LEBANON, TENN. – True to a succession plan its board of directors announced years ago, effective March 4, Wilson Bank & Trust (WBT) has officially promoted Kayla Hawkins to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
“I am extremely excited for Kayla and our bank as she officially takes on her new role as CFO. Her dedication to Wilson Bank & Trust and her understanding of the banking industry has been evident since she started in 2011,” CEO John McDearman said. “Her passion for her work and our community is unmistakable, and we are fortunate to have her among the executive leadership team of our bank. In addition to her years of experience in financial services, she is an incredible leader, wife and mother.”
Hawkins, a Lebanon native, previously served in the role of SVP, Reporting Manager for WBT and has been with the bank for more than twelve years. During this time, she has worked closely with Pominski on financial reporting, asset liability, SOX 404 reporting, board reporting, enterprise risk management, CECL and much more. Kayla currently manages the financial reporting department and shareholder relations. Before coming to WBT, Hawkins worked in public accounting at Kraft CPAs where she performed audits of financial institutions and manufacturing facilities. She is a graduate of the Southeastern School of Banking as well as the Graduate School of Banking at LSU.
“I am excited to step into the role of Chief Financial Officer and I’m humbled by the responsibility that comes with this leadership role,” Hawkins said. “I have worked closely with Lisa for more than a decade, and her leadership and insight as well as the guidance of our board and executive team, have prepared me for the significant duties of this position. I’m so grateful to be part of this leadership team and I look forward to seeing all the bank will accomplish in the future.”
Kayla Hawkins graduated from Friendship Christian School as valedictorian in 2005 and graduated summa cum laude from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.B.A. in Accounting in 2008. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Kayla was inducted into the Delta Alpha Pi international honor society of college students and served as President of Beta Alphi Psi, an honor society for accounting students. In 2010 Kayla earned her MBA from Middle Tennessee State University while working as a graduate assistant in the business law department. After finishing both degrees, Kayla attended an accelerated program to obtain her Certified Public Accountant license in three months and upon completion, she received the highest score in the state of Tennessee that year.
Hawkins is active in the community and is particularly invested in a cause very close to her heart, assisting families impacted by cancer. She currently serves as the volunteer coordinator for local nonprofit Sherry’s Hope, a role she started in in 2012. Additionally, she serves on the board for the Pregnancy Help Center at College Hills in Lebanon.
Hawkins and her husband John live in Lebanon with their two children, Gavin and Harper Kate.
Wilson Bank & Trust (www.wilsonbank.com), member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, is a community bank established in 1987 to provide personal and professional service in a hometown setting. One of the top banks in the South in stability, products, technology, growth and earnings, WBT currently operates 30 full-service offices in ten Tennessee counties, offering a full range of financial products that include secondary market mortgage loans and online banking services.
