Tiko Russell: ‘Leading with Love’

For Tiko Russell, service isn’t something to check off a to‑do list, or a way to seek recognition or approval. It’s a foundational part of who she is, rooted in her values and her sense of purpose.

Whether she’s teaching financial literacy, volunteering at a women’s shelter or helping elementary school students improve their reading skills, Russell leads with intention, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference. She leads with love, a personal mantra that guides how she shows up for others every day.

“Leading with love is about meeting people where they are and showing kindness, respect and compassion to others,” Russell said.

It’s that commitment to living out her values in meaningful, consistent ways that recently earned Russell, a Business Systems Analyst in Regions’ Legal division, the 2026 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, the highest honor Regions bestows on an associate for extraordinary community involvement.

Tiko, I appreciate all you do to make a positive difference in our community. You exemplify the best of Regions Bank to our community. And your story is an example for all of us.
John Turner, Regions Chairman, President and CEO

Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner presented the award to Russell during the bank’s annual Chairman’s Club celebration.

“Teams from across the bank are committed to hands-on volunteerism year-round, and this award gives us an opportunity to offer special recognition to an associate who truly goes above and beyond,” Turner said.

“Tiko, I appreciate all you do to make a positive difference in our community. You exemplify the best of Regions Bank to our community. And your story is an example for all of us.”

Longtime Regions associate Lee Ann Petty served as volunteer services coordinator in Regions’ Community Engagement division until her passing in 2020. Her deep commitment to serving others continues to inspire associates.

Inspired by a mentor and a legacy

Russell’s passion for service began when she was just a child, shaped by the influence of her grandmother.

“She always reminded me, ‘You don’t have to have a lot to give a lot,’” Russell said.

That lesson stayed with her, guiding how she approached service long before it became such a central part of her life at Regions. Later, when Russell began working in the bank’s Legal department, longtime associate Lee Ann Petty became a close friend and mentor whose influence left a lasting mark.

“Lee Ann had a way of making service feel personal and achievable,” Russell said. “She inspired me to not just care, but to act. Her example still guides how I show up for others.”

That connection makes the Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award especially meaningful for Russell – both as an honor and a responsibility to carry forward a legacy rooted in compassion and action.

Service rooted in community

A Birmingham native, Russell’s commitment to service spans education, workforce readiness, financial empowerment and support for vulnerable populations across Central Alabama. At the heart of it all is her belief that when people are equipped with knowledge and encouragement, they’re better positioned to shape their own futures.

That belief comes to life through her work as a Regions Next Step Ambassador, where she delivers the company’s tailored financial education content to students, families and adults in person and virtually across the bank’s footprint through community partners such as Aid to Inmate Mothers, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama and local school systems.

Whether she’s teaching budgeting basics or walking students through career planning scenarios, Russell sees financial wellness as a powerful catalyst for confidence and opportunity.

“Financial literacy helps people see what’s possible,” Russell said. “When people understand how money works – how to budget, save and plan – it gives them options. It builds confidence, independence and hope.”

Showing up where it matters most

While Russell supports a wide range of community organizations, her signature volunteer commitment is with Junior Achievement of Alabama, particularly the JA in a Day program. There, she works directly with students to explore career possibilities, practice interview skills and understand the connection between education and long‑term success.

As Junior Achievement prepares to open a new experiential learning center in downtown Birmingham – including JA Finance Park Presented by Regions – Russell’s role as both a volunteer and advocate becomes even more vital. The immersive learning environment will give older middle‑school students hands‑on experience with real‑world financial planning and career decision‑making.

“Tiko represents exactly what we hope for in a volunteer,” said Chip Reed, president of Junior Achievement of Alabama. “She has a heart for young people and a genuine commitment to making classroom experiences meaningful.”

Leading by example, inside and outside Regions

Within Regions, Russell is equally known for the way she supports colleagues. She helps lead the Legal department’s Culture & Impact team, supporting initiatives such as health awareness programming, mental health initiatives and year-round community-building efforts. Through her involvement with the Birmingham Impact Network, she supports workforce and workplace committees and volunteers at multiple bank-sponsored community initiatives.

“Tiko is truly selfless – she’s not in this for recognition,” said Chief Governance Officer Andrew Nix, who leads the Culture & Impact team within Legal. “Her sincere commitment to others inspires those around her to give, engage and participate. Lee Ann Petty had a heart of service, and Tiko has carried that legacy forward.”

Volunteering has given me so much more than I could ever give in return, and I’m thankful to be part of a culture at Regions that values community engagement so deeply.
Tiko Russell

For Russell, that ripple effect – seeing others step into service – is one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

“I’m incredibly honored and grateful to accept the 2026 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award,” Russell said. “Volunteering has given me so much more than I could ever give in return, and I’m thankful to be part of a culture at Regions that values community engagement so deeply. Just as Lee Ann inspired me, it is truly humbling to know that my own passion for service may inspire others.”

Watch this video to hear Russell’s inspiring story in her own words.

Tiko Russell’s impact stood out among an exceptional group of nominees. Two outstanding finalists were also recognized for their remarkable commitment to serving others.