 policy and organizational development. As the Chief Executive Officer & President, Herring focuses on the integration of branch-level customer service with high-level financial product delivery. This role requires constant collaboration with the executive team to optimize lending processes for unexpected personal needs. By championing a culture of community engagement, Herring ensures that the company remains a trusted resource for families seeking financial solutions. Virginia Herring drives initiatives that enhance the efficiency of loan processing, directly impacting the speed and quality of service provided to clients. The Chief Executive Officer & President monitors market shifts to adjust operational tactics, ensuring that the firm adapts to changing consumer demands. Through this leadership, Herring maintains the company's reputation for accessible financing and professional excellence across all regional markets.
    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. As the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Hood oversees the financial reporting, risk management, and budgeting processes that support the company's lending operations. This role involves ensuring that the firm maintains sufficient liquidity to provide personal loans for home improvement and other unexpected needs. Jenna Hood directs the analysis of financial performance metrics to guide executive decision-making and long-term planning. By optimizing the balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President supports the company's ability to offer competitive financial solutions to families. Hood collaborates with other leaders to ensure that fiscal policies align with the broader mission of community-based financial assistance. Through rigorous financial oversight, Hood secures the stability and growth of the company's diverse loan portfolio.
    Jenna Hood

    Gary McQuain - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Gary McQuain, the President & Chief Operating Officer at 1st Franklin Financial, oversees the day-to-day operational efficiency of the branch network and service delivery systems. As the President & Chief Operating Officer, McQuain directs the implementation of standardized lending procedures that ensure consistent service quality across all locations. This role involves optimizing the workflow for personal loan processing and debt consolidation services to meet customer needs promptly. Gary McQuain drives the integration of technology into branch operations, enhancing the synergy between digital services and local support. By monitoring operational metrics, the President & Chief Operating Officer identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction. McQuain collaborates with the executive team to ensure that operational capacity aligns with the company's growth objectives. Through this focus on execution, McQuain maintains the high standards of community-based financial assistance that define the company's market position.

    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 programs. Overseeing the promotion of personal loans and financial solutions, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President ensures that messaging resonates with families requiring debt consolidation or medical cost assistance. Dunn directs the development of digital marketing campaigns that bridge the gap between online services and local branch engagement. This leadership role involves analyzing consumer behavior to refine outreach efforts and increase market penetration. Kristin Dunn drives the creation of educational content that empowers clients to make informed financial decisions. By aligning marketing objectives with the company's mission of community-based support, the Chief Marketing Officer & Executive Vice President strengthens the brand's presence. Through strategic communication, Dunn ensures that the value proposition of 1st Franklin Financial remains clear and compelling to a broad audience.
    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, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the workforce that powers local branch support, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that staff members possess the skills necessary to provide high-quality financial assistance. Zimmerman designs programs that foster professional growth and retention, aligning human capital with the company's service-oriented mission. This leadership role involves managing internal communications and performance management systems to maintain operational excellence. Mary Zimmerman drives the implementation of policies that promote a supportive and efficient work environment. By cultivating a strong team, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company delivers consistent, compassionate service to every client. Through strategic workforce planning, Zimmerman supports the overall success and scalability of the organization's lending operations.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Banking

    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.