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Bank of America Appoints Josh Barnes as Knoxville Market President

In an exciting development for the Knoxville banking scene, Bank of America has officially appointed Josh Barnes as the new president of its Knoxville market, effective October 28, 2026. Barnes takes over from Terry L. Cline, who has recently retired after a commendable tenure.

Driving Local Market Strategy

As the newly minted Knoxville market president, Barnes is set to play a critical role in shaping the local market strategy. His mission will focus on fostering connections among clients, teammates, and the wider community. By leveraging Bank of America's expansive portfolio, Barnes aims to drive collaboration across the company's eight lines of business, ultimately enhancing customer experience and increasing market share in the region.

Barnes has a remarkable track record, currently serving as the Consumer Investment Market Leader, and he brings over 14 years of experience to this role. His extensive regional knowledge and established leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to spearhead the company's initiatives.

Brian Moynihan, chairman and CEO of Bank of America, stated, "Josh’s established leadership and experience will ensure we’re delivering on our responsible growth strategy to deepen relationships with clients, the community, and teammates.”

A Clear Vision for Growth

Josh Barnes is well-equipped for this new challenge, having joined Bank of America in Knoxville back in 2012. During his tenure, he has held diverse roles ranging from consumer banking to wealth management. This comprehensive experience provides him with an in-depth understanding of business development, client engagement, and effective organizational leadership. Having transitioned into market leadership in 2024, Barnes is poised to accelerate the company’s efforts in Knoxville.

Education-wise, Barnes is a proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™ (AWMA®) designation and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™ (CRPC®) certification. Beyond banking, he is also very active in the community by promoting youth financial education and coaching youth sports, showcasing his commitment to community engagement.

Bank of America’s Commitment to Knoxville

Bank of America has a longstanding presence in Knoxville, operating four financial centers and managing significant community investments. As of the second quarter of 2026, the bank reported $793 million in FDIC insured deposits across eight counties. Notably, it has extended $27 million in lending to homebuyers in the Knoxville area this year, along with approximately $366 million in commercial loans and $26 million in small-business loans.

The bank's Knoxville market currently holds around $3.9 billion in Merrill client balances and has invested more than $2.1 million in grants and matching gifts to local non-profits since 2020. The company is also proud of its employees, who have volunteered over 12,000 hours within the community during the same timeframe.

In summary, with Josh Barnes at the helm, Bank of America is committed to strengthening its presence and deepening connections in Knoxville. This vision for growth is not only set to enhance services provided to local clients but also to uplift the community through various initiatives that underline the bank's dedication to making a positive impact.

For further updates on Bank of America and its initiatives in the Knoxville market, you can visit Bank of America's newsroom for the latest news and insights.