Tim Williams Recognized as James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce Tim Williams as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award category. Williams, President & CEO of 21st Mortgage, began his career at Clayton Homes in 1976. He was the acting President of Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance by 1982, and he founded 21st Mortgage in 1995.

The Haslam Leadership Award, sponsored by The Trust Company of Tennessee, is given to a long-standing business leader that exhibits strength in character, resolve, a commitment to the community, and exemplary success in the regional business community. Honorees are selected by the Chairman of the Knoxville Chamber Board.

“I am honored to receive this award from Knoxville Chamber,” said Williams. “I accept this award on behalf of the more than 1,100 team members at 21st Mortgage. I may be the person recognized, but our team is the reason. This recognition is earned by our team of people who strive every day to provide outstanding service to our customers, our suppliers, and to one another.”

Under Williams’ leadership, 21st Mortgage has experienced remarkable growth, employing over 1,000 people and doubling its mortgage portfolio in the past five years. His aggressive approach to conservative lending has set the company apart in the competitive mortgage industry.

“The James A. Haslam II Leadership Award is given each year to an individual who has made an indelible impact on the Knoxville business community,” said Dave Miller, executive Vice President of First Horizon and Knoxville Chamber Board Chair. “That impact is obvious in the work that Tim Williams has done over the last thirty years at 21st Mortgage. Tim is known for his business acumen, steadfast guidance, and unwavering community support. He’s also incredibly passionate about creating opportunity for young people including college accessibility for students through TN Achieves.  Tim has truly made a difference in the lives of so many Tennesseans.” 

The annual Pinnacle Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy. Winners are selected by the Knoxville Chamber Board of Directors. Approximately 200 companies are nominated annually for recognition.

“Congratulations to the 2025 Pinnacle Business Award winners,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “Pinnacle Financial Partners is a values-driven organization. So many of the values we focus on – integrity, results, discipline – are also evident in this year’s winners. We know it takes an unwavering focus and commitment of leadership to make any business work, and we are proud to recognize these Knoxville-area companies and individuals for their business excellence. Pinnacle looks forward to supporting and seeing these organizations flourish as we all work together toward the same goal: a prosperous Knoxville economy.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the 2025 Pinnacle Business Award recipients, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.