First Metro promotes Cummings, Parker

RUSSELLVILLE — First Metro Bank has promoted two longtime employees to leadership roles at its Russellville branch following the retirement of branch manager Mike Vaughn.

Michael Cummings has been named branch manager and lending officer. LaDonna Parker has been promoted to assistant branch manager and lending officer.

Cummings began working at First Metro Bank while attending the University of North Alabama. He held several positions of increasing responsibility before returning to Russellville to lead the branch.

“As a sophomore in college at UNA, I started here as a part-time teller,” Cummings said. “Over the course of several years, I ended up in Muscle Shoals in various roles there, and ultimately back down here as the branch manager in Russellville.”

A graduate of Russellville High School, Cummings said serving in his hometown adds meaning to the position.

“When this opportunity came up, I was really excited to come back to the community that I live in and get ingrained and help with that,” he said.

Cummings said community banking is about more than transactions.

“A good ear to listen, a level head and a caring perspective,” he said, describing what customers need from their bank.

Parker has worked at the Russellville branch since 2002. She began as a customer service representative and later served as a lending assistant, gradually taking on additional responsibilities.

She stepped away from the bank for a few years before returning in 2023.

“I left for four years to pursue a farm, play with cows and horses, and be home more for my grandbabies,” she said.

Parker, a Belgreen graduate, said Vaughn played a significant role in preparing her for the new position.

“Without his support and knowledge and training, I would not be here. He’s been a big mentor of mine and great friend through the years.”

In her new role, Parker said she looks forward to focusing more on lending and helping customers navigate major financial decisions.

“Everybody’s local, and we know a lot of the customers. We know a lot of the people from the community,” she said.