About Us

Family. Hard work. A simple way of life.

These are the Southern traditions that our bank was founded on back in 2012 and continue to guide our way. We’re deeply rooted in building quality, long-lasting relationships and are committed to acting with transparency in everything we do. We focus on delivering tailored solutions that meet the needs of individuals, families, and businesses in the communities we serve.

Our headquarters is located in the heart of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee with additional branches located in Lebanon, Smyrna, Brentwood, and Clinton.

Smyrna, TN

With experienced bankers and local decision-making capabilities, we’re a local bank that’s there for you when you need us.

Mission

We help people achieve their financial goals through delivering exceptional banking, lending, and customer experiences.

Core Values

Quality

We build strong relationships with our customers and co-workers.

Integrity

We are honest, ethical and act transparently.

Accessibility

We are committed to quick, responsible decision making.

Relationships

We treat our customers and employees like family.

Community

We actively participate in our communities and help fill specific needs in the areas we serve.

Sam Short

Chief Executive Officer

Justin Cary
President & Chief Credit Officer

JOSH CUNDIFF
Chief financial OFFICER

JEANETTA Watson
CHIEF REtail OFFICER

John Pope

SVP & Chief Mortgage officer

NMLS #639107

Sam Short, CEO of Southern Bank of Tennessee is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and LSU’s Graduate School of Banking. He began his career as a bank examiner with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.

Sam's professional experience included time spent with two Tennessee banks, including Bank of the South, which previously was headquartered in Mt. Juliet. At Bank of the South, Short worked in the Rutherford County market in his hometown of Smyrna. During this period he held a number of positions including serving as a Consumer and Commercial Lending Officer.

After Bank of the South’s merger with another institution, Short continued to work as a commercial lender with a primary focus in the area of real estate earning him the distinction of being titled a Real Estate Lending Specialist.

In 2012 he became one of 10 original employees with Southern Bank. Before his appointment as Southern Bank’s CEO, he served as the bank’s senior vice president and senior lender while working closely with the bank’s management team on day-to-day operations.

In his free time, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Brooklyn and two sons. He also enjoys playing golf and traveling.

NMLS #1965938

Justin Cary is the President and CCO of the Southern Bank of Tennessee. Justin has 18 years of experience in banking and started his career as a Bank Examiner with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions. He then moved onto to serve as a bank consultant for Professional Bank Services specializing in credit analysis, risk management, and bank regulation.

His entrepreneurial spirit thrives when he is building a successful organization that our customers and employees can be proud of. As a University of Tennessee alumni, Justin is a big fan of the Vols and he is also is a proud supporter of the Nashville Predators.

NMLS #639186

Jeanetta serves at Southern Bank of Tennessee as the Senior Vice President/Chief Retail Officer/Corporate Secretary. She’s been with the bank since its inception in 2012.

Jeanette started her career in banking in July of 1978. She enjoys serving customers — whether it’s opening accounts, helping them take out loans, or just giving advice. She values the relationships that she has built over the years.

Jeanetta loves anything Christmas, especially snowmen. Her and her husband enjoy watching all of their grandchildren play sports. After church on Sunday, they have all the kids and grandkids over for lunch — all 17 of them! She says that her family is her greatest blessing.

John Pope is Southern Bank of Tennessee's Senior Vice President and Chief Mortgage Officer. John has previously served our mortgage customers as a Vice President and Mortgage Loan Officer. John proudly leads our mortgage team and oversees all mortgage operations. John lives in Lebanon, TN and enjoys engaging with various community groups and spending time with his family.