MBJ_LIF—NOV30-2018

www.msbusiness.com • November 30, 2018

2018 CLASS

SPECIAL MAGAZINE EDITION: » INCLUDES BANKING & FINANCE FOCUS

The Mississippi Business Journal is looking for professionals whose fiscal work has set the pace for their company and the region. Honorees are selected based on industry and community involvement and achievement through their energy and innovative ideas. Their work should provide a model of professionalism to their peers and go above and beyond the call of duty.

Nominations can be emailed to events@msbusiness.com or mailed to Leaders in Finance, Mississippi Business Journal, 200 North Congress Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201. Online submissions can be made at msbusiness.com/events/leaders-finance-nomination-form Submitting multiple nominations for one nominee is not necessary, as the selection committee will not decide based on show of support but rather on quality and thoroughness of supporting information.

Honorees will be recognized in the following categories: Banking: Honors individuals such as mortgage lenders, bank executives, credit officers and loan officers.

Investment: Honors individuals such as stockbrokers, financial advisers, financial planners and investment executives.

Professional: Honors individuals such as public accountants, auditors, financial educators and financial analysts.

For more information, contact Tami Jones at 601-364-1011.

Category:

R Banking

R Investment

R Professional

Nominee: Title: Company: Address: Street Address: City: Phone Number:

State:

Zip Code:

Email Address:

Business Accomplishments (Please be as specific and thorough as possible to help us make our selection):

Community Involvement (Please be as specific and thorough as possible to help us make our selection):

Reasons (Please be as specific and thorough as possible to help us make our selection):

Nominator: Nominator’s Phone Number:

Nominator’s Email Address:

FROM THE EDITOR A member of the Mississippi Press Association www.mspress.org

Honoring Mississippi’s top financial professionals

T

his issue of the Mississippi Business Journal is dedicated to our Leaders in Finance awards program.

This year, we recognize and honor a great group of Mississippi’s top finance professionals from banking, accounting, and investing.

We first conceived Leaders in Finance in 2012, and launched our first program in 2013. Over the course of the past year, we were pleased to receive Ross Reily a large number of nominations for highly qualified professionals from large and small companies and firms around the state. The nominations come from numerous sources, including peers, professional acquaintances, and leaders in the finance community.

The judging process was a joint undertaking between the Mississippi Business Journal and a number of respected professionals from the Mississippi finance community.

When the scoring and comments from all judges were assembled and tabulated, we were able to select the top nominees for recognition.

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200 North Congress, Suite 400 Jackson, MS 39201-1902 Main: (601) 364-1000 Faxes: Advertising (601) 364-1007; Circulation (601) 364-1035 E-mails: mbj@msbusiness.com, ads@msbusiness.com, photos@msbusiness.com, research@msbusiness.com, events@msbusiness.com

Website: www.msbusiness.com NOVEMBER 30, 2018 Volume 40, Number 48

ALAN TURNER Publisher alan.turner@msbusiness.com • 364-1021 TAMI JONES Associate Publisher tami.jones@msbusiness.com • 364-1011 ROSS REILY Editor ross.reily@msbusiness.com • 364-1018

www.msbusiness.co

m • November 30,

2018

FRANK BROWN List Researcher frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 364-1022 JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 364-1016

2018 CLASS

TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 364-1019 CHARINA RHODES Circulation Manager charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com • 364-1045 MARCIA THOMPSON-KELLY Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • 364-1044 Subscription Services (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com

SPECIAL MAGAZI

NE EDITIO » INCLUDES BANK ING & FINANCE FOCU N: S

There is also lots going on in the typical business world and we aren’t letting that slip through the cracks.

You are still getting the best business news from the only fulltime, state-wide business publication in Mississippi, This includes, stories, profiles, newsmakers, lists, ribbon cuttings, columns and more.

» Contact Mississippi Business Journal editor Ross Reily at ross. reily@msbusiness.com or (601) 364-1018.

Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published weekly with one annual issue by MSBJ 200 N. Congress St., Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214.

To place orders, temporarily stop service, change your address or inquire about billing: Phone: (601) 364-1000, Fax: (601) 364-1035, Email: charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com, Mail: MS Business Journal Subscription Services, 200 N.Congress Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mississippi Business Journal, Circulation Manager, 200 North Congress Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201 To submit subscription payments: Mail: MS Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 200 North Congress Street, Suite 400, Jackson, MS 39201.

No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent. Editorial and advertising material contained in this publication is derived from sources considered to be reliable, but the publication cannot guarantee their accuracy. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities.

It is the policy of this newspaper to employ people on the basis of their qualifications and with assurance of equal opportunity and treatment regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or handicap.

The Mississippi Business Journal, is an affiliate of Journal Publishing Company (JPC), Inc. Entire contents copyrighted © 2018 by Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

Mississippi Business Journal – 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2018 Shannon L. Adams Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay ............................................................ 5 Connie Amason Peoples Bank..................................................................................6 Reid Davis Pinnacle Trust ................................................................................6 Greg Derrick Carr Riggs & Ingram........................................................................ 7 Robert (Paul) A. Fertitta Navigator Credit Union ...................................................................8 Jenny Gates Clinton Public Schools ....................................................................8 David Gilliland Renasant Bank ...............................................................................9 Bradford Hatchett Grantham Poole PLLC ................................................................... 10 John Hill WealthPartners............................................................................. 10 Laura Jackson Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration.................... 11 Bobby Knox Community Bank ...........................................................................12 Robert Leard Regions .........................................................................................12

Mississippi Business Journal November 30, 2018 Volume 40, Number 48

Randy Leister BancorpSouth ...............................................................................13 Alan McCormick Ballew Wealth Management .......................................................... 14 Molly Jeffcoat Moody Watkins & Eager PLLC .................................................................. 14 James Y. Palmer Coker & Palmer Investment Securities ............................................15 Larry Ratzlaff Origin Bank .................................................................................. 16 Brian Rippee Renasant Bank ............................................................................. 16 Billy Siddall Merrill Lynch .................................................................................17 Sarah Skelton Mississippi Children’s Museum ...................................................... 18 Laura Hartness Smith Trustmark .................................................................................... 18 Gary Sparkman BancorpSouth Bank ...................................................................... 19 Andrew (Andy) F. Swoger Keesler Federal Credit Union ......................................................... 19 Ryder Taff New Perspectives, Inc. ..................................................................20 Brad Tisdale Reformed Theological Seminary ....................................................20 Jerry Toney Cadence Bank for Mississippi .........................................................21 Hue L. Townsend, Jr Guaranty Bank & Trust Company ....................................................21 Event Photos ...........................................................................22-23 Past Winners ................................................................................ 24

FOCUS ON Banking & Finance » Banks using multiple levels of cybersecurity to keep your money safe .......................................26 » Banks and customers both should take important steps to keep information safe .....................26 LIST » SBA Approved Lenders .....................................................................................................28-29 Newsmakers ........................................................................................................................................................ 25&30 4 – Mississippi Business Journal

www.msbusiness.com

NOMINEES

Shannon L. Adams Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay

S

hannon Adams, CPA leads in finance by example and is currently the audit manager at Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay CPAs headquartered in Ridgeland. Adams continually cultivates her expertise in auditing, taxation and small business or nonprofit consulting.

Her audits include trade associations, foundations, health and welfare organizations, religious organizations, Rural Development and HUD family housing projects in addition to meaningful efforts in nonprofit taxation.

Shannon co-led the firm’s internal and external transition of nonprofits to the significantly revised IRS Form 990 requirements. Her vast nonprofit knowledge is often found in the firm’s weekly newsletter Nonprofit Solutions.

The MS Society of CPAs benefits from her energy as vice president of the Young CPA Network and Millennial Chair for the Accounting and Auditing Committee. As a 2017 graduate of the Alabama Leadership Academy, she was inspired to create the firm’s Employee Appreciation Committee, which fosters the camaraderie among staff.

Adams serves on the boards of CASA Mississippi and her Business Networking Group. She is also a Flowood Chamber Referral Exchange member.

220 Trace Colony Park Dr., Suite A | Ridgeland, MS 39157 | 601-414-4455 | wealthpartnersllp.com www.msbusiness.com

2018 Leaders in Finance – 5

NOMINEES

Connie Amason Peoples Bank

C

onnie Amason is a vice president at People’s Bank.

Amason, who joined Peoples Bank in 2006, began her service as a poultry loan assistant, preparing loan packages and conducting cash flow analysis on prospective customer operations. Two years later, she assumed responsibilities for the bank’s Small Business Administration (SBA) loan services. She remains the bank’s principal contact for SBA loans, which has been a point of recognition from a national scale.

Amason is a 1978 graduate of Pearl High School and attended Delta State University, where she pursued a degree in Voice. She received her first promotion in 2013 when she was named assistant vice president at Peoples Bank.

She is married to Dale Amason, owner of Dale & Company in Magee, and a real estate agent affiliated with Re/Max Connection in Flowood. The Amasons have one son, Jacob, who is married to the former Katlyn Underwood. They are members of Christway Church of God in Flowood, where she is actively involved with the choir and serving as a member of the Worship Team.

Reid Davis Pinnacle Trust

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eid Davis is a financial advisor and investment officer at Pinnacle Trust. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi, graduating Magna Cum Laude. During his tenure at the University of Mississippi, Davis was a member of the Ole Miss golf team, served as Student Body President of the School of Business Administration and was selected as a Northrop Grumman Scholar for distinction in the area of Finance. Reid received his Master of Business Administration at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he concentrated on Financial Markets.

Prior to joining Pinnacle Trust, Davis spent four years as a member of a regional advisory group focusing on bank mergers and acquisitions. Reid has also served as an equity research associate for a regional brokerage firm covering the Specialty Finance Sector.

Davis has been a featured columnist for the Financial Managers Society (FMS) and Western Independent Bankers (WIB) CFO & Finance Digest.

6 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

Greg Derrick Carr Riggs & Ingram

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reg Derrick considers himself to be an extension of the clients he serves. As an audit partner, he has nearly 25 years of accounting experience in both the public and private accounting sectors. He wants to see his clients succeed by providing experienced insight into complex accounting issues while ensuring maximum profitability.

Derrick provides audit and consulting services to a wide range of types and sizes of business enterprises. He considers his experience in the private sector to be important in recognizing issues, providing solutions, and interacting with key management personnel of the clients he serves. While having experience in wide range of business environments, his expertise is primarily in providing services to financial institutions, governmental entities, not-for-profit entities, distribution companies, and investment holding companies. Derrick provides consulting and tax services to businesses and individuals throughout Mississippi and the Southeast.

A professional staff mentor at CRI, Derrick teaches several continuing professional education classes, represents the Jackson office to the employee benefits committee, and serves in various other leadership roles. He is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MS-CPA).

MEMBER FDIC

Congratulations, Larry Ratzlaff Mississippi President / EVP

On being named a 2018 Leader in Finance by the Mississippi Business Journal.

www.Origin.bank

Bank Original

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601.856.3380

2018 Leaders in Finance – 7

NOMINEES

Robert (Paul) A. Fertitta Navigator Credit Union

R

obert A. Fertitta has been the president and CEO for Navigator Credit Union since 2013.

The appointment came after Fertitta served as interim CEO and CFO during the last quarter while a search was conducted.

Prior to being named to the credit union’s top role, Fertitta held the position of chief financial officer for 17 years. During his tenure with Navigator he has managed diverse departmental operations including risk management, electronic payments, information systems and card services in addition to accounting, finance, and treasury responsibilities.

Before working for Navigator, Fertitta accumulated over 30 years of accounting experience in the manufacturing, retail and Department of Defense industries.

Fertitta has recently been appointed to a three-year term on the board of directors for the $4.2 billion Corporate One Federal Credit Union of Columbus, Ohio. He has also served a three-year term on Southeast Corporate Federal Credit Union’s board of directors and has served as chairman of the Supervisory Committee.

Jenny Gates Clinton Public Schools

J

enny Gate holds the Accredited Asset Management SpecialistSM designation awarded by the College for Financial Planning and the Certified Financial Planner certification. She received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in International Business.

Gates is an active member of Long Beach First United Methodist Church and regularly conducts financial planning seminars for community groups.

Since 2007, Gates has been a dedicated financial advisor who has consistently helped her clients reach their investment and estate goals. She is courteous and prompt when responding to questions, and she is a diligent advocate for her clients.

8 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

David Gilliland Renasant Bank

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avid Gilliland is vice president and corporate relationship officer for Renasant Bank at its corporate office in Tupelo. Gilliland joined Renasant in 2015 having previously served as assistant vice president and relationship manager.

Gilliland is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science degree. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is currently a student at the Barrett School of Banking in Memphis.

Gilliland contributes to his community through serving on the board of directors for the Good Samaritan Free Clinic, the Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association, and the Tupelo Kiwanis Club. He also works closely with the Lee County Community Development Foundation. Gilliland is a 2018 graduate of the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute.

David and his wife Ashley have two daughters, Marian and Hattie, and attend Trace Crossings Baptist Church in Tupelo.

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2018 Leaders in Finance – 9

NOMINEES

Bradford Hatchett Grantham Poole PLLC

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radford C. Hatchett, a native of Jackson, is a certified public accountant and a member at GranthamPoole PLLC. For the first 11 years of his career, Hatchett worked at Arthur Andersen LLP and KPMG LLP. While at KPMG, he served as a national instructor and a member of two of the firm’s technical resource teams.

Hatchett joined GranthamPoole in 2008, where he is a member of the Board of Directors and serves on the leadership team for the firm’s audit practice. In addition to assisting clients with audit and tax-related needs, he also provides advisory services in areas such as strategic planning and succession planning.

Hatchett is a member at Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church, where he is the Troopmaster for the church’s Trail Life USA troop. He lives in Madison with his wife, Amy, and their two children, Matthew and Ely.

John Hill WealthPartners

J

ohn Hill is the managing partner and founder of WealthPartners in Ridgeland. He started his career 28 years ago, focusing on estate and business succession planning. Over time, he developed the business to include investment management, paving the way for WealthPartners to become the multi-disciplined firm it is today. His expertise includes business succession, estate planning, retirement distribution, and executive benefit services. Forbes magazine named Hill to its 2018 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List.

He holds the Certified Financial Planner™ designation and is a CPA and is a Mississippi State University alumnus. He has served on various educational and church boards. Currently, he serves on the Board of the Woodward Hines Educational Foundation and on the Executive Advisory Board for the Mississippi State University School of Business.

Today, Hill focuses much of his time seeking creative solutions to complex succession, tax and investment planning opportunities for his clients.

10 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

Laura Jackson Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration

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ith almost 30 years of experience in state government, Laura Jackson’s career includes involvement in policy and administration, and a thorough understanding of the fiduciary responsibilities to the taxpayers of Mississippi. Laura’s background is the perfect foundation for her role as the executive director for the Department of Finance and Administration—also the state fiscal officer for Mississippi.

The Department of Finance and Administration is the executive agency responsible for fiscal management and a wide range of other vital functions necessary to the operation of state government. She manages a staff of over 400 employees and is responsible for, among other things, the oversight of Mississippi’s $20 Billion annual budget.

Prior to coming to DFA, Laura served as deputy state treasurer under the term of Treasurer Lynn Fitch. She also served as Bond Advisory Director for DFA where she served as an advisor to the State Bond Commission and was responsible for pre-issuance of state debt, including compilation of official documents and structuring of general obligation bond issues.

Jackson started her career in state government with the Office of the State Auditor, working as a staff auditor and eventually serving as an audit manager, adding more experience in the financial and compliance issues of state government.

Congratulations to our own Bobby Knox for being selected as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Leaders in Finance.

• Bobby has been a member of the Community Bank family since 1987.

• As Vice Chairman, he guides others by working with integrity and sincerity each day.

• He possesses great knowledge of the industry along with an exceptional work ethic.

• COMMUNITYBANK.NET • MEMBER FDIC

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2018 Leaders in Finance – 11

NOMINEES

Bobby Knox Community Bank

B

obby Knox is vice chairman of Community Bank.

He graduated from The University of Mississippi with his Bachelor of Business Administration in Banking and Finance, Summa Cum Laude. He was the Marshall of his class, was an Oren Swayze Scholar, a member of the Financier Club, and the Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Fraternity.

After college, Knox completed the Omega Commercial Loans to Business program through the Robert Morris Association, and in 1988, completed the Bank Marketing Association School of Marketing. Knox graduated first in his class at The Mississippi School of Banking in 1989. Then in 1992, Knox graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Knox joined the Community Bank family in 1987, serving as senior vice president at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Forest, prior to serving as the president of the Indianola Division of Peoples Bank of Mississippi. In 1994, Knox joined Community Bancshares of Mississippi as an executive vice president before moving to Community Bank in Ellisville to serve as president and CEO, serving there until 2015, when he was named vice chairman.

Knox has been recognized for his outstanding service to Community Bank by being a two time recipient of the Chairman’s Award, which is given to honor outstanding service to the company.

Robert Leard Regions

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obert Leard has been with Regions for 23 years and currently serves as market executive and commercial banking leader for metro Jackson Mississippi.

Prior to his current role, Leard held several positions including commercial banking executive, energy banking credit executive, regional credit executive, business banking sales executive, and business lending manager for Regions.

Before joining Regions, he served in various roles at Trustmark Bank in Jackson, after completing the management training program in 1990. Leard earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Leard currently serves as a board member for Habitat for Humanity of the Capital Area, Andrew Jackson Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Mississippi Higher Education Corporation, the Woodward Hines Educational Foundation, and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, among many of his volunteer activities.

Leard and his wife, Ginger, have been married for 28 years and have three children: Alyssa (27), Jonathan (23), and Samantha (19). They are active in First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.

12 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

Randy Leister BancorpSouth

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andy Leister is a native of Oxford and a graduate of the University of Mississippi. He has been involved with multiple projects since 2006, that have helped with the unprecedented growth in the Oxford, Lafayette County Market. Although there are only two branches in Oxford, Randy’s group has amassed around $176MM in deposits.

Leister is also involved with the Oxford Rotary Club, and has served as president of the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and president of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation.

In addition, he has served a vital role in the growth of Lafayette County. He has been involved with many projects that have enhanced the community. He is a strong lender with tremendous underwriting and sales skills.

Exceeding Expectations, Every Single Day. Since Andy Swoger joined Keesler Federal Credit Union as CEO two years ago, records have been broken.

“We are not here to meet expectations.

We are here to exceed our members’ expectations in every aspect.”

-Andy Swoger

Total loans grew by 31%. Dollar amount of new loans grew 40%. The branch network expanded 21% while membership increased another 8 percent. And member satisfaction ranks far above the national average.

We agree with the Mississippi Business Journal, Andy is indeed a Leader in Finance—and he proves it daily.

kfcu.org Federally Insured by NCUA.

www.msbusiness.com

2018 Leaders in Finance – 13

NOMINEES

Alan McCormick Ballew Wealth Management

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hile Alan McCormick began his career in the banking industry, he quickly found that his true interest lay in the investment field. With this realization, he joined the Ballew Wealth Management team in August of 2006.

As a client advisor, McCormick prides himself on being a good listener who focuses on the unique needs of each of his clients.

McCormick earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2003, and a year later, a master’s degree in the same field from The University of Mississippi.

McCormick is a member of the 2017 Leadership Greater Jackson Class and was selected as one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40 business leaders.

When he’s not working, McCormick participates in local tennis leagues and watches college sports, always pulling for the Ole Miss Rebels. Most of all, Alan and his wife, Kimsey, enjoy spending time with their two children.

Alan and his family are active members of Galloway United Methodist Church where he serves on the finance committee.

Molly Jeffcoat Moody Watkins & Eager PLLC

M

olly Jeffcoat Moody is a transactional attorney with practice emphases in commercial transactions and complex financing.

Her work includes significant representation of borrowers and lenders in commercial loans. Jeffcoat Moody has considerable experience with loan syndications and participations.

Jeffcoat Moody, along with M. Binford Williams, Jr. is co-author of Commercial Finance 701, a continuing series on commercial loans written exclusively for the Mississippi Business Journal. The series is geared to lenders, developers, investors, and transactional attorneys.

She has been recognized by Chambers USA-America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Super Lawyers - Mid-South Rising Stars, The Best Lawyers in America and was named Lawyer of the Year for Jackson in 2018, by The Best Lawyers in America.

She earned bachelor’s degrees in English as well as Business Administration from Millsaps College before receiving her juris doctorate from the University of Mississippi Law School.

14 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

James Y. Palmer Coker & Palmer Investment Securities

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im Palmer is a founding partner of Coker & Palmer, Inc. He brings 55 years of investment experience in the financial service industry, specializing in financial planning and investment management.

He is an active volunteer in various charitable and industry organizations and has served as a member of several local boards, including The Boy Scouts of America - Andrew Jackson Council, The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and past president of River Hills Tennis Club. Mr. Palmer attended the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BBA in Banking and Finance.

www.msbusiness.com

2018 Leaders in Finance – 15

NOMINEES

Larry Ratzlaff Origin Bank

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arry Ratzlaff, a 40-year veteran of the banking industry, is executive vice president and state president for Mississippi for Origin Bank and has been in that position since 2010.

Prior to this role, Ratzlaff served as senior vice president and commercial banking executive, Commercial Real Estate for Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, managing a staff of 30 in the commercial real estate business unit for the State of Mississippi and the Ark-La-Tex geographies.

Portfolio included multi-family apartments and affordable housing, office, retail and industrial.

Ratzlaff earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma in 1980, followed by a degrees from ABA National Commercial Lending School in 1980, and a ABA National Commercial Lending Graduate School in 1981.

He serves on the boards for St. Dominic Health Services Foundation as well as the Metro Jackson Habitat for Humanity and the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

Ratzlaff and his wife, Lisa, reside in Madison and are members of St. Richard Catholic Church.

Brian Rippee Renasant Bank

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rian Rippee currently serves as president of private client services for Central Mississippi and West Tennessee for Renasant Bank. He is an active leader in the Jackson community, where he currently serves on the Board of the Mississippi Kidney Foundation, is vice chairman of the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, serves on the investment committee for the Community Foundation of Mississippi. He is also active in Century Club Charities.

After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1989, he began his banking career with Union Planters Bank in Nashville. In 1991, he and his family moved to Jackson to begin work with Deposit Guaranty. Brian was a founder of Metropolitan Bank in 2007 – and served as the senior managing director for private banking.

He and his wife Stephanie have 3 children, Brian Scott, Davis and Walker. They reside in Ridgeland and are members of Northminster Baptist Church.

16 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

Billy Siddall Merrill Lynch

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n addition to being a vice president and senior financial advisor, Billy Siddall acts as resident director and manages the Ridgeland Merrill Lynch Office. He joined this branch in 2007 and has over 20 years of experience in business management and servicing individual families with their financial planning needs.

Siddall earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Mississippi in 1997, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Biology and Business Finance. He holds FINRA and NASAA securities licenses 3,7,9,10, and 66. He primarily works with families in MS, but is registered in 42 states with clients throughout the nation.

Siddall’s community involvement, past and present, include board membership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and MS Council on Economic Education.

He and his wife, Lisa, have twins, Channing and Naomi, whom attend St. Andrews in Jackson. They are both members and deeply involved with their church, Pinelake of Madison.

In his free time, he enjoys exercising, golf and sporting clays events.

GOOD NEWS IS WORTH REPEATING!

Congratulations Alan McCormick on being named a 2018 Leader in Finance

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2018 Leaders in Finance – 17

NOMINEES

Sarah Skelton Mississippi Children’s Museum

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arah Skelton, director of finance and administration for Mississippi Children’s Museum, touts her job as the best mix of business and mission based values. She uses her accounting and analytical review skills along with cash management abilities to further the museum’s vision of inspiring Mississippi’s children from all backgrounds to discover and achieve their potential. As director of finance and administration, Skelton oversees the museum’s budget, payroll, and financial statement preparation and handles a variety of administrative and human resource duties.

Skelton is a magna cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University who received her bachelor’s degree in professional accountancy in 1990. After working for Ernst & Young in Birmingham, she moved to Jackson, where she was the controller at St. Dominic Hospital. While rearing her children, she worked part time as an auditor with Parker and Associates. She began working for Mississippi Children’s Museum as finance assistant in 2010, just before the museum opened its doors. She was promoted to assistant director of finance in 2014, and then to director of finance and administration in December of 2016.

Skelton is married to Jeff Skelton and they have three children, Wilkes, Rhodes and Sarah Helen.

Laura Hartness Smith Trustmark

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aura Hartness-Smith, CTP, is first vice president and sales & product operations manager of the Corporate Treasury Services division of Trustmark National Bank.

She joined Trustmark in 2004, in the Management Development Associate program. Upon completion of the program, she began her career in the Corporate Treasury Services division. Laura is a summa cum laude graduate of the School of Business at Delta State University where she also received her Master of Business Administration.

She is also a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Banking.

Laura serves on the Board of Directors of The Hugh O’ Brien Youth Leadership Foundation and The Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi. She is also a member of the 2015, Mississippi Economic Council’s Leadership Mississippi class.

18 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

Gary Sparkman BancorpSouth

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ary Sparkman holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Delta State University, where he was a Presidential Scholar, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Banking and Finance from Mississippi State University. He is a graduate of the Commercial Lending Graduate School at the University of Oklahoma and the Executive Management Center at the University of Michigan. Sparkman has more than 25 year banking experience. He is married to Adra and they have two children, Jasmin and Jalen. The family attends White Hill M.B. Church in Tupelo.

In addition to his professional affiliations, Sparkman is an active member of the local community where he serves on the board of the United Way of North Mississippi, president of Tupelo Football Booster Club, Member of the Minority PUL Alliance, Member of the Kiwanis Club and past president of the Lee County 4-H Advisory Board.

Andrew (Andy) F. Swoger Keesler Federal Credit Union

A

ndy Swoger was named president and CEO of Keesler Federal Credit Union in June 2016, and since that time has led the Biloxi-headquartered financial institution to unprecedented growth. Over the past two years under Swoger’s leadership, the not-forprofit, member-owned cooperative has grown total loans by 31 percent and the branch network 21 percent.

Today Keesler Federal is a $2.5 billion company with 30 branches and more than 216,000 members worldwide. It is on track to generate $1 billion in new loans in 2018 – a company first.

The Member Satisfaction Index is 91, compared to a national average of 82 for credit unions and 81 for banks.

Simultaneously Keesler Federal has reduced risk and is considered one of the safest financial institutions in the country. The capital position of almost $400 million is more than double the required reserve amount to be a well-capitalized institution per the regulatory agency (NCUA).

Swoger is happy to call the Mississippi Gulf Coast home, where he lives with his wife, Renee, and two young children, Eli and Layla in Ocean Springs.

Swoger is a graduate of Kent State.

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2018 Leaders in Finance – 19

NOMINEES

Ryder Taff New Perspectives, Inc.

R

yder Taff joined the New Perspectives family in January 2011, after graduating the University of Bristol with a B.S. in Mathematics and Philosophy. After passing all three of his CFA exams, he became a Charterholder in January 2015. Taff also passed both exams in the Certificate of Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) Program, earning the CIPM designation in December 2015. Taff has joined Nancy Lottridge Anderson as co-host of MPB’s Money Talks radio program. Taff also wrote P.I.G.G.Y. Plan-It: Prudent Investors Get Going Young!

Taff ’s interest in investment analysis goes back to when he was 8 years old and realized that owning part of Coca-Cola was different, and far more interesting, than merely having a cold glass bottle of coke on a hot day. He has been reading annual reports and proxy statements ever since.

Taff regularly contributes to Parents & Kids Magazine through the column, Mississippi Money, and is often quoted in pieces about personal finance.

He is a board member of the CFA Society of Mississippi, the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science and the Madison-Ridgeland Rotary Club.

Brad Tisdale Reformed Theological Seminary

B

rad Tisdale is a certified public accountant and has served in the public accounting arena and the not-for- profit space over his career. In 2001, Tisdale began working for KPMG-Jackson a Big Four, public accounting firm focusing in healthcare, not-for-profit and higher education. In 2007, he became the chief financial officer for Reformed Theological Seminary. RTS is a graduate level theological educational institution founded in Jackson that has grown to nine campuses in eight states. In 2015, Tisdale was named the chief operations officer as well, to carry out strategic projects and provide institutional direction to the RTS community. RTS has over 100 employees, assets of approximately $105M and an annual budget of $18M. In addition to his work at RTS. Brad has served as treasurer of the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation and chairman of the Global Mission Committee at Highlands Presbyterian Church. He was also selected to the 2007 class of Leadership Mississippi by the Mississippi Economic Council.

20 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NOMINEES

Jerry Toney Cadence Bank

A

s a Mississippi native, Jerry Toney — president of Cadence Bank — is committed to the economic development of the Golden Triangle, as well as the prosperity of the entire state. He presently serves on several civic, economic and professional boards, including the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, Golden Triangle Development Link and Northeast Mississippi Council of Financial Planning Association.

Toney actively is engaged with his alma mater, Mississippi State University, where he received his degree in Real Estate and Mortgage Finance in 1996.

After serving as president of the local chapter of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association, he was elected to serve as vice president and then president of the National Board of Directors.

In 2013, he was chosen by Town and Gown Magazine as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Men in the Golden Triangle, and in 2014, he was selected by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of the Top 40 Under 40. Toney began his banking career at Cadence Bank as a trust officer and financial counselor, followed by positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as senior financial consultant and senior vice president.

He and his wife, Christan, have two children, Leala and Parker. They reside in Starkville and are active members of First United Methodist.

Hue L. Townsend, Jr Guaranty Bank & Trust Company

A

s president and chief executive officer of Guaranty Bank & Trust Company, Hue Townsend, Jr. is setting the standard for the modern Mississippi banker. Guaranty Bank’s CEO since 2016, Townsend has been aggressive in implementing up-to-the-minute banking technology for customers in 12 communities while ultimately changing the small-town relationship banking culture for which he is extremely passionate.

Townsend is actively involved in a host of civic and economic development organizations locally and statewide, including the Belzoni-Humphreys Development Foundation, Belzoni Rotary Club, Delta Council and past president of Mississippi Young Bankers.

Townsend’s banking style, rooted in family and tradition, coupled with a cosmopolitan vision for the future of banking culture has him uniquely positioned as a leader in our state.

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2018 Leaders in Finance – 21

PHOTOS

22 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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PHOTOS

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2018 Leaders in Finance – 23

PAST WINNERS

2017

2016

Rick Adams ................................................................................ Renasant Bank

Eric C. Brown...............................................................Trustmark National Bank

James R. Armstrong.................................................................May & Company

J. David Coker..........................................Coker & Palmer Investment Securities

John David Barr ...............................................................Citizens National Bank

Angela Cottrell..............................................................................New York Life

Wesley Bost .................................Amory Federal Savings and Loan Association

Nathan J. Cummins ...........................................................May & Company LLP

Natella G. Boulton ............................Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc.

Robert A. Cunningham..............................................................GranthamPoole

Alan Branson.....................................Hope Enterprise Corp/Hope Credit Union

Marsha H. Dieckman .............................................................................HORNE

David E. Broadaway.........................................Members Exchange Credit Union Timothy T. Burns........................................................................................ BKD M. Ray “Hoppy” Cole Jr. ..............................................................The First Bank Charlotte Nicholson Corley .Mississippi Dept of Banking and Consumer Finance

Lynn Fitch ....................................................................Office of State Treasurer Matthew R. Freeland ......................................Matthews, Cutrer, & Lindsay, P.A. Cynthia L. Garland .......................................................Guaranty Trust Company Deborah J. Gilbert................................... Mississippi Community College Board

Brian L. Craven ............................................... Magnolia Regional Health Center John M. Hairston........................................ Hancock Bank/Hancock Holding Co David Dill......................................................................Holt & Associates, PLLC Stanley A. Herren ......................................................................... Regions Bank Keith Evans ..............................................................Rea, Shaw, Giffin, & Stuart Peder R. Johnson ....................................................................................... BKD D. Patrick Franklin.........................................................................Pinnacle Trust Sandy Halliwell ..................................................... Clinton Public School District Olivia Host ................................................................................................. BKD David M. Hughes ....................................................Community Bancshares, Inc William T. Kemp, III ........................................................ Guaranty Bank & Trust

Wyman Jones..........................................Community Bancshares of Mississippi J. Randall Leister ......................................................................... BancorpSouth Jamie D. Osbirn .......................................................Community Bank of Tupelo Jim Rasberry ............................................................Rasberry Financial Services

D. Shane Loper...................................................................Hancock Holding Co

Lillous Ann Shoemaker ..................................................... Magnolia State Bank

Frank H. McWhorter, Jr. CPA ..............................Topp McWhorter Harvey, PLLC

Owen Edmonson Stratton....................................................................... KPMG

Grant S. Montgomery......................................................... BancorpSouth Bank

Teresa F. Thornhill ...........................................................Citizens National Bank

Jimmy Stokes ...................... Alexander, Van Loon, Sloan, Levens & Favre, PLLC

James Russell Turley........................................................................Origin Bank

Pamela P. Ware .......................................................................... Renasant Bank Anthony Chester White...........................................................PriorityOne Bank Wallace Mark Wilder.......... University of Mississippi Patterson School of Accountancy M. Binford Williams, Jr. ...................................................Watkins & Eager PLLC Thomas A. Williams ............................................................................BankPlus Henry M. “Chip” Williamson .........................................................Citizens Bank Winners for previous events can be found at http://msbusiness.com/events/past-event-winners/

24 – 2018 Leaders in Finance

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NEWSMAKERS

MCBLF 2018-19 Board of Directors and officers

Photo by Deryll Stegall

The Madison County Business League & Foundation announces the 2018-19 Board of Directors and officers. TOP: Doug Hederman, Brunini; Bill Senter, Atmos Energy; Doug Jones, MCEDA Appointee; Wesley Goings, C Spire; Johnny Brunini, Butler Snow; Brad Gatlin, BankPlus; Rodney Grogan, MMC Materials, Inc.; Jan Collins, MCBL&F Executive Director SEATED:Samantha Lofton, Barnett’s Body Shops; Vice Chairman Barney Daly, Trustmark; Chairman Cecil Harper, Harper Rains Knight & Company; Secretary-Treasurer Renee Rice, BankFirst; Immediate Past Chairman Phil Buffington, Adams and Reese. NOT PICTURED: Sam Scott, St. Dominic Health Services; MCEDA Appointee Ed Gardner, Entergy MS; MCEDA Appointee Dwight Luckett, Canton Public Schools.

American Inns of Court, the Southern States Police Benevolent Association Panel Counsel, and the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project.

Hopkins Appointed to TEC Director of Sales

and his wife, Joanna, have a daughter, Ruth, and a son, Levi. He is an active member of Pinelake Church in Brandon.

TEC recently announced the appointment of Bryce Hopkins as Director of Sales located in the Jackson corporate office. In this role, Hopkins will directly manage the Sales team and implement strategic sales initiatives and goals. He also Hopkins will work closely with the marketing and operations teams to provide insight into new products and services for the business to business market.

Davis joins Mississippi State have one son, Oliver.

Personnel Board Cehajic joins Hattiesburg

Hopkins has 13 years of experience in the sales and marketing industry as a Director of Sales specializing in technology solutions tailored to the medical industry. He has served as a member of the United States Secret Service Detail/Uniformed Division where his responsibilities included protecting the U.S. President, Vice-President, foreign diplomats, the White House, Vice-President’s residence, and foreign embassies.

Hopkins, a Brandon resident, received a Bachelor of Science from Mississippi State University in Health Physical Education and Recreational Sports with an emphasis in Sports Communications. He

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He and his wife, Mandy, live in Jackson and

The Mississippi State Personnel Board recently announced that Richard Davis will serve as the agency’s general counsel. In this role, Davis will be chief adviser to the executive director regarding policy, procedures, and administrative programs.

He will also be MSPB’s liaison to the governor’s office and legislators.

Davis has more than seven years of legal experience. Prior to joining MSPB, he served as a civil litigation defense attorney at Adams and Reese, LLP. He also has worked for Jernigan Copeland & Anderson, PLLC; Abraham and Rideout; Hayes Dent Public Strategies, LLC; and the Mississippi Delta Technology Council.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Dickinson College and a graduated cum laude from the Mississippi College School of Law. Davis also studied at Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow. Davis is a member of the Mississippi Bar Leadership Forum Class of 2016, Mississippi Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Mississippi Defense Lawyers Association,

Clinic Surgery Boris Cehajic, MD, recently joined Hattiesburg Clinic Surgery, providing surgical evaluation and treatment for a variety of health conditions and disease management.

Cehajic received his medical degree from the Louisiana State University Cehajic Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, La. He completed an internship and residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tenn.

Cehajic is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Medical Association.

Mississippi Business Journal – 25

FOCUS: BANKING & FINANCE

Banks using multiple levels of cybersecurity to keep your money safe

By BECKY GILLETTE

I

s the money in your bank account safe? With some major banks having been victims of hacking that disclosed private financial information on millions of account holders, the security of online banking information is a major concern with customers.

Cybersecurity is a really hot topic with the banking regulators right now and all banks are intensely focused on implementing and maintaining the best security protocols as possible, said John Mark Williams, executive vice president and chief operating officer at PriorityOne Bank based in Magee.

“All banks are required to name an Information Security Officer (“ISO”) whose responsibilities include establishing and maintaining the enterprise vision, strategy, and program to ensure information assets and technologies are adequately protected,” Williams said.

“Most banks have an ISO Committee that meets periodically (ours meets quarterly) to carry out these responsibilities.”

Hackers are extremely innovative and constantly changing their methods of attacks. PriorityOne Bank uses the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (“FS-ISAC”), the global financial industry’s resource for cyber and physical threat intelligence analysis and sharing. FS-ISAC shares information about physical and cyber-

26 – Mississippi Business Journal

security threats and vulnerabilities to the U.S. financial sector.

“We have implemented software that takes this information and continuously scans our network to ensure we have the proper protections in place to stop these threats and close down any vulnerabilities,” Williams said. “We also use multifactor authentication protocols, a method of computer access control in which a user is only granted access after successfully presenting several separate pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism. Typically these include at least two of the following categories: knowledge (something they know); possession (something they have), and inherence (something they are) for access to our online banking system. By staying aware of what hackers are up to, reacting promptly and by implementing stringent access controls to platforms like online banking, mobile banking, telephone banking, etc., we reduce the risk of a hacker being successful.”

PriorityOne Bank contracts with a third-party firm of experts who are continually attempting to access the bank’s network searching for firewall vulnerabilities, as well as monitoring hacker attempts against the system.

“We make all necessary adjustments to our security protections as needed to be prepared for the ever-changing methods of hackers,” Williams said.

Williams said the use of online bank-

ing services by customers has dramatically increased in recent years.

“Protection of our customers’ information is a top priority and we spend a lot of time and money ensuring this protection is the best it can be,” Williams said. “Being diligent on our end with security and educating our customers on ways to protect their information is a winning combination against hackers. But we cannot rest; we will commit the necessary resources to stay on top of protecting our customer information.”

Allen Hodo, executive vice president at First State Bank based in Waynesboro, said there is no doubt that hackers are very intelligent and creative.

“When one scheme or hacking technique gets stopped, they change their approach and launch new attacks,” Hodo said. “Banks spend a great deal of time and resources educating employees on the latest hacker technique and how to spot them so that they can be prevented.”

Hodo said there are many parts to an information security program. A “white hat” hacker attempt should be part of an institution’s program.

“The weakest part of any security program is the human element,” Hodo said. “Customers should guard their log-in credentials. It’s difficult to maintain all the passwords we have these See SAFE, Page 27

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FOCUS: BANKING & FINANCE

SAFE Continued from, Page 26

days, but periodically changing your password is one of the easiest ways customers can protect themselves.”

What happens if someone accidentally gives away their password or it is stolen?

Hodo The account agreement outlines who is responsible should fraud occur. Hodo said if fraudulent activity occurs because of the customer’s negligence, then that would be his or her responsibility.

“These cases can be turned over to the police for investigation Williams and prosecution, but in many cases these fraudsters are outside of the U.S.,” Hodo said. “It can get very difficult to determine who has jurisdiction in some of these cases.”

BancorpSouth Chief Information Officer Jeff Jaggers also advises that customers can help keep their information safe by using a complex password and changing it often. Avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.

Jagger also recommends the following: *Use a firewall program to prevent unauthorized access to computers and install software that protects against malware or malicious software. *Be suspicious of unsolicited email asking for account information. *Create alert notifications to monitor transactions. *Monitor your credit report regularly to make sure all of the listed accounts are ones you’ve created. *Never view account information or make financial transactions using public computers.

Jaggers said financial institutions are regulated organizations and generally receive some of the strongest guidance and expectations for securing information.

Banks and customers both should take important steps to keep information safe

By BECKY GILLETTE

Banks are relying more on technology to compete in today’s marketplace, retain current customers, and attract new customers, said Rhoshunda Kelly, deputy commissioner, Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance.

“Many bankers understand that many consumers prefer the convenience of online services to traditional ‘brick and mortar’ banking,” Kelly said. “Technology gives banks the ability of offering customers a full range of online banking products.”

Kelly said in providing these services, banks have created a secure online banking environment with the following protocols typically deployed: 1. Implementing Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) to ensure that all communication is encrypted between the customer and the bank.

2. Offering out-of-band authentication (e.g., security code sent to customers mobile device, etc.) if customer logs on with an unknown device or geographic location.

3. Offering out-of-band or multi-factor authentication (e.g., challenge questions) if customer submits a transaction that is deemed high risk.

4. Monitoring online transactions for fraudulent activity.

5. Conducting routine IT audits, penetration tests, and vulnerability assessments performed by reputable, outside firms to check for weaknesses and vulnerability in their systems.

6. Contracting with a 24/7 Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that provides the institution with cybersecurity monitoring and management, which may include virus and spam blocking, intrusion detection, firewalls and virtual private network (VPN) management.

7. Performing annual cyber and information security training for all employees.

8. Providing helpful information on the bank’s website regarding steps the customer should take to protect themselves while online.

Kelly said while banks work diligently to provide a safe and secure environment, customers should also consider the following best practices: 1. Monitor your accounts on a regular basis.

2. Be wary or avoid using public computers or public Wi-Fi access points.

3. Beware of phishing or smishing attempts.

4. Use an anti-virus program and keep it up-to-date.

5. Enable personal firewall protection.

6. Do not reuse passwords and change passwords regularly.

Kelly 7. Turn off auto-fill for passwords.

8. Keep the operating system updated with the most recent security patches.

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BANKS

Q Regions Bank.................................................................................................................. www.regions.com

HUMAN RESOURCES

Q People Lease.........................................................................................................www.peoplelease.com

INSURANCE AGENCIES

Q Account Services Group........................................................... www.accountservicesgroup.com

LAW FIRMS

Q Victor W. Carmody, Jr. P.A........................................................................... www.mississippidui.com

PAYROLL

Q People Lease.........................................................................................................www.peoplelease.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT

Q Mansell Media.................................................................................................... www.mansellmedia.net

Have your business listed here! Contact your advertising representative at 601.364.1000

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Mississippi Business Journal – 27

FOCUS: BANKING & FINANCE

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FOCUS: BANKING & FINANCE SBA APPROVED LENDERS

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SAVE LIVES. SAVE MONEY.

re an 70% of Mississippi o M th supports a cigarette tax increase.

Paid for by the Invest in a Healthier Future Coalition.

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Mississippi Business Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 29

FOCUS: BANKING & FINANCE

BankFirst adds new commercial loan officer BankFirst Financial Services announced that April Grantham has been promoted to Commercial Lender in Madison County.

Grantham has 18 years of banking experience, predominantly in the lending area of the bank, and is active in the City of Madison City Chamber.

She earned an Associateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree from Holmes Community College. She lives in Madison County with her husband and three daughters.

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal appointed to Regions Board Regions Financial Corp. recently announced that Willie Anthony Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal Jr. has been appointed to the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors in Jackson, effective immediately.

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal is a third-generation business leader and pioneer with more than 28 years of professional experience in the areas of engineering, program and project management, business development and marketing, quality management and business operations.

In 2015, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal was selected as a State of Mississippi Small Business Person of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration while simultaneously serving as the program manager for a major City of Jackson Wastewater Treatment facility upgrade which garnered an Excellence in Design Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mississippi Chapter.

Dyminski, who has over 22 years of experience in SBA lending, has held various senior commercial lending positions at a number of ďŹ nancial institutions. Dyminski is a graduate of the University of Tampa where he holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in ďŹ nance.

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal earned a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering as an esteemed Weyerhaeuser Corporation Scholar at Mississippi State University.

He is a longtime resident of Jackson and a member of Abundant Life Christian Church. He has one son, Jordan; a godson, Deaunte; and goddaughter, Billie.

Rice joins BankFirst Financial Services

Dyminski to help BankFirstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move into SBA lending

Rice is active in the community, including serving on several local and state boards: Madison County Community Trust, Finance and Economics Advisory Board at Mississippi State University and Jackson Academy Board of Trustees. She is a Columbus native, receiving a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from Mississippi State University and a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University. Rice and her family are members of St. Joseph Church. A Madison county resident, she has two daughters and is married to Pete Vozzo.

BankFirst hired Walter W. Dyminski to lead the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Small Business Administration (SBA) lending group. As Vice President, SBA Manager, Dyminski will work with BankFirstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relationship managers to incorporate SBA lending products into the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings. BankFirst has expanded its business banking solutions to offer SBA 7a, and 504 loans to small-business owners in Mississippi and Alabama.

BankFirst Financial Services announced that Renee Rice is the new Community Banking President for Madison County.

Your Trusted Financial Partner,

TAKE TWO.

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30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mississippi Business Journal

trustmark.com

Member FDIC

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Powering a bright future with solar.

Entergy Mississippi is committed to providing affordable, reliable and clean power to Mississippians for generations to come. So we’re making it easier for our customers to self-generate solar electricity and incorporate solar power into our power grid.

NET METERING The Mississippi Public Service Commission approved net metering for Entergy Mississippi solar users in 2016. Since then, registered customers have received credit for excess solar energy sent back to the power grid.

Learn more about net metering at entergymississippi.com/netmetering.

SUNFLOWER SOLAR SITE Entergy Mississippi will soon operate the state’s largest utility-owned solar farm. Located in Sunflower County, the 100-megawatt facility will generate enough clean energy to power 16,000 homes.

COMMUNITY SOLAR We’re also pursuing the viability of community solar. This concept enables customers to participate in larger solar farms as a community, rather than installing solar panels on their own individual homes.

A message from Entergy Mississippi, Inc. ©2018 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Proud of our leaders who make life better.

Congratulations, Robert Leard, on being named a Leader in Finance.

Regions is proud to congratulate our own Robert Leard on being named among the Mississippi Business Journal Leaders in Finance.

Leadership has always been important to Robert, who has been with Regions for 23 years and currently serves as Market Executive and Commercial Banking Leader for Metro Jackson.

He is responsible for leading the bank’s business and community activities, client service, portfolio management and business development. Robert is a board member for Habitat for Humanity of the Capital Area, Boy Scouts of America’s Andrew Jackson Council, the Mississippi Higher Education Assistance Corporation,

© 2018 Regions Bank.

the Woodward Hines Education Foundation and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He is a member of the Mississippi Bankers Association Legislative Committee and on the board of governors for the Mississippi Economic Council.

He has also served on the executive board of the Metro Jackson YMCA, is a former president of the Capital Optimist Club of Jackson, and served as a board member and finance committee chairman of the Central Mississippi Red Cross. Congratulations, Robert, on your honorable achievement.