When Jay Dale, Chattanooga Market President of First Horizon Bank, assumes leadership over the Chattanooga Chamber board of directors this summer, he’ll do so with a very clear understanding of the past, present and future.
Looking behind him, he sees giants of the Chamber and business world.
“I’m very honored and humbled. I think about the history of great business leaders and equally great leadership that has served the Chamber board,” he says. “It’s not lost to me, the big shoes I am trying to fill.”
Looking at the present, he sees challenges and opportunities.
“If you talk to most folks, affordable housing is a big issue,” he says. “As new companies locate or expand operations in Chattanooga, a growing workforce and talent pool is essential. At the same time, affordable housing, transportation and child care are all challenges for a growing city.”
And in the future? Dale sees the promise that comes when our city rallies around solving pressing problems with one big vision.
“Economic growth and prosperity for all Chattanoogans,” he proclaims.
As Chamber board chairman, Dale serves a voluntary one-year role with, as he sees it, one singular purpose: “We continue to support Chamber leadership in growing economic development for all Chattanoogans by attracting and supporting new companies and jobs that come to town,” he says.
Dale is a graduate – undergraduate and master’s – of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Since 1994, he’s built a career in the finance industry, becoming vice president at Sun Trust, Regions and First Horizon.
In 2018, First Horizon named him Chattanooga Market President, allowing him to lead a team of more than 200 employees across Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia and metro Atlanta. For 16 straight years, First Horizon has been voted Best of the Best by the Times Free Press.
“Economic development is my passion as a banker,” he says. “We do all we can to help Chattanooga prosper. If Chattanooga is growing, we as a bank are growing and every other team will be growing.”
Dale, 51, serves on multiple community boards, including Chair of the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the executive committee of the Erlanger Foundation Board and past president of the UTC Alumni Association.
He is a former member of the UC Foundation, UT Alumni Board of Governors, Children’s Advocacy Center and Junior Achievement. He will soon join the Chattanooga State College Board and is a proud Rotarian.
Jay and wife Cynthia have chaired many events for nonprofits in Chattanooga, including Erlanger’s Believe Bash, Siskin Possibilities, Siskin Star Night, MAC Gala, Chambliss Center for Children’s Mardi Gras, Habitat for Humanity’s Raise the Roof and Silverdale Baptist Academy’s campaigns.
He is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, class of 2014.
“Best class ever,” he says with a smile.
Chattanooga sits at many crossroads, a pivotal time in our city’s history. Dale calls them “multigenerational changes” and lists several.
“The Bend. Westside Evolves. The new Lookouts stadium. McDonald Farm. The determination about the future of TVA’s Chattanooga office complex. The Convention Center expansion,” he lists.
As integral partners with business and community leaders, the Chamber is poised to support and promote more multigenerational changes for the better. For Dale, the Chamber represents the past, present and future of this city.
“The Chamber started in 1887,” he said. “Throughout our city’s history, the Chamber has been a constant and consistent voice for business.”
