Pinnacle Financial Partners

Employees say:

"Pinnacle is an extremely transparent, caring and empowering culture. It starts at the Executive Team. This same culture is exhibited firm wide with all associates in a sincere manner. Associates are expected to be transparent about processes, solutions, products, other associates performance, etc. This fosters trust throughout the organization and continued dedication to enhancing our brand at all times. The culture committees in each market do not include management. This is another great example of how our culture is naturally executed. Associates routinely donate unused PTO hours to those facing personal challenges which to me sums up what makes us special."

The banking and financial services company believes that when you care for employees, they are empowered to take care of customers. That ethos extends into local communities, from financial education resources and training programs to investing 3.6% of the company’s total assets at the end of 2023 in grants and lending for low-income housing, small businesses, and minority-led institutions. In 2023, Pinnacle associates contributed over 33,600 hours of community service—sometimes taking leadership roles—across more than 3,700 organizations. The result is high employee satisfaction scores and trust in leadership. 

Employees say: "Everyone pulls together in the same direction to ensure that clients, associates, and the community are helped in the best way possible. A true family atmosphere where associates really care about each other and work hard for each other so we can reach our goals."

Employees say:

"It feels like a true inclusive family here. We care about each other beyond the hallways and walls of our buildings no matter your background, ethnicity or race. We love each other as we are and for who we are."

Employees say:

"We are intentional about our growth and work environment; it is not by chance that we succeed. We are fully committed and engaged with each associate and our clients. It is all about the relationships!"

Employees say: 

"I love the focus that Pinnacle places on employees. This truly is a unique culture vs. other banks I've worked for. At Pinnacle, my work-life balance is truly supported. It's not just something that management says. At Pinnacle, I feel like I can email any member of management with a question or concern and receive a response. I emailed the CIO just this morning, and he responded within two hours! In my everyday work life, I get a tremendous amount of support from my market and area leaders. Whether I need someone to go with me on a complex call, help with onboarding a new client, or just need to brainstorm regarding a prospect, my leaders make themselves available."

"Everything about this company is unique. I have worked for multiple financial institutions, and this is the best I have not only worked for, but the best I have heard of. It is an honor to work here."

Since 2020, Pinnacle Financial Partners has quintupled minority representation in its leadership team to 10% and boasts an associate class of 65% women, up 29%. 

The Nashville-based bank has also doubled down on commitments to the local community; it made a $25,000 investment in the oldest continuously operating minority-owned bank in the nation to give more kids the opportunity to take part in Junior Achievement financial education programs, providing initial funding for fees and transportation for underrepresented students in high minority and low- to moderate-income areas of metro Nashville.  

Pinnacle also gave $3 million to the National Institute of Minority Economic Development, a provider of affordable and accessible lending programs for women and minority small-business owners and homeowners. 

At Pinnacle, designated culture clubs organize several activities for associates, including spring picnics, holiday celebrations, group outings to local sporting events, and Laugh Out Loud days, as well as National Trail Mix Day, complete with a tent, camping chairs, and a fake in-office campfire. 

• Pinnacle expanded its unique feedback structure, where 12 to 15 associates meet with senior executives and regional leaders to conduct in-depth listening sessions. In 2022, there were 85 listening sessions on a range of topics.


• The WOW budget allows every associate at the firm to create exciting and fun experiences for clients and for one another without the need to submit a fund request or ask permission.


• Over 81% of employees participate in the company’s wellness program, which focuses on physical, mental, and financial health. Associates have access to the HealthJoy app, where they (and their families) can schedule free, virtual or in-person counseling sessions.


• Diversity and inclusion councils organized sessions for employees to share their feedback, and have created platforms within the company to amplify the experiences of employees of color, for example inviting guest bloggers on the firm’s intranet.