Commissioner Announces Personnel Change in the Bank Division

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, Greg Gonzales, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (the Department), announced two personnel changes.

Todd Rice is retiring at the end of June after 35 years of service to the Department. Rice began his career in the middle Tennessee region as an examiner and advanced his career with multiple promotions to ultimately attain a senior role as Chief Administrator of Examinations. Todd is a native of Sparta, Tennessee, and a graduate of Tennessee Technological University.

"I am grateful that Todd Rice has dedicated so many years to our mission of ensuring that Tennessee citizens enjoy a safe and sound banking system," said Commissioner Gonzales. "Todd has been a great asset to the Department and has helped us supervise in a way that gives banks the opportunity to support economic progress. His examination experience and sound judgment has served us all well and will certainly be missed."

Gonzales also announced Jessica Huff has been appointed as Chief Administrator of Examinations. Huff joined the Department in 2007 as an examiner and has served as division manager for the east Tennessee field office since 2017. Before joining the Department, Huff served six years in the Tennessee Army National Guard. Jessica is a graduate of East Tennessee State University and the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. She is a resident of Knoxville, Tennessee.

"I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jessica Huff for a number of years on a variety of issues and I am glad that she is willing to assume this statewide responsibility. I know firsthand her dedication to our mission and her common sense approach to supervision," stated Commissioner Gonzales.

"Jessica is an exceptional leader having gained tremendous knowledge and experience in prior service, as well as within the Department through both formal training and practical application," said Assistant Commissioner Phillip Ruffin. "The Department, financial institutions, and the citizens of Tennessee are fortunate to have an individual with the highest level of performance and integrity take over this role."

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Contact: Alica Owen

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