BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Chris Parrott rocks. She has attended hundreds of rock concerts. And occasionally, rock stars return the favor. The band Aerosmith was at Parrott’s wedding and played at her reception, thanks to friends who secretly entered her in a radio contest.
But the biggest rock star of Parrott’s life did not sell out arenas with guitar solos or vocal riffs. Instead, she packed gyms for shows on the hardwood.
The late Pat Summitt led the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to more wins than any other basketball coach in NCAA history, while each student-athlete who played for Summitt received a college degree.
Parrott, a Tennessee alum, met Summitt while still in middle school and has admired the coach’s commitment to excellence ever since. Although she didn’t play for Summitt, Parrott calls Summitt her hero.
“Pat was actually a life coach because of the values she emphasized outside of athletics,” Parrott said. “Education and civic participation were just as important to her.”
As an Onsite Banking Coordinator for Regions Bank in Knoxville, Parrott reflects Summitt’s teachings while walking students through financial fundamentals.
“Many of the students I meet are getting ready to make big money decisions — whether to go to college, the military or work,” Parrott said. “I give them guidance to build a firm foundation in life.”
Parrott also honors Summitt through community service. For the past nine years, Parrott has volunteered as a basketball coach for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, a nonprofit organization that promotes academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship for underserved youths. She also serves on the organization’s board of directors.
“As a coach, I teach them skills like how to dribble and shoot correctly,” Parrott said. “But what they are really learning is how to be a part of a team, work together to reach a common goal and be successful in life.”
Given Parrott’s own commitment to excellence, Regions Bank today announced she is the July 2017 recipient of the Regions Bank Better Life Award. The Better Life Award is the top honor given to any Regions associate for outstanding dedication and job performance, as well as exemplary involvement and commitment to the community.
In addition to the recognition, Regions donates $1,000 in the name of the recipient to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice. Parrott chose the Boys and Girls Clubs because of her work with them.
Parrott also volunteers for United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Tennessee Achieves and the American Cancer Society.
When she’s not busy with work or community commitments, Parrott hits the road with her husband to grow their concert ticket collection. From now into next year, they’re set to take in several concerts across the South and Midwest.
A video about Parrott’s volunteer life and work to help customers is available on the Regions Financial YouTube channel.
About The Better Life Award
The Better Life Award is presented monthly to a Regions associate who lives the company’s mission to make life better for customers, associates and the communities Regions serves, and who is an example of the company’s values:
- Put People First
- Do What Is Right
- Focus On Your Customer
- Reach Higher
- Enjoy Life
Regions associates are nominated for the award by their managers and peers. Regions Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Grayson Hall honors recipients at the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, at a meeting broadcast to offices throughout the communities Regions serves. In addition to the recognition, associates who earn the Better Life Award receive an additional week of vacation, a crystal award, and a $1,000 donation is made in their name to the nonprofit organization of their choice.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $125 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage and insurance products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,500 banking offices and 1,900 ATMs. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.