KHANDRA SMALLEY

Khandra Smalley has been with F&M Bank for more than twentyfive years. In her current role as Senior Vice President of Marketing Research she is the face of that organization. In addition to her work at F&M, she is also an adjunct professor at APSU, a long-time member of the Workforce Essentials’ Board of Directors, and an Advisory Board Member of the Institute of Certified Bankers, a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association. Smalley also serves on the boards of the CMC Community Health Foundation, the CMC Area Economic Development Council and the Clarskville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board, to which she was recently named Chairman.

“My favorite thing about Clarksville-Montgomery County is that it has a strong foundation of opportunities. Geographic location, Austin Peay State University and its proximity to Ft. Campbell open doors for a host of possibilities. Although I was not born in Clarksville, I’ve always called Clarksville my hometown,” say Khandra.

“My father, who was raised in a big city, joined the military at a young age. Once he was stationed at Ft. Campbell, he was determined that this was where he would buy a home, raise his family and eventually retire from the U.S. Army after twenty-two years of service. While my dad was deployed overseas, my mother became an active volunteer in many community organizations in addition to teaching in the local school system for over twenty years. My only sister and I spent many nights watching these two build on their dream. Although I have left a couple of times, like a magnet, I was always drawn back.”

“I have been blessed throughout my life to have mentors who were prominent women in their own rights. From my grandmother, who fed an entire community from the fruits of her garden, to a host of accomplished professional women nationwide that I can call on at anytime. My key driving force is to be that successful woman that is able to pay it forward.”

“Outside the obvious of historical exclusions,” Khandra says, “the most significant challenge I have had has been proving my commitment in order to earn trust and respect. Over the years, it has been my personal goal to live a life that is based on integrity, effective communication and loyalty. Sometimes those traits were valued...in other times they were not.”