Meet the Athens team! This outstanding group of bankers supports customers in achieving their financial goals every day. We spoke with branch supervisor Nancy Hayes, as well as the rest of the team, to find out what they love about their community.
Of all the places she’s lived, Hayes says that Athens has been one of her favorites.
“I’ve lived in several states,” Hayes said, “and I am proud to call the small, friendly community of Athens, Tennessee, my home.”
In today’s Get to Know blog, we look forward to sharing a few more things we learned about the team:
Nancy Hayes
Home State: Oklahoma | Years of Banking Experience: 29
Is there anything you’d like to share about your family or pets?
I married my high school sweetheart, Kevin, over 33 years ago. We have a son, Blake, and a daughter, Nicole. We also have a beautiful 6-year-old granddaughter and a grandson on the way!
What is one thing you enjoy about the Athens branch?
The people! Customers and staff – we have the best!
What is one of your hobbies outside of work?
Woodworking and crafts. I love to find something I really like, then go home and make it myself.
Matt Mason
Hometown: Niota, TN | Years of Banking Experience: 20
What is one thing you enjoy about the Athens branch?
I love the community and the people I work with. It makes the day go by fast and is enjoyable!
What is one of your hobbies outside of work?
Outside of banking and farming, my favorite activities are hunting, fishing, golf, snow skiing and riding ATVs with my family and friends.
What is one goal you’d like to accomplish this year?
My primary goal is time management. I want to manage my time better in 2021 in order to serve others.
Jeanne-Marie King
Hometown: Athens, TN | Years of Banking Experience: Over 30 Years
How long have you lived or worked in Athens?
I have lived in Athens all my life until 3 years ago when my husband and I realized a 35-year dream of building a new house on Watts Bar Lake. Just goes to show to never give up on a dream.
What is one thing you enjoy about the Athens branch?
My coworkers are a blast to work with. We put our heads down and work, while also having fun. My position in the lending division has afforded me the greatest opportunity to work with construction loans. I get to see a bare piece of ground become a home!
What is one of your hobbies outside of work?
I love summertime! All of the outside activities – boating, cookouts, homemade ice cream, sitting on the dock watching the world go by or just floating.
Tera Fox
Hometown: Englewood, TN | Years of Banking Experience: 8
Is there anything you’d like to share about your family or pets?
I have an adorable blonde cocker spaniel named Belle. She is my world. Fun fact, my sister and I have sister cocker spaniels. Meka and Belle are crazy about each other, just like my sister and I are.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go back to Hawaii. My family and I went in July of 2019, and we just fell in love with everything about it. We went to the Island of Hawaii on that trip, but I would love to go to Maui now. If you ever have the chance to go, please go and explore that beautiful land.
What is one of your hobbies outside of work?
One of my favorite hobbies outside of work is traveling. I love to travel and see other places. When I’m not traveling, I love to be outside enjoying family time.
Grace Hiefnar
Hometown: Athens, TN | New to Banking
What do you like about the Athens community?
I love the small-town home feeling of Athens
Is there anything you’d like to share about your family or pets?
My boyfriend and I have a dog named Sadie, who showed up a couple of years ago and is now a part of the family.
What is one goal you’d like to accomplish this year?
I would like to become more comfortable and confident with all transactions and responsibilities at work. I would like to take on more responsibilities when the time comes.
Hunter Richardson
Hometown: Athens, TN | Years of Banking Experience: 5
What do you like about the Athens community?
I love the small-town feel coupled with the convenience of having Knoxville and Chattanooga an hour away.
Is there anything you’d like to share about your family or pets?
My wife Kathryn and I have two boys, Calum and Joel. When I’m not spending time with them, I enjoy hunting with my dog River.
What is one thing you enjoy about banking?
It’s rewarding giving customers the tools they need to take control of their finances .I love how the Athens branch feel smore like a family than coworkers.
Stacy Martin
Hometown: Athens, TN | Years of Banking Experience: 21
What is one thing you enjoy about banking?
I love to talk to customers and help make their banking experiences the best I can. I also love that my coworkers feel like family.
What is one of your hobbies outside of work?
I power walk several times a week. I also love to spend time with my family and friends.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would love to take a road trip and drive up the west coast!
Ashley Benton
Hometown: Athens, TN | Years of Banking Experience: 2
What do you like about the Athens community?
I like that it is a close-knit community where everyone is willing to help one another.
Is there anything you’d like to share about your family or pets?
I am about to get married on June 5, and we have one dog named Reign.
What is one of your hobbies outside of work?
Spending time with family and friends.
Alyssa Maddron
Hometown: Athens, TN | Years of Banking Experience: 4
What is one thing you enjoy about the Athens branch?
I enjoy our team in Athens. My coworkers are my family, and I could not imagine it any other way.
What is one of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy playing basketball and spending time with my friends.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Paris. I have always dreamed of seeing the Eiffel Tower.
We have deep roots in the Middle and East Tennessee communities, and our dedicated employees help us offer exceptional service every day. It’s our pleasure to introduce you to a few of the people who make SouthEast Bank a great place to be during our Get to Know blog series.
