Haley B. Meridieth, community president, Edmonton State Bank
As someone born and raised in Gallatin, Haley started her banking career when she was 18 years old and worked her way up over the years. Before she started working at a bank, she operated the loader at her father’s saw mill. She’s been married to the love of my life, Chad, for 23 years; they have two children, Baylor, 19, and Emma, 17. She says she feels she has the best family and friends anyone could ask for.
WHAT COMMUNITY IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
“I hope to leave an impact of trust, integrity and genuine care within my community. Building strong relationships is my number one priority, whether it be with co-workers or customers. I don’t see them as transactions; they’re more like family to me. I truly believe that without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I never take that for granted. I strive to make sure they always feel valued, heard and supported.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED; HOW IT SHAPED YOU:
“The best piece of advice I ever received came from my grandfather, Dewitt Boze. He always told his family if you believe in God, you are honest, and hardworking, you will succeed in life. I’ve tried to live by those words and have been very blessed. My dad continues to pass down the same advice to younger generations.”
WHO ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST, AND WHY?
“I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by so many strong women who have influenced my life (both past and present). My mom and other maternal figures have been foundational, but one person that has truly inspired me is Trudy Harrison, who I have the honor of being featured on the cover of this magazine with. Her strength and resilience have taught me to push forward, no matter what challenges come my way. She has shown me what it looks like to balance ambition with compassion. Watching her navigate challenges while continuing to give back to others has taught me the importance of perseverance, discipline, and lifting others up along the way. She truly is the BEST of the BEST.”
IF YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“It would be to believe in my own potential sooner. For a long time, I struggled with confidence and often underestimated what I was capable of. I hesitated to take risks or step into opportunities because I wasn’t sure I was ready or good enough. You don’t have to have all the answers; you just need to be willing to try, learn and keep going.”
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING/DAILY RITUAL FOR SUCCESS?
“I like to start my day by getting to work early so I have a little quiet time to myself before things get busy. It gives me a chance to collect my thoughts and plan out what needs to be accomplished. I usually make a list of my tasks for the day, and there’s something really satisfying about checking each one off as I go. It helps me stay focused and productive. Add in a Dr. Pepper and I am good to go for the day."
Trudy Milliken Harrison, partner, Smith.Sholar.Milliken.Matthews.PLLC
Trudy shares that she’s “just another mom trying to get through life just like other moms.” She thinks the common threads of motherhood are with most of mothers, although the exterior may look a little different. She acknowledges that all women go through the same emotions of: ‘Are we doing or being enough for our families, our businesses, our mental health.’ Her advice is to be kind to oneself, as women are on similar journeys.
WHAT COMMUNITY IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
“To leave it better than when I arrived. My parents moved our family to Gallatin, TN when I was in elementary school. So many things have changed here, but a sense of community remains a common thread. I hope to embody that. I want to leave my kids, Talan and Tripp with a sense of community that I participated in.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED; HOW IT SHAPED YOU:
“This is a hard one. I feel like I have been given many great pieces of advice over the years. I would say that a couple are as follows: “Hard work will never leave you broke”. I grew up in a family of movers and shakers. Now, having said that, things didn’t always go right. Businesses were not always successful, but you didn’t let yourself stay down. Hard work will carry you far in the long run. Another is how you treat people. In the legal field, you deal with various walks of life, demographics and influence. Every person that steps in that front door deserves the same respect. Living that has carried me well.”
WHO ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST, AND WHY?
“My mom dedicated her whole life to her family, even sometimes to her personal demise. While that is not my same mentality, I respect that. She gave it all, and in the end helped raise 4 kids that have all done well, personally and professionally. So, that speaks volumes. There are also women that have been very influential in my business life. Gwen Dowland has been a mentor to me in my practice area. Betty Brooks has been a second mom to me since I was young. I worked for her in my early years and she taught me that an honest living was worth having. Jeannie Gregory Patterson is a fellow business owner and I have watched her grow her practice, while losing a spouse and raising kids. That has resonated with me. This town is full of women who I admire. Many women have paved the way for myself and my fellow female entrepreneurs. A big thank you to all of you!”
IF YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“’Don’t take life so seriously.’ I’ve always been a bit of an introvert. Socializing has never come very easy and I gravitate to the familiar. I would tell myself to “lighten up” and “go out there and live life” and that everything would turn out okay. I think being mom along with a business owner brings a great deal of pressures to always “win”. That is not practical and not a feasible long-term game plan. Lighten up, Trudy. Everything will turn out okay. You are doing a good job.”
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING/DAILY RITUAL FOR SUCCESS?
“I try and work out several mornings a week. That has been a game changer for me mentally and physically. Also, being a single mom, I am responsible for the morning school rituals. My daughter is now in college and I have a son in 8th grade. Helping to get him going to going over his day, his after-school sports calendar and such gets my day organized and going. That gives me a bit of a compass for the day’s schedule and that helps me get organized.”
Michelle Patterson, Realtor, The Patterson Real Estate Team, simpliHOM
Behind the business, Michelle is very much rooted in her family and her life outside of work. She and her husband will celebrate 30 years of marriage this year. They met when she was 14 at Gallatin High School and this journey together means everything to her. They have two children, Austin and Taryn, and while I’ve worked hard in my career, I’ve always loved them even more and hoped to make them proud.
She says she’s a very simple person overall who loves being outdoors, whether on the lake, by the pool, or out hiking. She has a real heart for serving the community. “Getting involved has opened my eyes to needs that aren’t always obvious, and it’s something that continues to shape me,” she adds.
Michelle also has a fun, silly side that not everyone sees right away. “I love to laugh and not take life too seriously. We only get one life, and while I care deeply about the legacy I leave, I also want it to be one that’s real, joyful and fully lived,” she states.
WHAT COMMUNITY IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
“I hope I’m known as someone who shows up with a genuine heart, with honesty, and with intention. As a mom, a wife, a business owner, and a Realtor, I wear a lot of hats, but at the core of it all are people. I want to leave a mark through the relationships I build, the way I treat others, and the example I set especially for other women who are balancing a lot and wondering if they can do it all. I want them to see that they can.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED; HOW IT SHAPED YOU:
“The best advice I ever received was learning that success without structure comes at a cost. Early in my career, a woman I respected told me that if I didn’t put systems in place, I’d end up burned out and sacrificing the people I loved most. That was a turning point for me.
With her guidance, I created structure in both my life and business, and it’s given me something I didn’t think I could have which was freedom and balance. To this day, I work hard to stay consistent with those principles, because they are what protect my marriage, my family, and the life I’ve built.”
WHO ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST, AND WHY?
"When I think about the women who have shaped me, I immediately think of my mom and my bonus mom. Two very different, but equally powerful influences in my life.
My mom is where I get my fun, light-hearted side. She has always had this incredible energy about her that is magnetic. She’s the life of the party and someone who truly embraces who she is without worrying about what others think. She taught me how to live in the moment and enjoy life, which is so important. And today, she’s also shown me something even deeper, the importance of serving others and living a life rooted in faith.
My bonus mom has shown me a different kind of strength. She is one of the most selfless people you’ll ever meet. Always putting others first, even at her own expense, and leading with love. She taught me how to have a softer, more tender heart and exemplified a simpler, family first household. Her example has stayed with me in the way I love the people around me.
I’m grateful to have been shaped by both of them."
IF YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“I would tell my younger self that the energy and drive I had, even the rebellious side, wasn’t wrong, it just needed direction. I worked hard from a young age in my family’s restaurant, and that work ethic stayed with me, even if I was not the best straight A student at the time, not to doubt myself. Learning doesn’t always look the same for everyone, and that it’s okay that you find your love for it later in life.
I’d also remind myself to appreciate where I am and trust the journey. Even the messy parts helped shape exactly who I needed to become."
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING/DAILY RITUAL FOR SUCCESS?
"My daily routine is very intentional because I believe how you start your day sets the tone for everything that follows. I get up early, but I make it a priority not to jump straight into emails or phone calls before 8:00 a.m. That boundary allows me to start my day with clarity instead of reacting to everyone else’s needs.
As I get ready, I listen to uplifting music, which helps center me and puts me in the right mindset. One of my long-standing rituals is recording my voicemail every single day. It may seem small, but for me, it’s a signal and it’s my way of saying, ‘We’re open for business.’ It creates consistency, accountability, and shows my clients that I’m present and engaged.”
Nikki Lowder, vice president and commercial lender, Wilson Bank & Trust
Nikki has lived in Sumner County her entire life, and is proud of the strong sense of community here. “I love how people show up for one another, through local traditions, volunteerism and shared pride in where we live,” she chides. Professionally, she’s passionate about helping people feel confident about their financial decisions, whether that’s buying a home, growing a business or planning for the future. She believes access to education, guidance and encouragement can change lives, and she states she’s grateful to play a role in that every day.
WHAT COMMUNITY IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
“I hope to leave behind strong connections and meaningful relationships. Supporting local and small businesses is especially important to me, because they are the backbone of a thriving community. When local businesses succeed, it strengthens our local economy, supports our schools, and creates long-term sustainability for families and future generations.
As a lifelong resident and a mom, I’m proud of the role education plays in Sumner County. Seeing our schools continue to grow and thrive — from the time I was a student to now watching my daughter graduate — reinforces how powerful a strong, engaged community can be.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED; HOW IT SHAPED YOU:
“The best advice I’ve ever received is that it’s never too late. That mindset has shaped my career, my education, and my personal growth. I didn’t take a traditional path after high school — I began my career early and later pursued college as an adult while raising a young child. Becoming a first-generation college graduate taught me that growth doesn’t follow one timeline.
That advice continues to guide me today, reminding me that no matter the season of life, there’s always room to learn, grow, and move forward.”
WHO ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST, AND WHY?
“I began my banking career at 18 and was mentored by strong women who modeled professionalism, accountability, and confidence. They taught me to carry myself with pride and to prepare for the role I wanted, not just the one I had.
I’ve also been influenced by women leaders in our community, including Trudy Milliken, who has been supportive of me and my clients over the years. It’s an honor to stand alongside women like her — especially as a woman in commercial banking, knowing how much progress has been made and how important representation continues to be.”
IF YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“I would tell my younger self not to grow up too fast and not to take everything so seriously. Ambition and responsibility matter, but so does enjoying life and giving yourself grace. I took on a lot early and sometimes forgot to slow down and enjoy the moment.
I’d also say: own your mistakes and face them head-on. People may forget the mistake itself, but they’ll remember how you handled it. Growth often comes from the moments that feel hardest.
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING/DAILY RITUAL FOR SUCCESS?
“I don’t have a picture-perfect morning routine, but I do believe in preparation and flexibility. Making a to-do list the night before helps me walk into the next day with clarity, while still being ready to adapt. In my role, no two days are the same, so I try to start each day with a mindset that’s ready to serve — no matter what comes my way.”
Emily Runyan, MA, LMFT, founder of Tennessee Mental Wellness and Horizon Counseling / therapist at Tennessee Mental Wellness
One fun fact about the Tennessee Mental Wellness Gallatin office is that it’s located in the former "Rolling Stone" house on Nashville Pike. Emily and her husband bought it from the owner in 2021, and while she already had painted over the iconic Rolling Stone logo, she offered to put it back if we ever wanted. (Should we take a vote?)
WHAT COMMUNITY IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE?
“I started Tennessee Mental Wellness to bring truly transformative mental health healing to Gallatin. I wanted people to be able to access exceptional therapy—for themselves, their relationship, or their child—without having to drive to Nashville. My hope is that people here experience real healing: healing from trauma, and healing within their relationships.
As the need grew, I also founded Horizon Counseling to provide insurance-based therapy while still maintaining a high standard of clinical excellence. My goal across both practices is the same—to make meaningful, life-changing therapy accessible to our community.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED; HOW IT SHAPED YOU:
“It wasn’t direct advice, but the example of my grandfather shaped me deeply. My grandpa Runyan was a builder in Denver. At one point, he noticed families in his church were being overcharged by mortuaries when their loved ones passed. He saw a need and chose to meet it—buying a mortuary and becoming a mortician so he could serve people with integrity.
He ran his business with a deep commitment to honesty and fairness, and that example has stayed with me. It influences how I make decisions today. I’m inspired by his kindness and his belief in treating everyone well—even competitors. I strive to lead the same way: collaboratively, ethically, and with a genuine desire to do good in my community.”
WHO ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST, AND WHY?
“Aside from my incredible mom, the women who influence me most are the therapists and leaders within my practices. I get to work alongside smart, compassionate, and driven women every day, and they continually inspire me to grow. They model what it looks like to lead with both strength and collaboration. They are committed to learning and improving, they care deeply about the people in their lives, and they make space for meaningful lives outside of work. Being surrounded by women like that challenges me to be better, and I feel incredibly grateful for it.”
IF YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“I would tell my younger self to trust herself more. I spent a lot of time doubting my abilities and minimizing my dreams because I wasn’t sure they were realistic for me. Now, I see those desires differently—I believe they were there for a reason. I would say: trust that the dreams placed on your heart matter, and that they’re guiding you toward who you’re meant to become. Don’t hold back—lean into them sooner.”
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING/DAILY RITUAL THAT SETS YOU UP FOR SUCCESS?
“Meditation is a big part of how I create clarity and focus. Most mornings, I spend 10-15 minutes meditating, followed by a few minutes of journaling—just free-flowing thoughts about life or business. That time helps me feel grounded and intentional before the day begins.”