Dave Miller

About Dave Miller

President and CEO of Apex Bank, a community banking institution with 22 locations across Tennessee and $1.4 billion in assets. Responsible for the bank\'s overall strategic direction and financial performance, leading all aspects of banking operations statewide — from deposit and loan growth to credit quality, risk management, regulatory compliance, and asset-liability positioning. Focused on building a high-performing culture centered on exceptional customer service while positioning Apex for sustainable growth and profitability.Brings 30+ years of leadership experience from First Horizon Bank, most recently as EVP of Strategy and Performance for the company\'s largest business segment — $60B in assets across the southeastern U.S. — driving strategic planning, performance analytics, sales productivity, and front-line risk management. Recognized throughout his career for transforming businesses, delivering strong financial results, and building high-performing teams.Previously served as President of East Tennessee, one of First Horizon\'s strongest markets ($8B in deposits,$3B in loans). Over six years, profitability more than tripled and ROE climbed to a record 43%. Teams earned top customer satisfaction honors, with First Horizon consistently named \"Best Bank\" across multiple Tennessee markets. Twice recognized by the Knoxville News Sentinel as the top large-company leader (2021, 2018).Earlier roles spanned marketing and product, corporate strategy, and investor relations — earning national honors from IR Magazine and Institutional Investor during the Great Recession. Also led a seven-year transformation of the Consumer Banking division into one of the company\'s most profitable businesses, growing annual revenues above $500M and ROE over 20%. Served on First Horizon\'s Operating Committee and key governance committees including Asset Liability, Credit Risk, Operational Risk, Pension, and Investment.Deeply committed to community, Dave serves on the boards of Covenant Health (vice chair, finance chair), the Knoxville Chamber (past chair), Tennesseans for Quality Early Education (treasurer), and Zoo Knoxville. He also serves on the City of Knoxville\'s African American Equity Restoration task force. Prior board service includes the United Way of Greater Knoxville, Boys and Girls Clubs, Knoxville Symphony, YWCA Foundation, and multiple Memphis nonprofits.A native of Buffalo, N.Y, Dave graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, where he captained the golf team. He lives in Knoxville with his wife, Sarah Echols Miller, and their two children.

Experience

1. President and Chief Executive Officer

   Apex Bank

   Jan 2026 — Present · Knoxville, TN, US

   President & CEO of Apex Bank, a community banking institution with 22 locations across Tennessee and $1.4 billion in assets. Set the overall strategic direction and drive financial performance across all aspects of commercial and retail banking operations statewide.Oversee growth in deposits and loans, credit quality and risk management, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and asset-liability positioning. Cultivate deep relationships with customers, communities, and key stakeholders throughout Tennessee.Focused on building a high-performing culture centered on exceptional customer service while positioning Apex Bank for sustainable growth and long-term profitability.

Education

• Harvard University

  AB, Summa Cum Laude, Physical Sciences

  1988 — 1992

Skills

• Banking
• Competitive Analysis
• Loans
• Strategic Planning
• Business Planning
• Investment Banking
• Commercial Lending
• Business Development
• Credit Risk
• Management
• Analysis
• Forecasting
• Crm
• Commercial Banking
• Marketing
• Strategy
• Retail
• Direct Marketing
• Finance
• Leadership
• Mortgage Lending
• Advertising
• Analytics
• Business Strategy
• Credit
• Sales