First Metro Bank and its Board of Directors announced the promotions of Laura Hardy and Dana Smith.

Laura Hardy was promoted to executive vice president and Chief Financial Officer. Since November 2023, Hardy has filled the role of interim CFO. Hardy began working at First Metro in 2008 as a part-time teller at the bank’s Hough Road oƯice in Florence. In 2009, she accepted a full-time position as head teller and graduated from UNA with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Through the years, Hardy received numerous promotions and gained valuable experience as a customer service representative, lending assistant and assistant branch manager at the bank’s downtown Florence office. Hardy was promoted to Accountant I in July 2016, a role she filled until May 2021, when she was promoted to comptroller.

“Laura has provided excellent leadership since joining the accounting department in 2016, and we have full confidence in her and her role in the Bank’s continued advancement,” said Rodney Howard, president and CEO.

Additionally, Dana Smith was promoted to officer status as assistant cashier. Smith was named branch manager of First Metro’s Greenhill office in October 2023 and has been successful in all aspects of the job. Smith began her employment at First Metro Bank at the bank’s downtown Athens office in 2017. Two years later, Smith was promoted to Customer Service Representative and Lending Assistant at the bank’s Greenhill office. Having lived in Greenhill for most of her life, Smith has enjoyed serving her hometown customers.

“Dana is a hardworking and devoted member of our team, and she is committed to serving our customers in Lauderdale County,” said Tony Brewer, senior vice president and Lauderdale County president. “I look forward to seeing Dana’s journey as a community banker evolve as she leads our Greenhill office into a new era of growth.”