CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – First Advantage Bancorp, the parent company of First Advantage Bank, located in Clarksville, Tennessee announced today that Gene Whitfield, the bank’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending retired effective December 31st, 2019.
Whitfield served as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending since 2006. During Whitfield’s tenure, he played a critical role in helping the bank adapt to significant changes in culture, processes, and, most notably, for generating strong growth that helped lead the bank to an initial public offering in 2007. In this process, Whitfield served as a champion for establishing new relationships as well as maintaining existing relationships in the Clarksville market. In addition, he contributed significantly to the positive culture First Advantage Bank provides to its customers and employees.
“Whitfield has contributed 50 years to banking, and his achievements will not be forgotten,” said Randy Clouser, Chief Lending Officer. “Gene held leadership roles across a broad range of banking functions throughout his career, both on the consumer and commercial divisions. These experiences allowed him to best support the customer. Whitfield’s work ethic, devotion to customers, and consistent desire to provide solutions that best fit the customer have been exemplary at the bank.”
Before being named Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, Whitfield served fifteen years from 1991 – 2006 years with F&M bank working with William “Sammy” Stuard, F&M Bank President, as a VP of Commercial Lending. During this time, Whitfield oversaw the growth of his loan portfolio and held additional responsibilities, including managing junior lenders.
From 1969 – 1991, Gene Whitfield worked for Northern Bank, later acquired by First American Bank, where he began his career at 19 years of age as a bank teller. Whitfield also worked in the collections department as well as the retail side, where he managed a branch off Riverside Dr.
“It did not matter if Gene saw his customers in the office or around town, Gene always gave them personal attention. I think Gene learned very early the importance of customer service, and he kept that a top priority throughout his career,” said Dotson Guinn retired Bank President of First American. “This was how you established lifetime relationships with each one of your clients. Gene knew this was part of being a successful hometown-banker. Both Gene and Lynn always represented the bank very well, but above all the rest of his qualities, Gene took care of his customers.
Whitfield accredits his success to having a solid foundation built on customer service and work ethic from his long-time mentor Dotson Guinn. In addition, he accredits his success to those who have supported him, which include Kim Smith, Commercial Lending Assistant of First Advantage Bank, and his wife of forty years, Lynn Whitfield. Whitfield, his wife Lynn Whitfield, and their dog Harley plan to enjoy spending time with family, boating, and golf. Whitfield looks forward to watching the bank continue its focus on service to the customer and its employees.