John Daniel

John Daniel is a veteran HR executive with deep experience in leading people and creating a positive company culture. He is a recognized thought leader and speaks at various organizations on culture, leadership, human behavior, and change management.

After forty-seven years in the banking industry, John retired in 2021—his most recent executive role having served as chief human resources officer at First Horizon Bank. He is a recipient of the 2020 James House Williamson Award for his contributions in advancing the HR profession.

In 2022, John was a fellow at Harvard University, studying social impact strategies as part of the Advanced Leadership Initiative. He is a social entrepreneur and owner of Bluff City Pickleball Club in Bartlett, TN—its mission to promote health, well-being, and social engagement.

John is active in his community and serves on the boards of the United Way of the Mid-South, Seeding Success, First 8, The Center for Transforming Communities, and River City Capital.

A heart transplant recipient, John and his wife, Leslie, were honored in 2022 with the Living Heart Award by the American Heart Association for their contributions to the AHA. The annual award is now named in their honor.