MBJ Leaders-in-Finance 2013

Recognizing Mississippi’s innovators and pioneers

CONTENTS 2013 CLASS Dennis Ammann People’s Bank.....................................................3

Robbie Barnes PriorityOne Bank................................................3

J. Frank Betts Eubank & Betts..................................................4

Jimmy Brown Regions Financial Corp. ......................................5

Thomas Brown Magnolia State Bank ..........................................5

Paul Calhoun Haddox Reid Burkes & Calhoun ..........................6

Laura Brame Cerra Laura Brame Cerra CPA ......................................7

Carl Chaney Hancock Holding Co. ..........................................7

Banquet photos online

John Paris

Leaders in Finance honorees were recognized Oct. 10 during a banquet at the Hilton Jackson on County Line Road. Photographer Christopher Todd Sherman captured the event (including the cover photo). See more of his photos at http://msbusiness.com/blog /2013/11/07/lif-2013-eventslideshow/

Joe Rice

May & Company ...............................................17

Charles Rea Rea, Shaw, Giffin & Stuart ................................18 Raymond James & Associates ...........................19

Dan Rollins BancorpSouth...................................................19

Ralph Ross BKD ................................................................20

Richard Russ Tann, Brown & Russ .........................................21

James L. Stafford Watkins, Ward & Stafford .................................21

Stacey Wall Pinnacle Trust ..................................................22

Thomas Colbert

Ashley Willson

Community Bancshares......................................8

KPMG ..............................................................22

Arty Finkelberg Raymond James & Associates ............................9

Curt Gabardi

Jerry Host

Archie McDonnell

Other honorees:  Michael Dowell, Morgan Stanley Scott Hudson Robin McGraw  David Lott, Taylor, Powell, Wilson & Hartford Grantham/Poole CPAs......................................10 Wells Fargo.......................................................13 Renasant Corp. and Renasant Bank ...................15  George Marx, Copiah Bank Charles Hawkins Benny Jeansonne Gerry Mitchell T.E. Lott and Company ......................................11 Silas Simmons..................................................13 Community Bank and Community Investment ...16  Jarome Milner, Edward Jones  John Williams, Williams, Weiss, Hester & Dan Holliday Charles Lindsay Carl Nicholson Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors .............11 Matthews Cutrer and Lindsay............................14 Nicholson & Company.......................................17 Company Metropolitan BancGroup ....................................9 Trustmark Corp. and Trustmark National Bank ...12 Citizen’s National Bank .....................................15

Dorothy Gray

Congratulations!

Stacey Wall Selected by Mississippi Business Journal as a Leader in Finance.

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2013 Leaders in Finance

DENNIS AMMANN People’s Bank

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Dennis Ammann, the chief executive officer for Simpson County-based People’s Bank, began his banking career as a part-time teller. In 2006, Ammann became senior vice president and chief financial officer. Two years later, he was named executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Before joining the bank in 1999, the Mendenhall native was a senior compliance examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Memphis.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Ammann completed the Graduate School of Banking at LSU and earned a Professional Master of Banking degree from the Academy of Professional Banking.

Active in a host of civic affairs, Ammann is a board member of the Simpson County Development Foundation and Simpson County Community Foundation. A baseball coach in the city recreational league, Ammann is an active member of First Baptist Church, Mendenhall.

ROBBIE BARNES PriorityOne Bank

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Robert J. “Robbie” Barnes is president and CEO of PriorityOne Bank in Magee. He joined the bank in 1983 while still attending the University of Southern Mississippi. After graduating, Barnes continued with PriorityOne as a loan officer. Since then, he has served as branch manager, division president and chief credit officer for the bank.

Barnes also serves on the board of directors of PriorityOne, Priority One Capital Corporation and the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation.

Active in the community, Barnes is past president of the Simpson County Development Foundation, the Magee Chamber of Commerce and the Magee Lions Club. He’s also the founder of the Youth Leadership program for Simpson County.

The father of two daughters and three grandchildren, Barnes and his wife Melissa are both active members of First Baptist Church of Magee.

2013 Leaders in Finance

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J. FRANK BETTS Eubank & Betts

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As managing member of Eubank & Betts, Frank Betts provides services to clients for accounting, auditing, business, individual tax planning and tax services. He also has auditing and accounting experience in many areas such as government entities, charitable organizations, skilled nursing facilities, real estate and several others.

Betts also serves the firm as director-in-charge of PEER reviews and assists many CPA firms across the nation in complying with the standards of the accounting industry.

A member of the American Institute of CPAs, Betts serves as International Chairman of CPA Associates International, Inc. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, he is in demand as a guest lecturer at Schools of Accountancy at the University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama.

A Life Deacon, Betts is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Jackson.

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2013 Leaders in Finance

JIMMY BROWN Regions Financial Corp.

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Jimmy Brown oversees banking operations in north Mississippi for Regions Financial Corp., where he has worked for more than 35 years. Before assuming his current duties in 1995, Brown was regional executive for Regions’ north Mississippi operations.

After joining Regions in 1975, the University of Mississippi graduate served as community bank president and commercial lender.

Active in the Grenada community, Brown also serves on the Rust College Board of Trustees, the Boy Scouts of America Chickasaw Council Executive Committee, and has previously served on the Mississippi Bankers Association Executive Committee.

Brown and wife Susan, also an Ole Miss graduate, reside in Grenada and are the parents of two children and four grandchildren.

THOMAS E. BROWN Magnolia State Bank

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Banking is a family affair for Thomas Brown.

Currently the chairman of the board for Magnolia State Bank, Brown has served the bank for the past 36 years as chairman, president or CEO, and his three children are all Magnolia State Bank employees.

Under his leadership, Magnolia State Bank has seen tremendous growth and operates mortgage offices in Lucedale, Greenwood and Greenville. Two years ago, the bank purchased a Flowood mortgage company.

In 2005, former Gov. Haley Barbour appointed him to the State Board of Banking Review. He was appointed for a second five-year term in 2010.

A past president of Abney Insurance Agency and Jones County Finance Company, Brown is an active member and past president of the Jasper County Economic Development District.

He also serves on the finance committee and board of directors of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel.

2013 Leaders in Finance

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PAUL CALHOUN Haddox Reid Burkes & Calhoun

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As a managing member, Paul Calhoun oversees operations in the auditing and assurance service group for Jackson accounting firm Haddox Reid Burkes & Calhoun. With more than 30 years of public accounting experience, Calhoun has managed audit and related serves for clients in numerous industries, including wholesale distribution, real estate, manufacturing, services and non-profit entities.

A University of Alabama graduate, Calhoun is a past president and board member of the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Mississippi Society of CPAs, and a member on the Advisory Board of the University of Alabama School of Accountancy.

A former chairman of deacons at First Baptist Church of Jackson, Calhoun currently serves on the church’s finance and audit committee and is a former Scoutmaster with its Boy Scouts troop.

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2013 Leaders in Finance

LAURA BRAME CERRA Laura Brame Cerra CPA

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Named the 2012 “Best CPA in Jones County” by local publication The Chronicle, Laura Brame Cerra opened her accounting firm in October 2012 with the motto, “My Strength, Your Numbers.” Her experience includes tax and assurance services to clients in various industries, including governmental, colleges and universities, healthcare and manufacturing.

Cerra graduated from the University of Mississippi and is registered as a CPA in Mississippi. A Quickbooks Pro Adviser, she is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Jones County and president of the Jones County Young Professionals organization.

Cerra stays involved in the Laurel community, serving on the advisory boards of the Salvation Army and Leadership Jones County. She also serves as secretary for the Mississippi Society of CPAs. A Life Member of the Ole Miss Alumni Association, Cerra also serves as treasurer of the Jones County Relay for Life.

CARL CHANEY Hancock Holding Co.

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Carl Chaney is president and chief executive officer of Hancock Holding Company. Before becoming CEO in 2006, he served as chief financial officer and executive vice president of Hancock Bank in Gulfport and Hancock Bank of Louisiana.

Before joining the company, Chaney was a bank merger and acquisition and regulatory attorney representing banks throughout 13 states in the Southeast.

A past chairman of the Mississippi Banker’s Association, he serves on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta.

Chaney is a frequent speaker at national conferences and conventions regarding the banking industry, and serves as course coordinator and instructor at the LSU Graduate School of Banking.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Chaney also serves on the board of directors of the Ole Miss Alumni Association and is a former chairman of the University of Mississippi Banking and Finance Advisory Council.

2013 Leaders in Finance

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THOMAS COLBERT Community Bancshares

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Ask Thomas W. Colbert, Community Bancshares Chairman Emeritus and author of its growth model, what is the secret of the bank’s success and the answer will be quick and simple: “people.”

Formerly a one-office bank located in Forest, Community Bancshares has become one Mississippi’s most successful financial institutions under Colbert’s leadership. The University of Mississippi graduate has helped grow the bank to 41 offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida.

Colbert began his banking career with the Newton County Bank in 1962 before joining Community Bank six years later.

Active in the community, Colbert is a member of the Class of 2005 Mississippi Business Hall of Fame and past chairman of the Mississippi School of Banking.

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2013 Leaders in Finance

ARTY FINKELBERG Raymond James & Associates

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Arthur “Arty “ Finkelberg is managing director of investments at the Ridgeland office of Raymond James & Associates. He began his career as an investment broker at A.G. Edwards and its successor firms before joining Raymond James in 2011.

Finkelberg works with individual and corporate clients in more than 25 states, helping them to design and implement personalized investment strategies. In 1996, he earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Finkelberg earned a Master’s and certificate in Professional Accounting from Mississippi College.

Additionally, he has been recognized by Financial Planning On Wall Street as one of the nation’s top 100 investment advisers.

A past president and member of the CPA Society of Mississippi, Finkelberg also serves on the Investment Policy Board of the General Louis Wilson Fund at Millsaps College.

CURT GABARDI Metropolitan BancGroup

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Curt Gabardi is founder, president and CEO of Metropolitan BancGroup. Created in 2007, Metropolitan Bank is focused on providing hightouch service to commercial and private banking clients in Mississippi and Tennessee.

Prior to forming Metropolitan Bank, Gabardi served as Area Executive of Regions Banks’ West Tennessee Region, which included the Greater Memphis market.

Gabardi graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he was first in class in the banking and finance program.

He was the 1986 Taylor medalist in Economics and Finance and that year’s Orin Swayze scholar. In 1999, the Mississippi Business Journal named Gabardi one of the newspaper’s Top 40 Under 40 business professionals.

Involved in the community, Gabardi is a member of the Jackson Rotary Club, a Leadership Jackson board trustee and past president of New Stage Theatre.

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DOROTHY GRAY Grantham/Poole CPAs

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A native of Columbus, Dorothy Gray is a managing partner with Grantham/Poole CPAs. She worked 15 years in the banking industry in Jackson before launching her career in public accounting.

In 1994, the Mississippi University for Women graduate brought her talents to GranthamPoole as business manager.

A member of the Mississippi Business Journal’s “Top 50 Leading Businesswomen� Class of 2004, Gray’s responsibilities include assisting the firm’s medical and dental clients with tax and financial planning advice. While at MUW, Gray graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and was recipient of The Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award.

An active member of Christ United Methodist Church in Jackson, Gray and husband Bill are parents of twin daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and Stewpot Community Services.

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2013 Leaders in Finance

CHARLES HAWKINS T.E. Lott and Company

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Charles “Mike” Hawkins is president and CEO of Columbus-based accounting firm T.E. Lott and Company. The firm was founded in 1926 and has grown to include offices in Starkville and Tuscaloosa.

With more than 40 years of experience as a practicing CPA, Hawkins provides a wealth of knowledge to the firm’s 27 CPAs and 63 support personnel.

Hawkins understands the importance of developing relationships with his clients. He takes pride in giving his team the continuing education, state-of-the-art computer technology and resources they need to be successful.

In addition to his CPA practice, Hawkins serves as an instructor for various banking organization’s education programs and has been a four-year participant in the “Meet with the Accountants” program.

Additionally, the Mississippi State University graduate is a holder of the Certified Bank Auditor certificate issued by the Bank Administration Institute.

DAN HOLLIDAY Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors

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Dan Holliday is know around his office for his humor, but he’s serious about business. A partner with Carr Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors, Holliday uses his unparalleled knowledge of construction accounting to help the company stay at the top.

With more than 30 years of experience in both public accounting and construction, Holliday serves on CRI’s executive committee and as the partner-in-charge of the Jackson office.

He also serves as the firm’s construction industry service line partner and on the AGC of America’s Surety Bonding & Risk Management Committees. As a leader of the firm’s construction services team, Holliday provides audit, review and compiliation services to road builders, general contractors and subcontractors throughout the Southeast.

Outside of the construction industry, the University of Mississippi alumnus serves a wide range of clients, including several non-profit associations. Holliday is a member of the American Institute of CPAs.

2013 Leaders in Finance

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JERRY HOST Trustmark Corp. and Trustmark National Bank

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Jerry Host is president and chief executive officer of Trustmark Corp. and Trustmark National Bank.

Joining the bank in 1984, Host has served in a number of capacities, including chief operating officer, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and chief investment officer.

A University of South Alabama graduate, Host has nearly 40 years of banking experience and is a member of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He serves on the executive committee for Gov. Phil Bryant’s Mississippi Works initiative and is past chairman of the board of governors of the Mississippi Economic Council.

Actively involved in the Jackson area community, Host is a director and member of the executive committee on the Greater Jackson Chamber Board and is currently a member of the Mississippi Museum of Art’s Executive Committee. Host also is a 2002 graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership.

2 Southern Pointe Parkway | Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 264-3519 ph | (601) 264-3642 fax 12

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2013 Leaders in Finance

SCOTT HUDSON Wells Fargo

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For nearly three decades, Scott Hudson has helped clients address their financial concerns and develop sound strategies by focusing on their needs.

Now a member of the Hudson, Coffin & Lamar Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo in Meridian, Hudson began his career as a financial adviser with J.C. Bradford. He later joined A.G. Edwards, a predecessor to Wells Fargo.

In 1997, he earned the Certified Financial Planner certification. Hudson has been named to Barron’s list of Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in the United States from 2009 to 2013. With extensive experience throughout major shifts in the market, Hudson has dedicated his career to delivering personalized investment planning services to his clients.

Away from the office, he spends his free time with his wife, Rose, and their daughter Melissa. Hudson and his family are members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he serves on various committees.

BENNY JEANSONNE Silas Simmons

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Benny Jeansonne is known best by colleagues for his “lead by example” approach as a partner with Natchez accounting firm Silas Simmons.

A graduate of Louisiana State University, Jeansonne’s enthusiasm and passion for the CPA profession carries over to the firm’s young staff. At Silas Simmons, his expertise in accounting, auditing and taxation has helped the firm grow into one of south Mississippi’s best.

Jeansonne is credited with restructuring the thenfloundering Natchez Economic Development Council and renewing interest in the city’s downtown. His dedication resulted in the hiring of an economic director and the establishment of new businesses.

Jeansonne is a member of several local service organizations, including the Rotary Club, Home Builder’s Association and Natchez/Adams County Chamber of Commerce, and an avid supporter of Boy Scouts of America Troop 158.

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CHARLES LINDSAY Matthews Cutrer and Lindsay

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With more than three decades of experience, Charles Lindsay provides both tax and audit services to a variety of clients at Ridgeland CPA firm Matthews Cutrer and Lindsay.

A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Lindsay directs the firm’s non-profit practice and is a frequent speaker and instructor on non-profit topics. His experience in the sector led to an appointment on the American Institute of CPAs committee on Not-for-Profits.

Additionally, Lindsay works with businesses in a number of industries, including construction, medical and housing. He’s involved in many civic and community organizations, including the Catholic Charities Advisory Board and the North Jackson Rotary Club, where he currently serves as vice president.

An active member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church, Lindsay lives in Jackson’s historic Belhaven district with his wife, Virgi, and their two children.

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2013 Leaders in Finance

ARCHIE MCDONNELL Citizen’s National Bank

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As an employee of Meridian-based Citizen’s National Bank since 1975, Archie McDonnell is a devout student of the bank’s history. Now president and a member of the board of directors, McDonnell knows that Citizen’s National Bank’s first location in the late 1800s was on a dirt street in downtown Meridian.

And he’s particularly proud that excluding all federal holidays, Citizen’s National has never closed its doors, even during the most challenging days of the Great Depression. Under McDonnell’s steady leadership, the bank has grown by keeping the focus on its customers and the communities where they live.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, he was presented the Hartley D. Peavey Award of Entrepreneurial Excellence in 2013.

McDonnell is a board member for East Mississippi Community Development Corporation and a member of the Administrative Council of Central United Methodist Church.

ROBIN MCGRAW Renasant Corp. and Renasant Bank

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Robin McGraw is chairman, president and chief executive office of Renasant Corp. and Renasant Bank.

McGraw, who has been affiliated with the bank for nearly 40 years, assumed his current role in 2001.

A past chairman of the Mississippi Bankers Association, McGraw also has been active on the national banking scene and served as a member of the American Bankers Association’s Government Relations Council.

McGraw received his degree in banking and finance from the University of Mississippi, and earned his law degree from the Ole Miss School of Law. The Tupelo resident is chairman of the board of North Mississippi Health Services and serves on the Mississippi Economic Council Board of Governors.

McGraw is chairman of the board of the Yocona Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He and wife Mimi have two children and two grandchildren.

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GERRY MITCHELL Community Bank and Community Investment

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Like his employer, Gerry Mitchell takes great pride in the values embraced by the Community Bank/Community Investment family. Values like fairness, integrity, honesty, respect, humility, self-sacrifice and simple kindness are all hallmarks Mitchell’s philosophy.

A 1993 graduate of the University of Alabama, Mitchell is a financial consultant with the Community Investment group in Meridian. He began his financial consulting career in 2004, attaining certifications in Accredited Asset Management and as a Certified Financial Planner in 2008.

An active member on the board of trustees at Central United Methodist Church, Mitchell also serves as the president of Northwood Country Club.

For the last four years, he has been chair of the Annual Boy Scouts Clays for Character sporting clays shoot, which raises about $35,000 annually for the Boy Scouts of East Mississippi and West Alabama.

experience recognition

would like to congratulate one of our very own, A National CPA & Advisory Firm

We’re proud of our commitment to deliver The BKD Experience of unmatched client service, so it’s especially gratifying when the community we serve recognizes one of our own. Congratulations to Partner Ralph Ross on being chosen as a Leader in Finance 2013.

Ralph Ross // Partner Jackson // 601.948.6700 bkd.com

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Ashley Willson

for being selected as one of the

Leaders In Finance 2013.

KPMG, LLP | 188 East Capitol St., Suite 1100 Jackson, MS 39201 | (601) 714-7446 2013 Leaders in Finance

CARL NICHOLSON Nicholson & Company

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Carl Nicholson is founder and president of Nicholson & Company in Hattiesburg. Launched in 1977, the company has grown to be the seventh largest accounting firm in Mississippi, and boasts more than 1,000 clients.

Nicholson & Company has grown to include offices in Columbia and Gulfport and employs 50 staff members, including 27 CPAs. Nicholson & Company also belongs to the Private Companies Practice Section of the American Institute of CPAs. A 1967 graduate of Mississippi State University, Nicholson is a member of the board of directors of the University of Southern Mississippi Foundation.

He is a member of the advisory board of the Pine Burr Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Mississippi State Board of Health and the Community Bank of Mississippi. Nicholson and wife Martha are the parents of five children.

JOHN PARIS May & Company

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John Paris is a partner with May & Company in Vicksburg. His experience includes tax, audit, accounting and consulting in a range of industries.

Licensed in Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, Paris’s areas of specialty include traditional accounting services, business valuations, information technology and systems analysis, optometric practices and agriculture.

Along with the Certified Public Accountant designation, Paris is also a Certified Valuation Analyst.

A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, Paris is a member of the Warren County Historical Society and Southern Heritage Air Museum. He also is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Paris and his wife, Jane, have a son and a daughter, and attend St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg.

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CHARLES REA Rea, Shaw, Giffin & Stuart

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Charles Rea is the senior audit partner with CPA firm Rea, Shaw, Giffin & Stuart. Admitted as a partner in 1974, the Meridian native has served as managing partner since 1992. Rea received his Master’s degree from the University of Alabama after graduation from Ole Miss.

He holds memberships in several accounting organizations, including the American Institute of CPAs and the Mississippi Society of CPAs. Currently, Rea serves as treasurer of both the Mental Health Association of Lauderdale County and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a position he’s held for more than 30 years. He also serves as chairman of Hope Village for Children and as a board member of the Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks Foundation.

Rea is a past president of the Greater Meridian Chamber of Commerce. He and wife Bobbie are the parents of four children and two grandsons.

CONGRATULATIONS! Arty and Joe on being named to Mississippi’s Leaders in Finance Class of 2013*

Congratulations to

Stacey Wall for being selected

by Mississippi Business Journal as a Leader in Finance.

ARTHUR FINKELBERG, CFA®, CFP® Senior Vice President, Investments Managing Director

JOE G. RICE, JR Senior Vice President, Investments Managing Director

200 Concourse, 1062 Highland Colony Parkway Suite 100 // Ridgeland, MS 39157 T 601.856.1212 // T 877.219.4660 // F 601.607.7675 raymondjames.com/jackson

601.957.0323

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*Selection based on industry and community involvement and other criteria.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and in the U.S. ©2013 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/ SIPC. Raymond James® is a registered trademark of Raymond James Financial, Inc. 13-BR5AN-0001 KA 9/13

2013 Leaders in Finance

JOE RICE Raymond James & Associates

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A lifelong resident of the Jackson metropolitan area, Joe Rice is Managing Director of Investments for the Ridgeland office of Raymond James & Associates.

He began his career in the financial services industry with Merrill Lynch in 1985. While at Merrill Lynch, Rice rose to the position of senior vice president and was a member of the prestigious Charles E. Merrill Circle.

With his recent association with Raymond James, the Mississippi State University graduate continues to work with both individual and corporate clients. Rice has remained active at his alma mater, currently serving in the Executive Advisory Boards of the College of Business, as well as the Department of Finance and Economics.

Active with the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Rice has served as vice president and a member of the executive committee. In November, he will be installed as president of the Catholic Foundation.

DAN ROLLINS BancorpSouth

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A native of Houston, Texas, Dan Rollins is chief executive officer of BancorpSouth. He accepted the appointment to CEO by the bank’s board of directors in November 2012, saying that BancorpSouth had a “long and distinguished record of service” to shareholders and local communities.

Rollins earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from the University of Texas in 1983, then began his banking career with First State Bank and Trust Co. in Port Lavaca and Bay City, Texas. In 1984, Rollins joined Prosperity and began his 19-year climb up the corporate ladder, overseeing a rapid expansion at the Texas-based bank.

He was president of Prosperity’s Matagorda Banking Centers from 1994 until 2002. Most recently, Rollins was president and COO of Prosperity Bank, roles he assumed in April 2006.

He and his wife, the former Becky Buchanan, have two children.

2013 Leaders in Finance

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RALPH ROSS BKD

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Ralph Ross has been a CPA in the greater Jackson metropolitan community for many years. Now a partner with Jackson accounting firm BKD, Ross provides multiple tax services, including planning and compliance to law firms, medical practices and real estate companies.

He has also provided valuation services for manufacturing companies, insurance agencies and wholesale and retail companies. With an excellent reputation in the valuation arena, Ross has served as an expert witness in a number of valuation cases.

In addition to his work experience, he has written several articles on the tax aspects of divorce and family limited partnerships.

Ross is considered a positive influence in mentoring younger BKD staff members in their technical and professional development. A past chairman of the Mississippi Tax Institute, he is a member of the Mississippi Institute of CPAs and the Mississippi Estate Planning Council.

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Congratulations to

CHARLES (MIKE) HAWKINS, our President and CEO, for being chosen as a

LEADER IN FINANCE. Your knowledge of the financial industry is a valuable asset to our clients and the firm.

COLUMBUS

STARKVILLE

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The Gulf Coast Region and Wells Fargo Advisors congratulates Scott Hudson as a Leader in Finance with the Mississippi Business Journal Award is based on objective criteria including, professional accomplishments, community involvement, and peer recognition. Winners were chosen at the discretion of the Mississippi Business Journal. The award is not a recommendation or testimonial, and is not necessarily reflective of the past or future performance of the advisor, or of client satisfaction.

Scott Hudson, CFP® Branch Manager 601-483-3355

Investment and Insurance Products: X NOT FDIC Insured

X NO Bank Guarantee

X MAY Lose Value

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC, non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2009 Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. All rights reserved. 1013-06135 [74127-v3]

2013 Leaders in Finance

RICHARD RUSS Tann, Brown & Russ

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As a tax partner with Jackson accounting firm Tann, Brown & Russ, Richard Russ’s practice covers a wideranging clientele, offering broad expertise in individual, corporate and partnership taxation. His clients come from such diverse areas as farming, cattle, timber, oil and gas, and construction, among others.

Born and raised in Jackson, Russ is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he received Bachelor and Master of Business Administration degrees. After stints at KPMG and Deposit Guaranty, Russ joined Tann, Brown & Russ in August 1986.

He is active in community and professional organizations, including the Mississippi Tax Institute, Jackson Preparatory School, the Twin Lakes Foundation and First Presbyterian Day School.

Additionally, Russ has been an active member at First Presbyterian Church while serving as Elder, and as past chairman and treasurer of the board of deacons.

JAMES L. STAFFORD Watkins, Ward & Stafford

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James L. Stafford joined Watkins, Ward & Stafford in 1964 after graduating from Mississippi State University. He became a partner in 1968 and has been Managing Partner and Chairman of the Executive Committee since 1989.

With more than 47 years of experience, Stafford’s practice is concentrated in business planning, sale and purchase of business, financing and organization. He also counsels high income and high net worth individuals with investments, tax planning, estate planning and serves as a fiduciary.

Stafford’s community involvement includes founder of the Prairie Arts Festival, a member of the executive committee of Old Waverly Golf Club; member of Mississippi State University School of Accounting Advisory Council; on the board of directors of Southern Ionics, Inc.; and chairman of Memorial Gardens Cemetery. He is a member of the West Point Hall of Fame. He is an member of First Presbyterian Church EPC. He has three sons and one daughter.

2013 Leaders in Finance

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STACEY WALL Pinnacle Trust

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Stacey Wall is president and chief executive officer for Pinnacle Trust, a company he founded in 1997.

Prior to launching the company, Wall served as chief investment officer for a regional financial institution with responsibility for approximately $1 billion under investment management.

A past president of the board of directors of the Gateway Rescue Mission, Wall also served on the board of directors for the Country Club of Jackson and the Association of Trust Organizations.

He is currently a member of the Madison County Foundation and serves on the advisory board of the Edith and Mariana Alexander Memorial Foundation Trust Fund.

A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Wall also is a 1993 graduate of Cannon Financial Institute in Advance Trust Investments. Additionally, he is a past member of the Mississippi Philanthropy Advisory Council.

ASHLEY WILLSON KPMG

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Ashley Willson has nearly 20 years of experience serving health care clients as a partner with the Jackson office of KPMG. She also represents the Jackson office as partner leader on the Mid-South Operations Committee and serves as the location’s managing partner.

Willson has market leadership responsibility for KPMG Healthcare activities in Alabama, Mississippi and West Tennessee, devoting all of her professional time to serving healthcare providers.

Currently, she serves as the partner on audits for a variety of healthcare companies, ranging from large healthcare systems to community hospitals.

Active in the Jackson community, Willson serves on the Board of Trustees at Jackson Academy, the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement and as Finance Chairman for the Mississippi Children’s Museum Educational Fair. Mississippi State University graduate, Wilson is an active member of Christ United Methodist Church.

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2013 Leaders in Finance

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Jimmy Brown

Congratulations to Jimmy Brown.

Regions Bank is pleased to congratulate Jimmy Brown for being named a Leader in Finance by the Mississippi Business Journal. Jimmy has been with Regions for 38 years and is currently president of the North Mississippi area. He is president elect of the University of Mississippi Alumni Board and currently serves on the University of Mississippi Alumni Board Executive Committee, the Rust College Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee of the Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America. Jimmy has also taught high school Sunday school classes at United Methodist Church in Grenada for 25 years. Jimmy’s commitment to excellence and community service is a true inspiration, and the Regions team is proud to see him be recognized for his achievements.

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Š 2013 Regions Bank.