Back/Virginia National Bankshares Announces CFO Transition from Tara Harrison to Cathy Liles
finance·November 19, 2025·vabk

Virginia National Bankshares Announces CFO Transition from Tara Harrison to Cathy Liles

ED
Editorial
Cashu Finance·2 min read
TL;DR
  • Tara Y. Harrison retires as CFO of Virginia National Bankshares on November 21, 2025, but will remain as Senior Advisor.
  • Cathy W. Liles, the new CFO, has extensive experience and a strong relationship with Harrison to ensure a smooth transition.
  • The leadership change reflects Virginia National Bankshares' commitment to community banking and aims to enhance service offerings.

Virginia National Bankshares Announces Leadership Transition in Financial Management

Virginia National Bankshares Corporation, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is poised for a significant leadership transition as Tara Y. Harrison announces her retirement from the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective November 21, 2025. Harrison, who has been instrumental in the bank's growth from $800 million to $1.6 billion in assets, will continue to serve as a Senior Advisor until her retirement. Her tenure has been marked by strategic navigation through industry challenges, including a merger and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Glenn W. Rust, President and CEO of Virginia National Bankshares, acknowledges Harrison's extensive contributions, noting that her leadership has helped establish the bank as one of the most profitable community banks in Virginia.

Cathy W. Liles, the incoming CFO, brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership to her new role. The transition is expected to be seamless as Liles and Harrison have previously collaborated on the CFO Committee of the Virginia Bankers Association, fostering a strong professional relationship. Liles emphasizes her commitment to the bank's community banking mission and expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the financial management team. This leadership change not only signifies a new chapter for Virginia National Bankshares but also reflects the company's ongoing dedication to enhancing its service offerings and strengthening its position within the community banking sector.

With a network of seven banking offices across Fauquier and Prince William counties, as well as locations in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Winchester, and Richmond, Virginia National Bank continues to offer a comprehensive range of banking services. The leadership shift comes at an opportune moment as the bank aims to build upon its solid foundation and deliver lasting value to shareholders, clients, and the communities it serves. As the bank prepares for the future, both Harrison and Liles remain focused on ensuring a smooth transition that will uphold the institution's commitment to excellence in community banking.

In summary, the retirement of Tara Y. Harrison marks a pivotal moment for Virginia National Bankshares as it transitions to new financial leadership under Cathy W. Liles. The bank's history of resilience and growth positions it well for continued success in the evolving financial landscape. The strong collaborative history between the outgoing and incoming CFOs is likely to bolster the company’s efforts to maintain its status as a trusted community banking provider.