Women in Banking Award of Excellence Recipient: Lanie Gardner When Lanie first accepted a position at First National Bank, now First Southern National Bank, she had no idea it would lead to a flourishing career. But with over 23 years of service, Lanie now sees her love of the industry as a God given calling. Lanie’s dedication to serving the community and lifting up other women in banking showcases the very heart of our mission. As such, the KBA has named Lanie as the first recipient of our quinquennial Women in Banking Award of Excellence - a testament to honor the legacy of the late Debra K. Stamper.
Photography and Interview by Matt Simpson, Managing Editor
Kentucky Banker: What’s it like living here in Muhlenburg County? Lanie Gardener: Music is a big part of the town’s history, and I’m talking specifically about thumb picking country...Think about guys like the Everly Brothers - this is their home. We have festivals in their name. We have John Prine, and newer artists like Joe Hudson who is world renowned and still lives here. So culturally, it’s very rich.
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And for me, it’s just been a place where I’ve been blessed to be in a career where I really get to meet our community and be invested in it and take pride in it. KB: Were you always a banker here? LG: No, actually. My first love was healthcare! I worked at our hospital for 15 years in administration and HR.
Really, it was just a phone call from the president here, Tommy Eades, that launched my career in banking. I didn’t know anything about banking, but Tommy knew I cared deeply about culture, and about leadership, and bringing enthusiasm to the table. It was unexpected but I know it was a God thing, and I trusted that calling. That was 23 years ago and we were called First National Bank.
