Ella Castronuovo

2 months ago | bizjournals.com | Ella Castronuovo

Van Tucker was a trailblazer in more than one sense. Well-known among the Nashville business community, she pioneered the entertainment industry division at Bank of America, among other senior banking roles she held before co-founding Nashville’s Avenue bank (later acquired by Pinnacle Bank). Tucker, who most recently served as the leader of Tennessee’s premier entrepreneurial organization, LaunchTN, was a trailblazer in more than one sense.

2 months ago | bizjournals.com | Ella Castronuovo

Well-known Nashville brand Vaco is changing its name after 23 years. The Business Journal spoke with CEO Brian Waller about the company's future. The rebrand not only solidifies a transition at the company, but works to transform the way the firm does business. Vaco wants its clients to know it does more than just recruiting. Formerly known as Vaco Holdings, the Brentwood-based, high-profile recruiter now goes by Highspring.

2 months ago | bizjournals.com | Ella Castronuovo

Jim Ayers, a titan of Nashville's banking industry, died today at 81. The longtime banker is most known for his purchase of a small, rural West Tennessee bank in 1984 — and turning it into what is now a $13.16 billion bank, FirstBank. “With deep sorrow, we share the passing of our founder and chairman, Jim Ayers — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, businessman, banker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and friend to so many,” the Ayers Foundation Trust said in a statement.

Mar 31, 2025 | bizjournals.com | Ella Castronuovo

FirstBank has entered into an agreement to purchase an Alabama-based bank. The news comes after the Nashville-based lender announced its plans to expand into additional markets as part of its growth strategy. One of Nashville’s largest banks is getting bigger. FB Financial Corp., the parent company of FirstBank, has entered into an agreement to buy Southern States Bancshares Inc., the parent company of Southern States Bank, according to a news release.

Mar 27, 2025 | bizjournals.com | Ella Castronuovo

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has appointed Aaron Dorn as a new member of its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has appointed Aaron Dorn, chairman, president and CEO of Studio Bank, as a new member of its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. Dorn, along with five other newly appointed members, will serve a three-year term that will expire in 2027.