The Bank of Gleason honored Martha Arnold for 50 years of service with an Open House on Friday, March 10. Friends and family members filtered in all day to congratulate Arnold and enjoy cake and punch. “Over all these years, it’s the people that have made all the difference. I’ve come to cherish each and every one of them,” said Arnold.

Arnold was born on Christmas Day in Christmasville, Tennessee. She joined the Bank of Gleason on March 12, 1973, as a teller and held various positions of increasing responsibility over the years. In 1996 she was promoted into leadership as the vice president, a few years later becoming a senior vice president and added Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to her position in 2007. In 2009 Arnold became the CFO and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) along with a seat on the bank’s board of directors. Two years later she was named President and CFO - Director and in 2013 was made President, CEO, COO - Director.

“Martha has witnessed the evolution of banking and gathered a wealth of industry knowledge. She’s touched every computer that’s come into the bank,” said Preston Frazier, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “We’re very lucky to have her.”

She and her late husband, Ronnie, were well-known in the area as ‘The Great Pretenders,’ an entertainment duo. They also staged annual talent productions across the tri-county region to raise money for high school graduations. Arnold is a member of Tumbling Creek Baptist Church and remains active throughout the community. Although she plans to retire at the end of 2023, she will continue working with the bank as a consultant.