First Horizon HR Chief Receives Leadership Memphis Distinguished Alumnus Award
Tanya Hart, senior executive vice president and chief human resources officer at First Horizon, has been named the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by Leadership Memphis. Hart started her career at the bank as a teller and now leads HR strategy for the company. She also serves on several nonprofit boards in the Memphis area.
Hart's trajectory within First Horizon spans several decades, beginning at an entry-level teller position before ascending to lead the company's human resources operations. Her current responsibilities include overseeing workforce strategy for the regional bank, which reported $84.4 billion in assets as of mid-2026 and operates across twelve southern states.
Beyond her corporate duties, Hart maintains an active civic presence in Memphis. She currently serves as an executive member and secretary of the Brooks Museum of Art board, with past board service spanning Junior Achievement of Memphis, the University of Memphis Foundation, and First 8 Memphis. Her professional recognitions include honors from Memphis Business Journal, Savoy Magazine, and American Banker.
This recognition may inspire other professionals, particularly women of color, to pursue leadership paths in banking and community service. Hart's rise from teller to chief human resources officer could serve as a tangible example of internal mobility within large corporations. Her nonprofit involvement may also highlight how business leaders contribute to regional civic health, potentially encouraging other companies to support employee community engagement as a workforce development and reputation-building strategy.