Management Team
Nathaniel F. Hughes President and CEO, was employed at Pioneer Bancshares as the chief investment officer from 1994 to 1998. His duties were primarily administrative and concentrated in asset liability management, portfolio management, and budgeting and cash management. From 1983 to 1991, Mr. Hughes worked at SunTrust Bank as an investment officer. From 1980 to 1983, he served as a platoon commander in the United States Marine Corps. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. He holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Mr. Hughes retired from the USMC Reserve after 24 years of service that included tours as a battalion and battery commander.
Barry Watson, Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Administrator, Mr. Watson joined Cornerstone in 2002 and brings 30 years banking experience to his new position.
His responsibilities include managing all new business development and supervising loan operations within the bank. A native of Chattanooga, he holds a B.S. degree in Accounting and Finance from UTC, and is a graduate of the LSU School of Banking. Mr. Watson’s extensive civic involvement includes current Board positions with Chattanooga Christian School, Shepherds Arms Rescue Mission and the UTC Finance Advisory Board.
Carolyn Smith, Chief Deposit Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations and Security, A 31-year banking veteran, Ms. Smith has been with Cornerstone for nearly 11 years. Her responsibilities include managing all deposit operations, electronic banking (ACH, wires, online banking, etc.), imaging center, loan servicing operations, branch administration, customer service and physical security. She holds an Accounting degree and is an Accredited ACH Professional. Ms. Smith’s involvement in the community includes a former board position with First Things First.
Anthony Ray, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Mr Ray’s responsibilities in this capacity include identifying, evaluating and mitigating any risk to the bank; ensuring that the bank is in full compliance with all applicable regulations; assisting management in developing mitigation strategies for any identified risk; and reinforcing the internal control structure of bank operations. A certified public accountant, Mr. Ray has worked in accounting for eight years and bank auditing for six years, the past three of which with Cornerstone Community Bank. He is a member of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Mr. Ray is a cum laude graduate of the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Accounting.