Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Al Blanton
When Lisa Killingsworth first stepped behind a teller window at First National Bank of Jasper (now Synovus) nearly three decades ago, she couldn’t have imagined how many chapters her career would hold or how deeply her work would become intertwined with the community she loves.
She grew up in Walker County, learned early the value of service, and never lost sight of the importance of giving back. Over the years, her involvement on local boards, nonprofit committees, and civic initiatives strengthened her spirit of community and has now carried her into her newest leadership role: Market President for Synovus in Jasper.
“You always have your professional goals, and for me, this really was the dream job, to be in this office doing this work,” she says. “When this position became available, I thought, Wow, that would be a dream if I got it. When I did, I was overwhelmed in the best way.”
Lisa also says the continued outpouring of support from customers, colleagues, and community members means everything to her.
After First National Bank of Jasper founder John T. Oliver recognized Lisa’s finance degree and guided her into commercial lending, she built decades of experience across lending, audit, and leadership programs. She later served as the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act officer for Alabama before returning to lending full-time. Along the way, she was shaped by a string of mentors, including Oliver, Gwaltney McCollum, Jack Allen, Shawn Morgan, and the late David O’Mary, who taught her both the technical and human sides of banking.
Now, as Market President, her day-to-day work blends the familiar with the new.
“It’s still about taking care of clients,” she says. “People stop in with questions, fundraising requests, and community events. Being a leader, being available, supporting team members and clients – that’s the job.”
But new responsibilities come with the role as well. She now manages expenses for the entire bank and is learning additional layers of leadership and operations. And she’s responsible for ensuring Synovus is well represented everywhere the community gathers.
One of the most energizing parts of Lisa’s work is watching Jasper grow and playing a role in that growth. She remembers when downtown was quiet, almost still.
“Ten years ago, when I walked out of this building at the end of the day, there was no activity,” she says. Today, she lights up as she describes what she sees: vibrant sidewalks, music, flowers, banners, and steady foot traffic.
“It has completely flourished,” she says. “And beyond downtown, the whole county is growing. New businesses, new developments…there’s just so much happening. I credit strong leadership from the city council and mayor for pushing that forward.”
As a longtime member and treasurer of Jasper Main Street, she’s had a direct hand in that revitalization. Her service across other organizations, such as the Pilot Club of Jasper, the Jasper Industrial Development Board, and the District Attorney’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee, keeps her grounded in the needs and opportunities shaping the region.
“It helps me see the bigger picture,” she says. “It’s not just about the bank, it’s about what’s best for the community and how we support that.”
The heart of Lisa’s work has always been people. Families launching businesses. Owners expanding shops. Entrepreneurs stepping out in faith.
She recalls one long-term client now expanding for the second time. “Seeing that growth and knowing you were part of it means everything,” she says. “You don’t win every deal, and you can’t help every customer, but you can advise them and guide them.”
That trust, she says, is why she’s stayed with Synovus for more than 30 years, and why she plans to continue investing in the place she calls home.
Outside of banking, Lisa’s happiest moments happen with her family. She and her husband Ted have two sons and four grandchildren. Weekends often include soccer games, live music, Alabama football, and the occasional road trip.
As she settles into her role as Market President, Lisa remains focused on both the people she serves and the place that shaped her.
“I want to continue being an advisor and a friend to businesses, owners, and the communities we serve,” she says. “You’ll continue to see me everywhere I can be.” WL
