Kelly Abernathy

Kelly Abernathy has extensive experience in compliance and risk management within the financial services industry. Currently serving as EVP and Chief Compliance Officer at 1st Franklin Financial Corporation since March 2023, Kelly previously held the position of Chief Compliance Officer at Heights Finance Corporation from August 2021 to February 2023. Prior roles include Senior Director of Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at Regional Finance from August 2015 to August 2021, Director of Compliance at CertusBank from September 2013 to August 2015, and Vice President and Bank Secrecy Act Officer at Bank of Travelers Rest from June 2011 to September 2013. Kelly holds a B.A. degree from the University of South Carolina, earned between January 1998 and January 2002, and completed secondary education at Ramstein American High School.