Jerry Baker

Throughout his career, Jerry has been involved in developing strategies and people.

Jerry has a passion for leading organizations to be more open and transparent, coaching teams and individuals to set higher goals, and clearly communicating strategies and expectations.  By asking more from the team and individuals, they achieve greater results and realize more of their potential.

Jerry Baker joined Building Champions as a CEO Mentor in 2009. He has experienced the impact of coaching firsthand as a client and corporate partner of Building Champions. He most recently served as CEO, President and member of the Board of Directors of First Horizon National Corporation and First Tennessee Bank.

Jerry joined First Horizon in 1998, holding several senior executive positions before becoming President and CEO of First Horizon National Corporation and First Tennessee Bank. As a member of the Board of Directors, he helped to refocus, develop, recruit and lead the company through a tumultuous period. Under his leadership, the company had nearly 10 years of double digit growth in returns.

Jerry also served as Deputy Director for the California Department of Commerce when Ronald Reagan was Governor. He began his career in the management development program at Ford Motor Company before becoming a manager of budgets and analysis for Northrop Corporation. He also advanced through the senior management ranks at Countrywide Financial, eventually becoming Managing Director before serving as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fleet Mortgage Group, a public company.

Jerry is a graduate of the University of Southern California where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in marketing and received an MBA from California State University at Long Beach.

“Building Champions has positively impacted my life on many levels.  Starting with a life plan, I was able to align my business goals with my life goals. When this alignment of life and work goals happens, it can be exhilarating.  I also credit coaching with a lot of the growth I’ve experienced as a leader.”
CEO Client