Terry Akins, CRO Emeritus
Professional Overview
Terry Akins is the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Emeritus at First Horizon Bank, where he leverages over 35 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. As a seasoned executive, he specializes in strategic risk management, commercial banking, and global services operations.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Emeritus at First Horizon Bank, Terry is responsible for providing strategic guidance and oversight on enterprise-wide risk management initiatives. In this role, he works closely with the executive leadership team to ensure the bank's risk profile aligns with its strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. Under his leadership, First Horizon has achieved significant improvements in its risk management framework, earning industry recognition for its comprehensive approach to managing financial, operational, and compliance risks.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Terry served as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at First Horizon Bank, where he was instrumental in strengthening the bank's risk management practices and driving organizational resilience. He has also held various leadership positions at IBERIABANK and Wachovia Bank, including roles in commercial banking, strategic initiatives, and global services risk management. Throughout his career, Terry has demonstrated a proven track record of delivering measurable business impact through his strategic vision, risk management expertise, and collaborative leadership style.
Academic Background
Terry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a specialization in Finance. He also earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Economics from the University of Georgia, where he graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Enterprise-wide risk management
- Commercial banking and strategic initiatives
- Global services operations and risk management
- Financial analysis and strategic planning
- Regulatory compliance and governance
Professional Impact
During his tenure at First Horizon Bank, Terry has spearheaded several transformative initiatives that have enhanced the bank's risk management capabilities and operational resilience. His leadership was instrumental in the successful integration of a major acquisition, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining a strong risk profile. Additionally, Terry has been an active contributor to industry forums, sharing his expertise and insights to help shape best practices in banking risk management.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to excellence, Terry Akins continues to play a pivotal role in guiding First Horizon Bank's risk management strategy and driving sustainable growth. As the Chief Risk Officer Emeritus, he remains a valuable asset to the organization, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and proven leadership to navigate the evolving financial landscape.
