Team Highlight: Cheryl Lankford
Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer – Downtown Clarksville
At Legends Bank, great service starts with great people. Our Team Highlights series is designed to introduce you to the dedicated team members who serve our customers and communities every day. In each feature, we share a behind-the-scenes look at the individuals who help build relationships, provide guidance, and make banking more personal.
This spotlight features Cheryl Lankford, Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at our Downtown Clarksville branch. With 32 years of experience in the banking industry, Cheryl partners with local businesses to help them grow, evolve, and succeed. Learn more about Cheryl’s role, what she enjoys most about working with customers, and how her relationship-driven approach helps make a lasting impact in the community.
A Partner in Business Growth
In her role at Legends Bank, Cheryl manages a portfolio of primarily commercial customers, providing the banking services they need to run their businesses effectively. While her primary focus is lending, she works closely with a dedicated internal team to support customers across all areas of banking from cash management to deposit and electronic services.
Her approach goes beyond transactions. She views each relationship as a partnership, working alongside her customers to help them reach their goals.
Relationships That Drive Lasting Impact
What Cheryl enjoys most about her role is helping customers reach the next level in their businesses. She finds fulfillment in being part of their growth and success, knowing her work plays a role in something bigger.
That perspective comes to life in the lasting impact she sees every day, whether it’s a business milestone or a physical reminder of progress within the community.
“That feeling of being a part of something life-changing for a customer or seeing a building that I financed years ago that I drive by daily, gives me a sense of pride in making a long-lasting difference in Clarksville.”
That impact starts with relationships. Cheryl treats each customer like a true business partner, touching base often, having meaningful conversations, and always focusing on what’s next.
It’s a hands-on, relationship-first approach that allows her to support customers through every stage of growth while building trust that lasts well beyond a single transaction.
A Lifelong Connection to Clarksville
Born and raised in Clarksville, Cheryl has had a front-row seat to the city’s growth and transformation over the years. That perspective has shaped both her outlook and her approach to her work.
She believes that while you can’t stop progress, you can choose how you respond to it, and for Cheryl, that means embracing it. Being part of that growth in some way, whether through supporting local businesses or helping bring new opportunities to life, is something she takes great pride in. She values knowing that even small contributions can make a difference in strengthening the community and helping set Clarksville up for continued success for future generations.
Advice Grounded in Perspective
With decades of experience, Cheryl has developed a steady, grounded perspective when it comes to guiding her customers: “If it was meant to be, it will be.” This advice reflects a belief in patience, trust, and staying focused on the bigger picture, especially during moments of uncertainty.
“If it was meant to be, it will be.”
– Cheryl Lankford
It’s a mindset that reflects her steady, thoughtful approach to both banking and life.
Committed to Community
Cheryl’s involvement extends well beyond the bank.
She is actively engaged in Leadership Clarksville, where she is a graduate of the Class of 2007, serves as Treasurer of the Board, and is a member of the Alumni Committee. She is also a longtime member of the Clarksville Rotary Club, where she has been involved for 20 years and previously served as president.
Through both organizations, Cheryl has chaired numerous fundraising events, participated in a wide range of volunteer efforts, and built lasting relationships within the community. She especially values the opportunity to give back and has made many lifelong friendships through her involvement.
Life In and Out of the Office
Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys a full and meaningful life centered around family, creativity, and community. She loves reading, crafting, and capturing photos of sunsets from her front porch, simple moments that help her recharge and stay grounded.
Family is at the heart of it all. Cheryl has been married to her husband, Mike, for 32 years, and together they have three children: Kara, Michael, and Somer, as well as three dogs: Charlie, Lobby, and Sissy.
She also cherishes time with her two grandchildren, often cheering them on at soccer, basketball, softball, and tennis games. One of her favorite traditions is an annual “Hallmark sister trip” with her sisters, a fun-filled getaway she looks forward to each year.
That same sense of connection and creativity carries into the workplace. Cheryl keeps an “ever-changing” tree in her office, decorating it throughout the year to reflect each season and holiday.
She’s also always willing to have a little fun, even fully embracing moments like dressing up for Halloween. It’s just one of the many ways she brings personality, positivity, and a welcoming spirit to those around her.
At Legends Bank, we believe great banking starts with great people. Our Team Highlights series shines a light on the team members who serve our communities with integrity, care, and a commitment to building lasting relationships.
About Legends Bank
Legends Bank, founded in 1998, is a trusted community bank serving Middle Tennessee with branch locations across Montgomery, Davidson, Williamson, and Cheatham Counties. Committed to providing personalized financial services, Legends Bank offers a wide range of banking products, including personal and business banking, mortgage services, and financial planning solutions.
Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender