Truist marks a century of economic impact in Knoxville
“Tennessee has played an important role in Truist’s story, and Knoxville is a cornerstone of that legacy,” said Johnny Moore, Truist Tennessee Regional President.
While the Truist name and branding may be newer to Knoxville, the bank’s history in the city dates to 1926, when the Bank of Knoxville first opened its doors downtown.
“For a century, this bank has grown alongside Knoxville,” said Harry Gross, Truist Market President for East Tennessee. “Even as our name has changed over the years, our commitment to this community has never wavered. We are proud of our history here and energized about continuing to serve Knoxville for the next 100 years.”
These quick numbers only scrape the surface of the bank’s impact on the local community:
- 17 branches in the Knoxville area
- 30 ATMs
- No. 2 in deposit market share
- 450+ volunteer hours from Truist teammates in 2025
- $250,000+ in grants over the last two years to support Knoxville communities
A night of celebration
Truist celebrated this milestone with an event on Wednesday evening, during which the Knoxville Mayor, Indya Kincannon, proclaimed March 18, 2026, as Truist Centennial Celebration Day.
The event was held at the Knoxville Museum of Art and was open to key players who have been part of the bank’s history. To further honor the milestone, Truist sponsored one of the museum’s rotating exhibits.
“Our support of the arts reflects our belief that vibrant communities depend on creativity and dialogue,” Gross said. “Partnering with the Knoxville Museum of Art during this milestone year is a purposeful way to celebrate Knoxville’s culture while looking forward together.”
A commitment to workforce development
Guided by the bank’s purpose to “inspire and build better lives and communities,” Truist invested a recent $125,000 grant to the Roane State Community College Foundation in support of its Simulation Center at the Knox Regional Health Science Educator Center.
The 130,000-square-foot facility is designed to address Tennessee’s growing healthcare workforce shortages by advancing high-quality healthcare education.
“Tennessee has played an important role in Truist’s story, and Knoxville is a cornerstone of that legacy,” said Johnny Moore, Truist Tennessee Regional President. “This milestone is not just about honoring our past, but about reaffirming our commitment to listen, to lead and to invest in the people and places we serve.”
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!