EVERY DAY, Coffee County Bank’s dynamic environment contributes to the revitalization of the community, making it a little better than it was the day before. Phones ring, papers rustle, and keyboards clatter as employees coordinate initiatives and build connections. At the center of the action sit many dedicated bankers, decision-makers, and leaders — including Brent Parsley.
Parsley’s career in banking was inspired in part by his employer’s strong community orientation, teaching him how to engage in different local initiatives. At just 28 years old, Parsley was elected to the Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen, serving as vice mayor for eight of his nine years on the board.
His experience in civic engagement didn’t stop there. Parsley volunteered for the chamber of commerce, participated in the Coffee County Beautification Association, and took part in creative fundraisers, including the Blues Brothers Act, to support important community causes.
Throughout his life, Parsley has led with the desire to give back to the community that has profoundly influenced him. Whether helping put up flags during the holidays as part of the Rotary Club, serving on the historical society’s board, or serving on the Manchester Recreation Commission, Parsley has always found ways to contribute.
When reflecting on his most pivotal experiences in life, Parsley cited his earlier experience in local government.
“I think one of the most valuable lessons that I got was at age 28, serving on our city council. I got to understand how the government operated and how things actually would come to fruition for our city and for our county,” he said. “I think sometimes we sit back, and we think things just happen. What we don’t realize is that there’s a whole team back behind us, making sure those things do happen.”
Parsley’s fascination with Coffee County’s history is evident in his work with the Coffee County Historical Society, where he enjoys learning and sharing the stories that make the area unique.
“I’m very interested in the history of Coffee County,” he said. “I enjoy doing anything that’s connected to the history of our county.”
On the Coffee County Industrial Board, Parsley is proud to witness Coffee County locate a Tennessee College of Applied Technology campus to the county. They believe this new facility will provide much-needed training for electricians, plumbers, industrial maintenance workers — and more — and fill a huge gap in the local workforce.
“It’s very interesting that they’re going to be locating that here. It’s going to give all people an opportunity to get some much-needed industrial training. We’re in dire need of electricians, plumbers, maintenance, industrial maintenance people, and things of that nature,” he said.
“There will be cosmetology, industrial maintenance, practical nursing, residential, commercial, industrial electricity, truck driving, and welding, and I’m sure they will add more.”
The youngest of five siblings, Parsley learned important values and traditions from a close and loving family and a community that always looked out for one another. After graduating from local schools, Parsley attended Motlow State Community College. At the age of 20, his career at First National Bank in Manchester took off, leading to a successful 40-year career in banking.
Although he didn’t complete his college education at the traditional age, Parsley was determined to cross the finish line on his own terms. His perseverance led him to return to school at 40, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. This achievement was deeply personal and a full-circle moment in his life.
Regardless of his accomplishments, Parsley remains humble and focused on the bigger picture.
He is determined to contribute to the community’s promising future, particularly when it comes to education. Having served on the county school board and with a wife who’s an educator, Parsley dreams of seeing the area’s schools updated with the latest technology and facilities and providing students with the best possible learning environment.
Parsley lives by a simple yet powerful principle: to leave things better than he found them. Whether through his volunteer work, service on various boards, or daily interactions with community members, he strives to make a difference everywhere he goes. He hopes to build on the foundations of those who came before him and ensure that the community continues to thrive long after his time.
In everything he does, Parsley carries with him the core values of service, commitment, and continuous improvement. He has dedicated much of his life to making Manchester a better place for all its residents, inspiring future generations to continue building on the strong foundation he has helped to create.
“I’ve always been able to look back in the past and see the marks of great people that I had a lot of admiration and respect for. That was always an incentive to work hard and do better,” he said.
In Parsley’s eyes, the essence of community is the willingness to step up, get involved, and work together for the greater good. He encourages others to do the same because he believes that everyone has something valuable to offer. To him, the Coffee County area is home, and he is committed to improving it for future leaders. GN
