In every successful company, there are leaders who build more than business strategies; they build cultures where people thrive. For Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark), that leader is Kelley Daviss, a driving force behind the company’s reputation as an ‘Employer of Choice.’ 

As Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Kelley not only guides the full spectrum of the employee lifecycle but also oversees Corporate Communications and Corporate Security. Her influence reaches across Lendmark’s 2,350 employees in 23 states, shaping policies, programs, and practices that place people at the center of the business. Her work focuses on balancing compliance with compassion, strategy with service, and vision with values. She works closely with leadership teams to ensure the company culture remains strong while navigating the challenges of growth and change.  

Under the guidance of Kelley and her team, Lendmark has turned compassion into action with its signature cause, Climb to Cure. Since 2015, employees, customers, and partners have rallied together to raise more than $10.93 million in support of CURE Childhood Cancer, an Atlanta-based nonprofit with a nationwide reach. This effort funds targeted pediatric cancer research and provides support to families during their most difficult times.   

From career development to safety and security, from engagement to effective communications, her work ensures that every initiative aligns with the company’s long-term enterprise strategy. She describes her leadership style as collaborative yet decisive, always keeping in mind that every decision has a direct impact on people’s lives.  

A Career Defined by People-First Leadership 

Kelley’s career path was not a straight line, but it was always driven by her innate desire to help people. Regardless of her rank early on, Kelley strived to lead and learn with a collaborative approach, always quick to recognize the best qualities in others and rally their strengths to support the growth and development of both the company and her team. This passion translated into the HR field, where she discovered she could make a lasting impact on individuals and organizations alike. 

With more than 30 years of global HR leadership spanning 39 countries and industries as diverse as consumer goods, utilities, financial services, retail, and hospitality, Kelley brings a rare blend of breadth and depth to her role. Before joining Lendmark in 2014, she held senior leadership positions with AGL Resources (now Southern Company), SunTrust (now Truist), The Coca-Cola Company, and Kodak – comprising a career journey that has consistently centered on unlocking human potential in organizations of every scale. 

Her leadership at Lendmark has been recognized repeatedly, including multiple Choice Award honors (2015, 2016, 2017) for high performers and the prestigious President’s Award in 2018. A certified HR professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Behavioral Science from Tift College of Mercer University, Kelley has also advanced her expertise through executive education at both Cornell University and Columbia University, and holds certifications in Lominger, Targeted Selection, 360 Degree Feedback, Civil Treatment, and Rater Accuracy. 

A proud Atlanta native, Kelley continues to make her mark as a leader who elevates not only her company but also the people and communities connected to it. For her, leadership is not about titles; it’s about building a culture where employees feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. 

Throughout her career, Kelley has remained dedicated to fostering growth, whether that means mentoring emerging leaders, shaping organizational culture, or guiding teams through change. For her, HR is more than a profession; it’s a calling rooted in empathy, vision, and responsibility. 

Living by a Simple Motto 

“Do What You Love, Love What You Do,” proudly affirms Kelley as she gestures to the engraved inscription on a vase in her office, words she firmly believes and enjoys sharing with her colleagues. 

As EVP of Human Resources at Lendmark, Kelley has learned to navigate the ever-changing HR landscape while embracing the unique pressures and opportunities that face senior HR professionals today. 

When asked about her definition of success, Kelley highlights the importance of helping others thrive in their respective roles. She explains, “Success isn’t measured by my personal growth alone. It’s about the difference I can make in the lives of those I support.” 

For Kelley, the greatest satisfaction lies in making a difference in the lives of others. Helping others achieve success, supporting them as they face challenges, and watching them flourish both professionally and personally are the aspects of her career that give her true fulfillment. 

Building on Relationships Since 1996 

Founded in 1996, Lendmark was built on a simple but powerful principle: Personal relationships are the foundation of trust. With more than 535 branches across 23 states and three corporate offices, the company has grown steadily while never losing sight of its mission, ensuring that lending solutions serve both customers and the business. At Lendmark, success is mutual: Nobody wins unless both sides win. 

Culture is at the core of Lendmark’s success. Through its proprietary leadership model, LEND, the company nurtures a workplace that inspires employees and strengthens customer connections. This model is more than an acronym; it’s a way of life: 

• Loyal – Serving the best interests of others 

• Engaging – Actively connecting with coworkers and communities 

• Nurturing – Investing in the growth of both customers and colleagues 

• Decisive – Acting with initiative, vigilance, and wisdom 

This approach creates a ripple effect, building loyalty, trust, and impact from the inside out. 

Helping When It Matters Most 

Life doesn’t always follow a plan, and that’s where Lendmark steps in. Whether it’s an unexpected emergency or a planned expense, customers rely on the company’s personalized approach to find solutions that fit their circumstances. Unlike traditional lenders, Lendmark prides itself on knowing its customers by name. Relationships come first, and customers often describe the experience in simple but powerful terms: friendly, helpful, awesome, great, and professional. 

• 460,000+ customers served annually 

• Average age: 50 

• Average annual income: $61,000 

• Average loan size: $6,500 

• Average term: 44 months 

• Average payment: $260 

Beyond personal loans, Lendmark also partners with more than 20,200 direct automobile dealer merchants and nearly 4,500 retail sales finance dealers, extending financial solutions to small businesses across the country. 

Lending Solutions That Empower 

Lendmark’s lending model is rooted in accessibility and fairness. By offering small, affordable, individualized loan solutions with fixed rates, terms, and payments, the company ensures customers are set up for success, not stress. 

In addition, through its retail and auto dealer partnerships, Lendmark extends opportunities for customers nationwide, making financial independence possible for thousands of families and businesses. 

As one customer, Ranette C., shared, “The customer service team looks at the big picture and takes into account everything – cost, payment, life situation – and found ways to assist.” These stories reflect what Kelley and the Lendmark team work toward every day: giving people peace of mind when they need it most. 

Locally Rooted, Nationally Recognized 

While headquartered in Georgia, Lendmark’s impact resonates across the nation. The company’s commitment to people, purpose, and performance has earned national recognition. Among the honors: 

• 2025 Patriots in Business Award – Honorable Mention from Chief Executive magazine and Thayer Leadership 

• 2023 Silver Anthem Award for Health – Partnership or Collaboration 

• 2023 Bronze Stevie® Award: Company of the Year in Financial Services – Large 

• 2022 Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Awards – recognizing Founder & CEO Bobby Aiken 

• 2022 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Citizens Award: Best Corporate Steward – Small and Middle Market Business 

• 2022 Human Outsourcing Leaders of DIS Award to the Talent Acquisition Team 

• 2021 Silver Stevie® Award: Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year 

• 2021 CFO of the Year Award Finalist – David Neaves 

These accolades are not just milestones; they are testaments to Lendmark’s belief that doing well in business and doing good in communities go hand in hand. 

HR Philosophy and Approach 

Kelley’s HR philosophy is deeply centered on people. She believes HR is not just about enforcing policies or processes, but about creating an environment where employees can thrive. She emphasizes transparency, trust, and empathy in all interactions. 

She has built a reputation as a leader who listens first and acts thoughtfully. Kelley advocates for aligning business strategy with employee well-being, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of culture. To her, HR must evolve with the times, leveraging technology while never losing sight of the human element. 

Overcoming Her Fears 

As a young professional, Kelley once struggled with a fear of public speaking. It wasn’t until a high school English teacher challenged her to present her work orally that she began to overcome her anxiety. That pivotal moment ignited a new sense of confidence. 

Though she still admits to feeling butterflies before addressing large groups, Kelley has transformed what was once a fear into a source of energy and strength. Today, public speaking is one of the ways she inspires, leads, and motivates others. 

Life Outside of Work 

Beyond her professional commitments, Kelley values spending time with her family and making meaningful contributions to her community. She also continues to improve her golf game and is a big baseball fan, supporting the Atlanta Braves. Travel – even short road trips – is always on her agenda when time allows. 

Overall, Kelley believes that a strong personal foundation composed of many perspectives makes her a better leader. Whether volunteering, mentoring, or exploring new cultures and destinations, she finds balance and perspective that enrich her leadership style. 

Advice to Future HR Leaders 

Kelley stands as a shining example of what modern HR leadership looks like: strategic, compassionate, and deeply people-focused. Her journey reflects a blend of purpose and professionalism, with a steadfast commitment to helping others succeed. Through her leadership at Lendmark, she continues to help shape not only an organization but the lives of the people who make it thrive. 

For those aspiring to a career in HR leadership, Kelley’s advice is simple yet powerful: Stay authentic, remain curious, and never stop focusing on people. She encourages emerging leaders to embrace continuous learning, to be resilient in the face of challenges, and to remember that HR is ultimately about impact on individuals, on organizations, and on communities. She also stresses the importance of balance and self-care: “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” she reminds, underscoring the need for HR leaders to take care of themselves as they dedicate their careers to caring for others.