JA Sits Down with Pinnacle Financial Partners CEO Terry Turner

Author: Dara Bacon
Community Involvement
Published: Friday, 22 Mar 2024

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Terry Turner with students discussing personal budgeting.

Image caption: Terry Turner sitting with students discussing personal budgeting regarding activities.

Nothing inspires employees and community members to serve more than seeing local leaders rolling up their sleeves to volunteer. Therefore, JA is recognizing corporate and community leaders who are actively volunteering throughout our programs.

Terry Turner, CEO of Pinnacle Financial Partners, has consistently volunteered in JA BizTown and JA Finance Park for the last three semesters. Terry mentored 5th-grade students from Hull Jackson Elementary managing the bank in JA BizTown. Months later, he was back leading juniors from McGavock High School through the process of building a personal budget in JA Finance Park.

We recently sat down with Terry and asked him why volunteering with JA is a priority.

“If I’m going to be advocating and working on something, I need the hands-on personal experience. It’s hard for me to tell others, particularly Pinnacle employees, they should invest their time with JA if I’m not willing to do it,” Turner says.

In his time volunteering with JA, Terry feels it is important for the next generation to have hope and see opportunity. “I’m interested in making sure people are exposed to free-market principles. In large measure, I want people who do not see an opportunity, to see it.”

Image caption: Terry Turner sitting with students discussing personal budgeting regarding housing.

Terry played a major role in launching JA’s StartUp Initiative, which focuses on removing the barriers separating Metro Nashville Public School (MNPS) students from participating in JA’s powerful programs. When Terry volunteers with JA, it is always alongside an MNPS school.

“Some of it is motivated by a genuine heart that says ‘hey, we need equity here’,” Turner says when speaking of his involvement in the initiative and investment in MNPS. Increasing equity in education is the fundamental purpose of StartUp.

Terry also mentioned he enjoys witnessing the energy the JA students have each time he volunteers. “We’re opening those kids’ eyes a little wider each time. To me, that’s the greatest encouragement.”

To learn more or register to volunteer with JA, visit our website.