Regions Bank Names Tiko Russell as Winner of 2026 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award
Legal department associate honored for extraordinary commitment to financial education, youth success and community empowerment.
Regions Bank on Tuesday announced Business Systems Analyst Tiko Russell, a member of the company's Legal division, has been named winner of the 2026 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award.
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Tiko Russell, center, winner of Regions Bank's Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award. The award was presented by Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner, right, and Leroy Abrahams, head of Community and Market Engagement, left.
The award is Regions' highest associate honor recognizing colleagues who make an extraordinary impact not just within the bank, but also within the communities Regions serves. Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner presented the award to Russell during the bank's annual Chairman's Club celebration.
"Teams from across the bank are committed to hands-on volunteerism year-round, and this award gives us an opportunity to offer special recognition to an associate who truly goes above and beyond," Turner said. "Tiko, I appreciate all you do to make a positive difference in our community. You exemplify the best of Regions Bank to our community. And your story is an example for all of us."
Established in 2023, the Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award honors a Regions associate whose extraordinary volunteerism and outreach create a lasting impact aligned with the bank's core values, including Do What is Right and Put People First. Longtime Regions associate Lee Ann Petty served as volunteer services coordinator in Regions' Community Engagement division until her passing in 2020. Her deep commitment to serving others continues to inspire associates.
Petty was both a friend and mentor to Russell, and her legacy remains a guiding force behind Russell's dedication.
"Lee Ann was a dear friend with a generous spirit," Russell said. "She had a way of making service feel accessible and personal, and she inspired me to not just care, but to act. Her example continues to shape how I show up for others."
A Birmingham native, Russell's service spans education, workforce readiness, financial empowerment and support for vulnerable populations across Central Alabama. She has a particular passion for financial education and helping people build confidence around money management. As a Regions Next Step Ambassador, she delivers the company's tailored financial literacy content both in-person and virtually across the bank's footprint, reaching students, families and adults at critical stages of their financial journeys.
Russell also teaches financial wellness to individuals and families through Aid to Inmate Mothers, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama and local school systems. But her signature volunteer commitment is to Junior Achievement of Alabama, particularly the JA in a Day program.
There, she works with students to help them understand the link between education, career planning and financial stability. She frequently leads mock interviews, offering coaching and encouragement that helps students envision themselves in future professional roles.
"Financial literacy helps people see what's possible," Russell said. "When people understand how money works – how to budget, save and plan – it gives them options. It builds confidence, independence and hope. That's what drives me to keep showing up."
Her contributions are valued by the community partners she serves.
"Tiko represents exactly what we look for in a volunteer – someone with a heart for young people who truly believes all students deserve a chance to succeed, and who is willing to dig in and make every moment in the classroom meaningful," said Chip Reed, president of Junior Achievement of Alabama.
Russell and other volunteers will serve an even more critical role as Junior Achievement of Alabama prepares to open a new experiential learning center in downtown Birmingham this summer. The facility will include JA Finance Park, Presented by Regions, a hands-on learning environment designed to give older middle-school students real-world experience with financial planning, budgeting and career exploration through immersive, scenario-based simulations.
Within Regions, Russell is known for supporting initiatives such as health care awareness tools for associates, mental health initiatives and year-round community-building efforts. She volunteers at multiple bank-sponsored initiatives and encourages others to join.
"Tiko is truly selfless – she's not in this for recognition," said Chief Governance Officer Andrew Nix. "Her sincere commitment to others inspires those around her to give. Lee Ann Petty had a heart of service, and Tiko carries that legacy forward."
While Russell is more than deserving of this recognition, she accepted it with her trademark humility and grace.
"Volunteering has given me so much more than I could ever give in return, and I'm thankful to be part of a culture at Regions that values community engagement so deeply," Russell said. "Just as Lee Ann inspired me, it is truly humbling to know my own passion for service may inspire others."
As part of the award, Regions will donate $2,500 to Junior Achievement of Alabama on Russell's behalf. She will also receive a commemorative plaque and five bonus vacation days. To locate a Junior Achievement chapter in your area, visit JA's website.
FAQ – Service in Action: How Regions Shows Up:
How does Regions Bank make a difference?
The bank and its associates focus on supporting economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, and creating greater financial wellness. These priorities were chosen because, as a bank, Regions and its teams are most qualified to make a meaningful difference in these areas. More information can be found in the Community Engagement section of Regions.com.
How does Regions Bank encourage community involvement among its associates?
Associates are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents in ways that align with their financial experience, personal passions and community needs. The company offers structured volunteer programs as well as the What a Difference a Day Makes program, which gives associates one paid day off each year purely for volunteer service.
How does a focus on community involvement benefit workplace culture at Regions Bank?
A strong focus on community involvement helps foster a workplace culture rooted in purpose, connection and engagement. Research consistently shows employees who find meaning in their work and feel supported in giving back are more engaged, motivated and committed. By encouraging service and recognizing associates who lead with heart, Regions reinforces a culture where people feel valued, not only for what they do, but for who they are and how they contribute to the greater good.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $161 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates more than 1,200 banking offices and more than 1,750 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
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