Tanya Hart grew up in a vulnerable Memphis neighborhood in her grandmother’s care. Despite challenging circumstances, she learned the value of hard work and resilience as modeled and taught by her grandmother. With the support of mentors and First Horizon Bank (then First Tennessee), Tanya worked her way through school, and today, she holds an executive position at the bank that backed her potential. Meet the inspiring Tanya Hart, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at First Horizon Corporation!
When and how did you begin working for First Horizon Corporation?
I started as a teller shortly after high school. First Horizon has supported me in every aspect of my education and career growth — throughout my undergraduate and graduate programs and as I earned several professional certifications, including Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Certified Financial Planning (CFP).
What lessons did you learn from your first job at First Horizon that have helped you become successful?
My first job as a teller has been foundational to my entire 30+ year career. The teller role, especially early in my career, served as the face of the bank for most clients. Understanding the importance of making clients central to everything we do has served me well. In every role since then, I’ve incorporated the fundamentals of providing exceptional service and operating with a client-centric mindset.
Where did your career lead you from there?
I’ve had the opportunity to work in three key areas of the bank. I worked for 10 years in retail, including as a teller and in corporate training. The next 10 years were in Wealth Management, including Certified Financial Planning. Since then, I’ve been in Human Resources. I led executive compensation for several years, leveraging my 20+ years working with clients.
In addition to my undergraduate degree in Finance (from the University of Memphis) and MBA (from Christian Brothers University), each role has been essential to preparing me for the leadership role I have today.
What sparked your interest in a career in Human Resources?
Like most careers, my move to Human Resources was based on my skill set, experience, and a little luck! The opportunity to work in executive compensation was a stepping stone to additional opportunities in the HR world. Early on, I realized how rewarding it is to take care of our associates, much like I took care of clients for so many years. I’ve never looked back. It is an honor to support our 7,300+ associates who are devoted to making First Horizon an amazing company.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Helping our associates thrive!
How would you describe your leadership style?
Transformational: I love to inspire and motivate my team to achieve their goals with purpose.
You are actively involved with a variety of civic and professional institutions here in Memphis. What are some of the causes you are passionate about?
Everything that I am involved in has poverty and education at its core. I serve on the University of Memphis’s Foundation Board and Executive Committee as well as the Brooks Museum Board and Executive Committee.
I am a strong advocate for the underserved; I am committed to helping others who may have a background similar to mine.
What do you love most about Memphis?
The people, the culture, and the food!
Where can we find you when you aren’t working?
Traveling to almost any place in the world. We went to Greece and Spain in 2024.
What would you say is your best piece of advice?
Stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take risks. I took a huge leap of faith moving to HR and found that I loved it and wanted to spend the rest of my career here.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
Great meals, travel, and shopping.
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To read more inspiring stories, check out our FACES of Memphis archives HERE!
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