Dale Keasling Recognized as James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce Dale Keasling as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the James A. Haslam, II Leadership Award category. Keasling is widely known in banking and nonprofit circles, having been a part of the area business community for over fifty years. Dale began his Knoxville career with Valley Fidelity Bank, becoming President and CEO, and served as the President and CEO of Home Federal Bank of Tennessee for twenty-five years. 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.

“Coming from the Knoxville Chamber and especially with the name James A. Haslam attached to it, this is an incredible honor,” said Mr. Keasling.

In addition to his professional experience, Keasling has devoted his time on a multitude of boards including the Tennessee Bankers Association, Uniter Way of Greater Knoxville, The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains, and many more. He was also a founding member of Leadership Knoxville.

Keasling was awarded an honorary doctorate from Johnson University in 2018. Now retired, Dale gets to enjoy more time with his five grandchildren on his farm in Greene County. While his success within the banking industry is evident, when asked, most comment instead on the positive impacts of Dale’s demeanor.

“The Knoxville region is better because of Dale’s direction and kindness,” commented Wes Stowers, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board and CEO of Stowers Machinery Corporation. “He is more than deserving to join the ranks of previous award recipients and banking and finance professionals including Larry Martin, Pam Fansler, and Sharon Miller Pryse.”

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. Over 80 companies were nominated for 2023 recognition.

“Congratulations to all Pinnacle Business Award winners. When local businesses thrive, so do the communities they serve. That’s why Pinnacle Financial Partners set out to be a small business and commercial bank from the very beginning,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “We know how hard it is to run a company, much less make it successful, and we’ll do everything we can to help build that success. It’s an honor to be part of this program and help recognize the home-grown players in Knoxville’s economy.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the 2023 Pinnacle Business Award recipients, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.