Knoxville – November 03, 2026 -- Bank of America has named Josh Barnes president of its Knoxville market, a franchise with $793 million in FDIC-insured deposits and about $3.9 billion in Merrill client balances. The appointment took effect October 28, 2026.
Barnes succeeds Terry L. Cline, who retired earlier this year
Barnes will lead the bank's local market strategy and coordinate Knoxville activity across its eight lines of business. His mandate is to grow market share by building local connections and deepening and expanding client relationships.
CEO Brian Moynihan tied the appointment to the bank's "responsible growth strategy" and said Barnes will continue to grow Knoxville market share.
Barnes keeps his Consumer Investment Market Leader role across three Tennessee cities
Barnes will remain Consumer Investment Market Leader for Bank of America and Merrill, covering Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville. In that role he drives market growth, advances strategic priorities and builds teams.
He joined the bank in Knoxville in 2012 and has worked in consumer banking, small business, merchant services and wealth management. He moved into market leadership in 2024. A University of Tennessee, Knoxville alumnus, Barnes holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA) designation and the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) certification.
Knoxville operation runs four financial centers and $366 million in commercial loans
The bank operates financial centers in Cedar Bluff, Oak Ridge, Turkey Creek and Downtown Knoxville, plus one Merrill office. Business Banking and Middle Market Banking also serve the market.
As of Q2 2026, Bank of America managed $793 million in FDIC-insured deposits across eight counties. Lending to Knoxville-area homebuyers reached $27 million in 2026. The bank also extended about $366 million in commercial business loans and $26 million in small-business loans in the market.
Since 2020, the bank has invested more than $2.1 million in grants and matching gifts to Knoxville-area nonprofits. Local employees have volunteered about 12,000 hours over the same period.