GROWING UP on a farm teaches you a lot about life — hard work, commitment, respect, and the resilience to get back up when you fall. For Leslie Copeland, these lessons have profoundly shaped her life and career. Copeland’s childhood on her family’s Lincoln County farm instilled the values that would later become the cornerstone of her success.
“I am the oldest of four children, which meant I was the leader in my mind, and my siblings simply thought I was bossy,” she recalled.
She refined her leadership skills early on, managing sibling disputes and ensuring they completed their chores efficiently.
Little did Copeland know that joining 4-H in the fourth grade would be a turning point. Through these organizations, she developed responsibility, accountability, and leadership skills that would prove valuable in supporting her family, community, and the environment. From public speaking and demonstration contests to parliamentary procedure and 4-H Congress, Copeland absorbed abundant knowledge that she continues to use daily.
One significant challenge Copeland faced was halter-breaking her first market lamb. While tied to the fence, he got twisted in the lead and didn’t survive the incident. This painful experience taught her about the inevitability of risk and failure.
“There were other accidents and challenges throughout the years. Eventually, I recognized things out of your control will happen. For farmers and business owners, navigating risk is a daily task, whether it’s the weather, sickness or disease, market fluctuations, competition, or equipment breaking.”
With enough time passing by and plenty of reassurance from her parents, eventually, she realized that it wasn’t her fault but rather an unforeseen accident and risk. This level of understanding has been crucial in her business endeavors, helping her anticipate risks and develop contingency plans.
Copeland’s triumphs are as vivid as her challenges. Winning showmanship classes with her cattle and sheep stands out. In livestock shows, the judge selects the winner based on the animal’s structure for breeding stock and composition and structure for market stock. However, showmanship is different. It’s about the showman’s skills — how well they trained and presented the stock. These victories validated her years of hard work, focus, and dedication and showed her the importance of focus and perseverance in achieving desired outcomes.
Today, Copeland balances her professional life with her love for the farm.
“My dad, at age 76, is in better shape than most of us — we can thank his farming lifestyle for this,” she said proudly.
Copeland, her husband, and their son live on the nearly 500-acre farm. They tend to their five acres and help with various farm tasks. What she looks forward to most is getting outside and embracing the earth with their hands.
Farm life isn’t always easy. It comes with moments of physical and mental difficulty. But, despite the challenges, the farm remains a source of therapy and fulfillment for Copeland. The Ashby family, from whom Copeland hails, has deep roots in their land, with a legacy that stretches back to the early 1800s. Her third great-grandfather landed in Mimosa in the early 1800s, and her great-grandfather built the house at 165 Mimosa in 1912. This rich history fuels her commitment to continuing the farming tradition for future generations.
“Our family roots are deep in this land. My sisters, brother, and I — in some form or fashion — plan to carry on the farming tradition for our children and grandchildren.”
Copeland’s professional journey has been equally impressive. She has participated in the Leadership Lincoln program, served on the library board, and currently serves on the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee board. In addition to Ascend’s strategic marketing and business development, she also leads philanthropic and community efforts, working with partners like Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee.
“At Ascend, we have a strong belief that our success as a credit union is tied to the success of our members and our community,” she emphasized.
Copeland sees exciting changes in Tennessee’s agriculture. She predicts farmers will use new technologies to grow crops more efficiently and protect the environment. She believes in the importance of farmers adapting to changes and being open to agritourism opportunities while relishing the wonderful produce they provide to the community.
Copeland has worked with many excellent leaders throughout her career and learned valuable lessons from them. Through their example, Copeland understands the impact of assembling solid teams and creating a culture of integrity, trust, respect, and teamwork. Copeland’s professional dream is to continue making a positive impact at Ascend while advancing community efforts that improve the lives of Middle Tennesseans.
“It’s about finding fulfillment in family and farm life, nurturing those connections, and passing down the legacy of stewardship to future generations,” she said.
Copeland epitomizes dedication, hard work, and community. Her inspiring journey from the farm to leadership positions in business and philanthropy showcases the values she holds dear. She is committed to making a positive impact in all areas of her life. GN
