Kate Staggs to Steer First Horizon's $20M+ Philanthropic Strategy

MEMPHIS, TN – May 18, 2026 – First Horizon Foundation has named veteran nonprofit leader Kate Staggs as its new Contributions Manager, a pivotal role responsible for steering the deployment of more than $20 million in annual charitable investments. The appointment places a seasoned expert at the helm of a significant philanthropic engine, signaling a continued focus on strategic, high-impact community support across the bank's 12-state footprint.

In her new position, Staggs will oversee the intricate grant management processes that connect the Foundation's resources to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. Her role is central to executing the Foundation's mission: strengthening communities by funding key initiatives in Arts & Culture, Education & Leadership, Environment, Financial Literacy, and Health & Human Services. This move comes as corporate philanthropy increasingly shifts from simple check-writing to a more integrated, data-informed approach focused on measurable outcomes and systemic change.

A New Era of Strategic Giving

The management of a $20 million annual portfolio requires more than just generosity; it demands strategic vision. Staggs' appointment reflects a modern trend in corporate philanthropy that prioritizes deep expertise and relationship-building to maximize the return on social investment. Her leadership is expected to refine how the Foundation identifies partners, evaluates proposals, and measures the long-term impact of its grants. This ensures that the Foundation's dollars are not just donated, but strategically invested in projects that foster sustainable growth and resilience.

Beth Ardoin, President of First Horizon Foundation, emphasized this strategic fit. "Kate brings proven nonprofit leadership, deep relationship-building expertise and a relentless commitment to community impact—an ideal match for this Foundation role," Ardoin stated. As Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for parent company First Horizon, Ardoin's dual role underscores the tight integration between the bank's corporate social responsibility strategy and the Foundation's on-the-ground activities. "Her leadership will strengthen the First Horizon Foundation's commitment to being Here for Good by empowering people and communities to thrive."

From Heart Health to Holistic Community Impact

Staggs is no stranger to the complexities of the nonprofit world. She joins the Foundation from the Mid-South American Heart Association, where she served as Senior Development Director. In that capacity, she was at the forefront of major fundraising initiatives, cultivated vital corporate and community partnerships, and managed high-profile campaigns, including the widely recognized Go Red for Women movement.

This background in development and partnership-building is particularly relevant. It provides her with a unique perspective from the other side of the grant-making table, understanding the challenges and needs of the very organizations the Foundation seeks to support. Her experience in mobilizing community resources and forging cross-sector collaborations will be invaluable as she works to enhance the Foundation's reach and effectiveness. Her transition from a health-specific focus to the Foundation's five diverse impact areas marks a move toward a more holistic approach to community well-being, addressing the interconnected factors that allow communities to flourish.

Strengthening Communities Across a 12-State Footprint

The impact of the funds Staggs will now manage is tangible across the American South. Since its inception in 1993, the First Horizon Foundation has donated more than $200 million, becoming a cornerstone of support in the regions served by First Horizon Corporation. The Foundation's 12-state footprint includes Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas, among others.

Recent initiatives illustrate the scale and scope of its work. In 2024, the Foundation's "Grants for Good" campaign celebrated the bank's 160th anniversary by awarding $1.6 million in $10,000 grants to 160 different nonprofits, with winners selected by a panel of First Horizon associates from over 3,500 applicants. This campaign highlights a commitment to both broad support and employee engagement. In 2023 alone, the Foundation awarded over $15.7 million to community partners.

These funds have supported a wide array of projects, from constructing affordable housing for families in the Florida Keys and aiding home repairs for low-income owners in Houston to backing major cultural institutions like the Tennessee State Museum. By entrusting the management of these diverse and geographically widespread grants to Staggs, the Foundation is reinforcing its commitment to localized impact, ensuring that its investments are responsive to the unique needs of each community.

Aligning Corporate Goals with Community Needs

Staggs' appointment is not merely a personnel update; it is a reflection of First Horizon Corporation's deeply embedded corporate social responsibility strategy. As a regional financial services company with over $81 billion in assets, First Horizon has consistently positioned community support as a core tenet of its business philosophy. The Foundation is the primary vehicle for this commitment, acting as the philanthropic arm that translates corporate success into community strength.

The alignment is deliberate and powerful. The Foundation's focus areas directly address critical social determinants of success, from financial literacy that empowers individuals to environmental grants that ensure community sustainability. This strategy demonstrates an understanding that the bank's long-term health is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of the communities it serves. Under Staggs' management, the Foundation is poised to continue this work, leveraging her expertise to build stronger bridges between corporate resources and grassroots needs, ensuring the legacy of being "Here for Good" continues to evolve and deepen its impact for years to come.