Women’s History Month: Spotlighting Bank of Tennessee Mortgage President Tammie L. Gravlee
March is women’s history month and MBA NewsLink is hosting a series of interviews with women in the industry to learn about their experiences and challenges, and get their advice. Our fourth spotlight is on Tammie L. Gravlee, CMB, president, Mortgage Division, Bank of Tennessee.
MBA NewsLink: Tell us about yourself and your current role in the industry.
Gravlee: With more than 40 years in the mortgage industry, I’ve had the privilege of building a career that spans operations, sales and executive leadership. Those experiences–from the ground level to the C-suite–have given me a deep appreciation for every role that contributes to helping families achieve homeownership.
Service to this industry has always been important to me. Throughout my career I have been actively involved with local and state associations, serving on numerous boards and committees. Most recently, I had the honor of serving as president of the Nashville Mortgage Bankers Association. In 2019, I earned the Certified Mortgage Banker (CMB) designation, and today I serve as vice chair of the CMB Society. I am also honored to serve as a member of the Residential Board of Governors (RESBOG), working alongside other leaders to advocate for and strengthen our industry. In 2023, I was deeply grateful to be recognized as Nashville’s Mortgage Banker of the Year.
Advocacy for our industry and the people it serves is something I am truly passionate about, and I consider it a privilege to contribute wherever I can.
On the personal side, I’ve been married for 40 years to the love of my life, Don. We have three children and six wonderful grandchildren who bring tremendous joy to our lives.
Professionally, one of the most rewarding parts of my career has been building and rebuilding high-performing mortgage teams, creating efficient, responsive operations that help us better serve homebuyers in our communities.
Today, I serve as Mortgage President for Bank of Tennessee, a community bank that proudly serves customers across Tennessee and surrounding regions. It’s an honor to lead a team dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership.
MBA NewsLink: What advice would you give to young women looking to have a career in the mortgage banking industry?
Gravlee: SHOW UP, make yourself available and ask to sit at the table, even when you feel that you aren’t qualified to be there. Chances are, there are others that feel the same way.
Be passionate about what and how you believe, be clear about it and don’t be influenced to make changes where you have strong beliefs. I heard very recently: Take inventory of how you enter a room, do you bring chaos or calm. Calm always wins and helps others be their best.
Believe in yourself even in your failures. Embrace the failures, this is where you grow. Never, never think you have arrived, there is always more to learn.
MBA NewsLink: How do you build credibility and influence in traditionally male-dominated spaces?
Gravlee: Over my 40 years in the mortgage industry, I’ve learned that credibility is built through consistency, knowledge and a willingness to contribute beyond your day-to-day role.
First, become a student of the industry. Early in my career, I made it a priority to understand every aspect of the business–from operations to sales to leadership. That depth of knowledge builds confidence and allows you to contribute meaningfully at any table. Earning my Certified Mortgage Banker designation was part of that commitment to continuous learning.
Second, raise your hand to serve. Much of my influence and professional growth came through involvement with industry associations, boards and committees. Those opportunities allow you to collaborate with peers, learn from other leaders, and contribute to shaping the future of the industry.
Third, let your results speak for themselves. Credibility grows when people see your ability to solve problems and deliver outcomes.
Finally, support and lift others as you advance. Influence is not just about individual successes, it is also about creating opportunities for others and strengthening the industry as a whole.
While the mortgage industry has historically been male-dominated, I’ve found that when you bring knowledge, integrity and a genuine commitment to service, your voice earns its place at the table. And over time, you realize that what truly matters isn’t gender–it’s leadership, contribution and the impact you make.
MBA NewsLink: What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
Gravlee: Many moments that I could mention that probably only spoke to me however, earning my CMB in 2019 was one of my most proud moments. I say frequently: “I have one regret about earning the CMB designation, that I didn’t do it sooner.”
MBA NewsLink: What’s one intentional thing you do to lift up other women in the industry, especially when they’re not in the room?
Gravlee: Especially when they aren’t in the room is the key; we have so many intelligent, bright and compassionate females in our industry. Showcasing them when they can’t or will not showcase themselves is not only a reflection of them yet a reflection of who I am. Surrounding yourself as a female (or even male) with people who trust you and you can trust will make a world of difference in how we all succeed. Never, give anyone the right to speak of you in a room where you aren’t present in a negative way. I find that if I am genuine, I don’t have hesitation to bring up the accolades of others, male or female.
