MBJ_Top50—MAY31-2019

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

EVENTS

Top 50 Under 40 highlights our best and brightest T his is the 27th year for Top 50 Under 40 in Mississippi, and through the years, we’ve recognized some of Mississippi’s best and brightest up-and-coming business leaders.

This year is no exception, with a record number of nominations. As you may be aware, judging is a cooperative process, shared by our staff Ross Reily and other respected community leaders. The judges had some tough decisions to make this year, as there were so many great nominations.

The 50 individuals we will recognize in the pages that follow are definitely deserving of the honor, as all of these people have already achieved significant success. We have no doubt that many who are recognized will be key leaders in Mississippi business in coming years. We congratulate everyone, along with their families and the companies they represent.

Having said all of that, the MBJ’s Top 50 Under 40 Awards is not all you will be seeing in this edition.

We also have a regular Focus of the MBJ. And then there is the list. One of the things the MBJ is known for

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The 50 individuals we will recognize in the pages that follow are definitely deserving of the honor, as all of these people have already achieved significant success.

is its lists. We print a business list associated with almost every Focus we print in each edition.

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.

132 Riverview Drive, Suite E Flowood, MS 39232 Main: (601) 364-1000 Faxes: Advertising (601) 364-1007 E-mails: mbj@msbusiness.com, ads@msbusiness.com, photos@msbusiness.com, research@msbusiness.com, events@msbusiness.com

Website: www.msbusiness.com MAY 31, 2019 Volume 41, Number 22

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 FRANK BROWN List Researcher frank.brown@msbusiness.com • 364-1022 JACK WEATHERLY Staff Writer jack.weatherly@msbusiness.com • 364-1016 TACY RAYBURN Production Manager tacy.rayburn@msbusiness.com • 364-1019 CHARINA RHODES Circulation Manager charina.rhodes@msbusiness.com • 364-1045 MARCIA THOMPSON Business Assistant marcia.kelly@msbusiness.com • 364-1044 Subscription Services (601) 364-1000 subscriptions@msbusiness.com Mississippi Business Journal (USPS 000-222) is published weekly with one annual issue by MSBJ 132 Riverview Drive, Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, MS. Subscription rates: 1 year $109; 2 years $168; and 3 years $214.

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To submit subscription payments: Mail: Mississippi Business Journal Subscriptions Services, 132 Riverview Drive, Suite E, Flowood, MS 39232.

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The Mississippi Business Journal, is an affiliate of Journal Publishing Company (JPC), Inc. Entire contents copyrighted © 2019 by Journal Inc. All rights reserved.

Mississippi Business Journal – 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2019 CLASS John W. Beck, III, Origin Bank .........................................................8 Daniel Boggs, Greater Greenville......................................................9 R. Lance Carnahan, Ingalls Shipbuilding ....................................... 6-7 Dr. Joseph H. Childs, Southern Eye Center .......................................9 Jessica Cooley, Grantham Poole ..................................................... 10 Brian P. Cronin, Copeland & John ................................................... 11 Kelvin D. Davis, Delta State University ............................................ 11 Stacia Marie Dunson, Harmony House Calls & Medical Service, LLC..12 Anderson Ervin, Durrell Design Group.............................................13 Chelsey Everett, The Area Development Partnership .......................13 Scott T. Ferguson, Financial Concepts ............................................ 14 Kevin W. Frye, Frye Reeves, PLLC ...................................................15 Adam H. Gates, Baker Donelson .....................................................15 Shawn H. Gillenwater, CPA, Haddox Reid ....................................... 16 Bob Glover, The Peoples Bank, Ripley .............................................17 Aubrey Leigh Goodwin, Mississippi Dept of Finance ........................17 Ashley Gray, Palmer Home for Children.......................................... 18 Maxine Greenleaf, JSU .................................................................. 19 Dr. Brandon L. Hardin, Hardin Sports Medicine and Performance .... 19 Shelley M. Harrigill, Esq., Harrigill Law Office ................................20 Laurel Li Harris, Porter Malouf .......................................................21 Matthew Harrison, Greater Grenada Partnership .............................21 Emily Hoff, Mississippi Children Museum ...................................... 22 Sarah Beth Jones, Gay Jones Kuhn ................................................ 23 Blaine LaFontaine, Hancock Co Board of Supervisors...................... 23 Sarah E. Link, CAE, ississippi Vision Foundation ............................ 24 Wayne Madkin, Entergy Services, Inc. ............................................ 25 Samantha McCain, APR, City of Hattiesburg .................................. 25 Micah J. McCullough, NAI UCR Properties & Underwood Co. ..........26 Jonathan P. Mills, Heartland Catfish Co.......................................... 27 Jesse Mitchell III, Esq., The Mitchell Firm, PLLC ............................. 27 Molly Jeffcoat Moody, Watkins & Eager PLLC .................................28 Kory Moore, Citizen’s National Bank ..............................................29 Robert Gene Morgan, II, Mississippi Governor’s Office ....................29 Misti Munroe, Mississippi Legislative Budget Office........................30 Tami L. Munsch, Munsch Law.........................................................31 Sydney R. Murphy, UMMC .............................................................31 Joshua Norris, Corkern & Norris/Lefleur Financial .......................... 32 Richard Scott Pickering, Community Bank of Mississippi ................ 33 Roderick Red, Red Square Productions .......................................... 33 Jason Skrmetti, Stericycle .............................................................34

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Heather Ladner Smith, Butler Snow .............................................. 35 Austin Stewart, Adams and Reese ................................................. 35 Dr. Braque Talley, Rust College ......................................................36 Regina Todd, Rankin First Economic Development Authority .......... 37 Chris Vignes, Mississippi Power .................................................... 37 Dr. Alexander Washington, Mississippi Public Service Commission ..38 Clarence Webster, III, Bradley ........................................................ 39 Ross Weems, BankPlus ................................................................. 39 Demeria Nichols Williams, Department of Veterans Affairs ............ 40 Past Winners ................................................................................ 41 Event Photos .......................................................................... 42-43

FOCUS ON Banking & Finance

Liberty Bank is the only black-owned bank operating in Mississippi ............................................................. 45-46 Types of jobs in banking expected to change with increasing adoption of artificial intelligence............................... 47-49 LISTS Oldest Credit Unions ................................................50-51

Other News NEWSMAKERS ...............................................................52-55-

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Tell Us Who

STANDS OUT

Outstanding Mississippi Business Leaders Under 40 Nominees Must Be: • Employed and have lived and worked in Mississippi for at least two years.

• Under 40 years of age as of December 1, 2019.

• Involved in more than business activities.

I Nominate: Birthdate: (Must be after December 1, 1979) Company: Position: Business Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Zip: Fax:

Email:

In Business and the Community Nominated by: Company: Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Zip: Fax:

Email: Your relationship to nominee:

We accept Top 50 Under 40 Nominations throughout the year.

You will receive...the entry requirements as soon as your nomination is entered. Final and complete entry packages must be received by MBJ no later than January, 2020.

Please return to:

Fax: 601-364-1007 • Online: www.msbusiness.com Mail: Top 50, MBJ, 132 Riverview Drive Suite E. Flowood, MS 39232 More info: 601-364-1000 or events@msbusiness.com

Civic Involvement will be strongly considered. Nominees who hold political office will not be considered solely on the basis of political achievements.

Nominees do not necessarily have to be business owners. Professionals in the non-profit business sector are eligible. Individuals are also encouraged to nominate themselves.

2019

Business

TOP 10 FINALISTS John W. Beck, III Origin Bank

Daniel Boggs Greater Greenville

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Dr. Joseph H. Childs Southern Eye Center

Brian P. Cronin Copeland & John

Stacia Marie Dunson Harmony Care www.msbusiness.com

Person of the Year R. Lance Carnahan Ingalls Shipbuilding

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ance Carnahan is the Director of Hull at Huntington Ingalls Industries, providing metal trades support to the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard in building the most advanced warships in the world. In this role, Carnahan is responsible for the safety, development and performance of over 1900 employees.

With 14 years in steel manufacturing, Carnahan knows how to balance proven construction processes with innovation leading many of our $850 million dollar modernization projects, improving the quality of life for our workforce and quality of product for our customers. Carnahan is a six-sigma blackbelt, an expert in lean manufacturing and has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering.

A founding member of Ingalls education outreach, Lance works with students from local high schools to develop welding skills and employment readiness.

Carnahan and his wife, Ainslee have two children, Barnes, 9 and Evie, 5 and their third child is due in May.

Shawn H. Gillenwater

Molly Jeffcoat Moody

Haddox Reid

Watkins & Eager PLLC

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Scott Pickering Community Bank

Heather Smith Butler Snow

Ross Weems BankPlus 2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 7

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John W. Beck, III

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aking a positive and lasting impact on the business community is John Beck’s ambition.

Beck currently serves as the Banking Center Manager for Origin Bank in Flowood, where he upholds the company’s brand promise to “make every customer feel like the only customer every time.”

After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 2003 with a double major in marketing and business management from the School of Business, Beck chose to focus his efforts in the financial industry. He led his team to receive

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Origin Bank

the 2013 Rankin County Chamber’s Large Business of the Year, and was honored with individual achievements from Origin Bank including Manager of the Year and Mississippi Retail Employee of the Year.

A long-time resident of Brandon, Beck has served in several positions of leadership including on the advisory board for Habitat for Humanity, President of the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce in 2016, and as a Diplomat for the Flowood Chamber of Commerce.

In Beck’s leisure time, he enjoys yard work, watching college football and spending time with his family, wife Amber and daughter Madelyn.

Congratulations SCOTT PICKERING PRESIDENT, JONES COUNTY

FOR BEING NAMED TOP 10 IN THE

BY THE MS BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Daniel Boggs

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aniel Boggs is the Chief Executive Officer for Greater Greenville Housing and Revitalization Association, Inc., Greater Greenville Development Foundation, Inc., and Main Street Greenville.

All three organizations are Mississippi based 501(c)(3) Community Development Corporations which focus on a variety of relevant issues and/or projects that promote and increase the quality of life for Delta residents.

Boggs’s entire professional career has been dedicated to community, residential and

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Greater Greenville commercial planning and development in the public, for-profit and non-profit sectors. Prior to coming to Greenville in 2012, Boggs served as an original team member in the Office of Recovery for the state of Mississippi which developed and implemented housing programs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Over the past 15 years, Boggs has managed over Five Hundred Thirty-Eight Million Dollars in federal, state and private funding for various types of community enhancement projects. He is a 2004 graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Landscape Architecture.

and Clinical Instructor. Additionally, he received awards for Best Resident Research Project, Best Resident Teacher as voted by his peers and the Charles C. Barr Resident Award.

Childs is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society. He is board certified by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Childs is married with four children. He enjoys family time, church activities, and outdoor interests such as gardening, fishing, hiking and camping. Childs is an active community volunteer and enjoys participating in his children’s various sports activities.

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native of Texas, Joseph Childs graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M University as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Childs earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston graduating among the top ten percent of his class and was elected a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. His Ophthalmology residency and Glaucoma Fellowship were completed at the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, Department of Ophthalmology. While there, Childs served as Chief Resident

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Southern Eye Center

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Dr. Joseph H. Childs

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 9

Jessica Cooley Grantham Poole

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essica Cooley is a member of GranthamPoole PLLC and a leader in the firm’s tax planning and compliance practice.

Cooley is focused in the area of estate and trust taxation, having worked with many clients to navigate compliance and planning for trust, gift and estate matters. Cooley also works with many businesses and business owners to handle various planning, structuring and compliance matters.

Cooley is a member of the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants, The Amer-

ican Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Estate Planning Council of Mississippi.

In the community, she is actively involved with the Junior League of Jackson and Madison Ridgeland Rotary Club. Cooley is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi where she earned her Master of Professional Accountancy and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees.

Cooley and her husband, Chris, have two children, Avery and Ella Grace. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family.

Congratulations Congratulations to all the Top 50 Under 40 honorees and a special salute to all the winners from Rankin county, including our own Regina Todd.

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Copeland & Johns s a member of Copeland and Johns, Inc., Brian Cronin oversees executive management and finances. He reviews weekly reports from the president and follows up on weekly and monthly goals. In addition, Cronin is the head men’s basketball coach at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School where he led the Saints to the Class 3A State Championship in 2018 and was named the Mississippi Coach of the year for all classifications.

A graduate of Brigham Young University, Cronin’s career started at SPB partners in Las Vegas, which is a family office private equity fund. He started there as an execu-

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Brian P. Cronin tive assistant and was promoted to analyst. From there, Cronin went to Paragon Investment group in Provo, Utah. Eventually, he started his own company (Prosperity Construction), which eventually merged with Copeland and Johns.

Cronin, who is also profoundly deaf, was named the Metro Teacher of the Year in 2016 and won the Christian Allenburger Award at St. Andrew’s in 2016. Having said all of that, Cronin says his most significant professional accomplishment was leading Prosperity Contruction through a merger with Copeland and Johns. Cronin and his wife Kristi have been married since 2009 and says in his spare time loves to read, play sports and hang out with his children.

Kelvin D. Davis Delta State University

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elvin Davis is the Director of Student Business Services and the University Liaison for Food Service and the Bookstore at Delta State University.

Within Student Business Services, he oversees the University’s Accounts Receivable, Cash Handling Operations, Campus Card program, Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act program, Federal Perkins Loan program, and all third party payments. In addition to serving as the University Liaison for Food Service and the Bookstore, Davis man-

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ages their related multimillion dollar contracts.

Davis is a recent graduate of Leadership Bolivar County and a second year resident of the Southern Association of College and University Business Officer’s College Business Management Institute.

Davis earned his BS in Political Science in 2007 and his MBA in 2009 from Delta State University. He currently resides in Cleveland, where he is an active member of the Delmar Avenue Church of Christ, and is the proud father of two adopted sons and two granddaughters.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 11

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tacia Dunson is the CEO and Clinical Director of Harmony Housecalls & Medical Services LLC. Her responsibilities are managing day to day operations and clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner and CEO, training students in medical assistant, phlebotomy, and nursing programs and serving as lead delegate in community service projects including heath fairs, blood drives and monthly medical chats at assisted living facilities to educate residents and staff on acute and chronic illnesses.

Dunson holds degrees from

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Harmony House Calls & Medical Service, LLC

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Stacia Marie Dunson Holmes Community College, University of Southern MS, and Alcorn State University.

Dunson’s previous employer prior to starting Harmony House Calls & Medical Services was Jackson Hinds Comprehensive.

She is a member of the Junior League of Jackson, Jack and Jill of America and the Greater Mississippi Girl Scouts.

In her spare time, Dunson enjoys singing, spending time with family and friends and watching movies with her husband and children as well as participating in high intensity training exercise classes.

12 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Anderson Ervin Durrell Design Group

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nderson Ervin, a native and resident of Jackson, attended Hinds Community College and graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Architecture. After working at previous employment for nine years, he sought new opportunities to advance his skill set of project management and design.

Ervin joined Durrell Design Group as one of the primary lead designers and project managers. Anderson’s past experience can be seen throughout the state with projects such as the Salvation Army Worship and Community Center in Jackson, Ridgeland High School Addition, and many military projects around the region.

Chelsey Everett The Area Development Partnership

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helsey Everett serves as the Research Director, in the Economic Development division, at the Area Development Partnership. In this role, Everett is responsible for tracking and analyzing data and demographics, maintaining a database of industrial and commercial sites and buildings, and creating and maintaining all of the economic development materials, which have been recognized regionally by the Southern Economic Development Council. Everett is also a licensed drone pilot and aids in capturing images and videos of growth in the Greater Hattiesburg market. In

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addition to these duties she assists the rest of the Economic Development team with various projects and research to continue to support the growth of the region.

Everett received her M.S. in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi where she was President of the Student Economic Development Association and was elected into the 2015 Graduate Student Hall of Fame. Prior to her graduate work, Everett earned a B.A. in Public Relations and Marketing from Southern Miss while being actively involved in leadership roles on The Agency at Southern Miss and the Public Relations Student Society of America.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 13

Scott T. Ferguson Financial Concepts

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cott Ferguson grew up helping in the family financial planning business and joined Financial Concepts in 2006.

Active in the community, he has found his calling helping clients plan for the future in order to reach their financial goals and objectives.

Ferguson He attended the University of Alabama and holds FINRA Series 6, 63, & 65 licenses.

As a planner, Ferguson is in charge of assisting clients in achieving their life and financial goals through conservative investment strategies.

Outside of the office, Fergu-

14 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

son enjoys spending time with his wife, Whitney, and their two children Bentley and Myers. Actively involved in the community, he has previously served as as Executive Committee President for United Way of Lowndes County and has coached recreational soccer since 2011. Ferguson currently serves of on the board of 200 million flowers, a Mississippi based non-profit focused on improving the lives of the Foster Care Children throughout the state. Along with his son, Bentley, he is the founder of Little Hands, Big Trucks, an annual kid friendly event that benefits the United Way of Lowndes County.

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Kevin W. Frye Frye Reeves, PLLC

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evin Frye is the founder and managing partner for Frye Reeves PLLC in Oxford. Among is many responsibilities are human resources, client management, financial management and business development and marketing.

He has been voted Oxford’s Favorite Attorney for 10 consecutive years, most recently in December 2018. Frye holds elected office as District 1 Supervisor of Lafayette County and served as President of the Lafayette County Bar Association for the

2017-18 program year.

He previously was an adjunct professor of Law and was the Public Service Internship Director for the University of Mississippi School of Law. Frye has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southwest Oklahoma State University and then earned his juris doctorate at The University of Mississippi School of Law in 2005.

Frye is a Board member of Sustainable Oxford and he and his wife are members of the St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Oxford.

Adam H. Gates Baker Donelson

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Adam Gates is an shareholder at Baker Donelson where he helps employers work through day-today personnel issues and defends them in litigation and arbitration. Gates is also the Associate Advisor for the associates in the firm’s Jackson office, and serves on the firm’s recruiting committee.

Gates has been named a Rising Star by Mid-South Super Lawyers from 2014-2019, and is a

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2015 graduate of the Mississippi Bar’s Leadership Forum. Gates served a three-year term as a Deacon at Pinelake Church, was a member of Pinelake’s Personnel Committee, and regularly represents pro bono clients through the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project. He and his wife, Melanie, are foster parents, and they recently adopted a son out of foster care. They now have five children, and live in Madison.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 15

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Haddox Reid hawn Gillenwater is a senior tax manager with Haddox Reid and has been there for 10 years with experience in public accounting. His experience includes income tax planning and compliance for businesses and individuals that require multiple state filings.

Gillenwater manages client accounting services including payroll processing, bookkeeping, and compilation of financial statements.

Gillenwater graduated with a

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Shawn H. Gillenwater, CPA Bachelor of Business Administration from Millsaps College in 2008 and then earned a Master of Accountancy from Millsaps in 2009.

He is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Rankin County and is the treasurer of the Central Chapter of the Mississippi Society of CPAs. Gillenwater also attended the BDO Alliance Leadership Development Program.

Gillenwater is married with two children and is a member of Pinelake Church.

Congratulations

Brian Cronin on being selected as a 2019 Top 50 Under 40 honoree

5193 Old Brandon Road • Pearl, MS 39208 • copelandandjohns.com

16 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Bob Glover The Peoples Bank, Ripley

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ob Glover is a Vice-President and Investment Officer of The Peoples Bank, Ripley He was recently elected to serve as President of Mississippi Young Bankers, a section of the Mississippi Bankers Association.

Glover earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in Finance and Risk Management, Insurance, and Financial Planning from Mississippi State University. He is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Among his civic activities, Glover currently serves as

Chairman of the Tippah County Development Foundation and TARGET Endowment Fund. He is CFO of Ripley Arts Council and a board member of the Yocona Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. Glover is a Trustee of Blue Mountain College and President of the Tippah County Chapter of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association.

He is also a board member and volunteer at the Sanctuary Hospice House.

Glover and his wife, Amberly, live in Ripley with their daughter, Snow, and sons, Graham and Pierce.

Aubrey Leigh Goodwin Mississippi Department of Finance

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ubrey Leigh Goodwin works for the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration as the Deputy Executive Director. Prior to joining DFA, Goodwin served as Special Assistant Attorney General to the Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration for more than seven years, giving counsel to DFA’s leadership in the areas of policy development, purchasing, fleet management, public works contracting, property leasing, and human resources.

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Prior to joining the Attorney General’s Office, Goodwin was in private practice. Aubrey Leigh is a Jackson native and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies.

After graduation, she worked as a paralegal for five years before beginning law school.

Goodwin graduated Cum Laude from Mississippi College School of Law, where she served as an Adjunct Professor of Appellate Advocacy.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 17

Ashley Gray Palmer Home for Children

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shley Gray has been the vice president of Children’s Services at Palmer Home for Children since 2017. her role gives her amazing opportunity to serve the orphans of the Southeast of the United States.

Each day, Gray receives calls for children in need due to abuse, neglect, homelessness, infants of imprisoned mothers and children who are victims of the opiod crisis across the Southeast. palmer Home has provided an environment that is safe, loving and secure for the last 123 years.

Prior to working for Palmer Home, Gray was the Director of Safety and Ambassadors Services for the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo and was an Executive Fellow at Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth.

Gray holds a Masters in Health Administration and a Bachelors in Social Work and was named the Young Mississippi Healthcare Executive of the Year in 2016.

Gray and her husband live in Oxford with their two children — Maddies, 12 and Parker, 10.

The team members of Entergy congratulate Wayne Madkin for being named Top 50 Under 40 by the Mississippi Business Journal.

18 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Maxine Greenleaf Jackson State University

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axine Greenleaf currently serves as Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at Jackson State University. Greenleaf, a native of Itta Bena, spent four years as the director of communications and marketing at her alma mater Mississippi Valley State.

Greenleaf has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and received her Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kent State University. She is currently enrolled in the higher education administra-

tion program at the University of Mississippi. Previously, Greenleaf has served as the director of public relations for the Leflore County School District.

Greenleaf is currently assistant governor for Rotary - District 6820 and has been since July 1, 2017, after joining Rotary in 2011 and a member of the Rotary Club of Jackson. Also, Greenleaf serves as president of the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi.

She is married to Eleazarus Greenleaf, and they have three children, Sydney, Jaiden, and Avery.

Dr. Brandon L. Hardin Hardin Sports Medicine and Performance

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r. Brandon Hardin specializes in chiropractic sports medicine and focuses on the athlete taking a whole person approach. He coaches his patients of all walks of life on diet and nutrition, exercise science, prenatal chiropractic care as well as physical and functional rehabilitation and injury prevention.

Hardin is a fourth generation chiropractor and has experience rating athletes from Major

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League Baseball, the NFL and Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He has also treated veterans as part of a rotation at the Dallas VA Hospital.

Hardin received his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M and a second BS in Health and Wellness and went on to complete his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Parker University in Dallas.

Hardin is an avid runner and enjoys spending time outdoors biking, hiking and kayaking with his family.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 19

Shelley M. Harrigill, Esq. Harrigill Law Office

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helley Harrigill is a solo practitioner who assists clients in primarily domestic relations work, specializing in Chancery Court matters such as divorce, child custody, wills and probate, among many others.

Harrigill has also been an alderman for the City of Brookhaven since 2017, serving as a liaison for residents with city related complaints about city services.

Prior to Harrigill opening her own law practice in 2012, she served as a staff attorney for the Mississippi State Board of

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Nursing in Jackson. Harrigill has worked both the family trades in the funeral home business and with her mother’s business as a Spanish translator and interpreter.

Born in Venezuela, Harrigill went on to become a member of the Millsaps College Hall of Fame where she graduated and was awarded the Outstanding Student Award for Advanced Legal Writing at the University of Mississippi School of Law. Harrigill is an avid reader and also enjoys singing and being involved in her church as well as shopping, traveling and volunteering.

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Laurel Li Harris Porter Malouf

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aurel Li Harris is an Attorney at Porter & Malouf, P.A. in Ridgeland.

Originally a native of the Florida Panhandle, Harris moved to Jackson in 2011 to assist with Porter & Malouf’s Mass Tort litigation.

She currently represents vulnerable individuals and Plaintiffs who have been injured by toxic chemicals, and defective products.

Harris was a two- time Florida Bar Foundation fellow while still in law school and has been selected as a Top Attorney MidSouth Rising Star since 2016.

She recently graduated from the Mississippi Bar’s Leadership Forum. Harris currently serves

on the Board of Governors for the Mississippi Association for Justice, and on the Mississippi Bar Association’s Women in the Profession Committee, among many more.

Throughout her career, Harris has assisted clients in receiving over $25 million dollars in settlement funds and verdicts for injuries obtained from defective and harmful products. Harris is engaged to Matt Dennison and they have two black labs named Buck and Fudgie. In her free time, she enjoys being in nature with Matt and her dogs and can often be found in Port Gibson at deer camp or mud riding at Copiah Creek.

Matthew Harrison Greater Grenada Partnership

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atthew Harrison leads the Greater Grenada Partnership as the president, having worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies such as Toyota, Mercedes and Xerox.

Harrison’s resume includes more than 15 years of executive management experience in strategic planning, finance, administration, communications and business relationship management in the private sector.

Harrison received a Master of Science in Economic Development from the Trent Lott Center

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for Economic Development at the University of Southern Mississippi and he holds a B.S. in Technology Management, numerous credentials in project management and business management and is a credentialed economic and community development leader.

Harrison is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute and is an alumnus of TVA’s Rural Leadership Institute. Harrison resides in the Camp McCain area with his wife Amber and their three children, where they enjoy outdoor recreation.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 21

Emily Hoff Mississippi Children’s Museum

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mily Hoff was born and raised in Jackson.

After graduating from the University of Mississippi with a degree in English, she moved to Washington, D.C., and worked for Congressman Gregg Harper for six years. Hoff returned to Jackson in 2015 and began serving as the Director of Development at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, where she oversees the fundraising of more than $1 million each year.

After making the switch from politics to working at a non-profit, Hoff discovered her passion for ensuring that children from all backgrounds could have access to experiences that would inspire them to create and imagine. Hoff strongly believes that providing these opportunities can change the trajectory of a child’s life for the better.

Hoff and her husband, also a Mississippi native, reside in Jackson with their daughter.

MEMBER FDIC

Congratulations, Johnny Beck On the outstanding achievement of being a Top 10 Finalist among the Top 50 Under 40 In Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal.

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Bank Original

22 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Sarah Beth Jones Gay Jones Kuhn

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arah Beth Jones is a founding member of GJ&K licensed in Mississippi and Alabama.

She strives to serve her clients with enthusiasm and excellence as they collaborate together to reduce risk and identify smart solutions to legal issues. Jones focuses her practice on coordination of special projects and implementation of creative defense strategies in the mass tort arena. Jones has a passion for assisting small businesses in her community and working with parents, children, and schools to improve the

quality of education for students with special needs.

Jones also works in Mississippi to assist students, parents, and school districts with issues related to Title IX, bullying, social media, implementation of independent education plans and strategies to increase communication for students, teachers and administrators.

Jones is a Mississippi native who grew up in Louisville. She presently lives in the Reservoir area of Brandon with her husband Brandon, their two boys, Oliver and Elliott, and their dogs Graham and Scout.

Blaine LaFontaine Hancock Co. Board of Supervisors

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laine LaFontaine is President of Hancock County Board of Supervisors and resident of Diamondhead. He is a former councilman for City of Diamondhead and graduate of Leadership Hancock County and Leadership Mississippi.

LaFontaine has served on different committees and worked with elected officials for the Mississippi Municipal League and Mississippi Association of Supervisors.

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Lafontaine is a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology and Masters of Science in Economic Development.

He is married to Heather LaFontaine with three children, Kylie - 10, Khloe - 5 and Kate - 1. He also works throughout Mississippi in the wastewater industry when he is not working on County and Coast public policy.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 23

Sarah E. Link, CAE Mississippi Vision Foundation

S

arah Link has been in the association world for almost 7 years and is currently the Associate Executive Director at the Mississippi Optometric Association. She handles board support and coordination, event management, oversees part-time contractors, and is the liaison for the Mississippi Vision Foundation, where she serves as Executive Director.

Link also oversees the marketing and branding efforts of the MOA. Previously, Link served as Membership Coordinator for the MOA for three years, and

was responsible for membership growth and retention. Link has served on the Mississippi Society for Association Executives board of directors and is the current MSAE Treasurer.

Before joining MOA, she worked as an account coordinator for an advertising agency, and has a background in administrative coordination and retail management.

Link received her Bachelor’s in Art from Belhaven University.

She has earned her certification for association executive and is a juried member of the Craftmen’s Guild of MS.

Congratulations

ASHLEY GRAY ON BEING SELECTED AS

2019 TOP 50 UNDER 40 HONOREE

24 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Wayne Madkin Entergy Services, Inc.

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rofessionally, Wayne Madkin joined Entergy Services, Inc., in 2015 supporting the Strategic Sourcing and Key Agreements department in Jackson.

Madkin manages commercial relationships with critical nuclear product and service suppliers; Negotiates multi-million dollar agreements, and Leads continuous process improvement teams.

Madkin has more than 18 years of Procurement, Administration, Management, and Customer Service experience.

He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business Administration from Mississippi State

University and the University of North Alabama respectfully.

In 2018, Madkin received “The Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council Buyer of the Year Award. He currently is an Executive Committee Member for The Mississippi State University M Club Alumni Association. At Mississippi State, Madkin was a four-year football letterman and — yes, he led the Bulldogs to the SEC Championship Game in 1998 and a win over Texas A&M in the famous Snow Bowl Game in 2000. Madkin currently lives in Clinton and volunteers in local youth sports.

Samantha McCain, APR City of Hattiesburg

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riven by a passion to help others and motivation to always do better, Samantha McCain is a dedicated public relations practitioner who continues to invest in her role as a community leader.

McCain is a resident of Hattiesburg, where she began her journey at The University of Southern Mississippi in 2005. After graduating with two degrees, she ventured into the working world – having spent time with the American Red Cross of Mississippi, Hatties-

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burg Clinic, The Focus Group and The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at USM. After leading the communication efforts for Mayor Toby Barker’s mayoral campaign, McCain was invited to join his cabinet as the Chief Communications Officer for the City of Hattiesburg in 2017.

In addition to her full-time job, McCain lends a hand to promoting various community projects, spends time mentoring today and tomorrow’s professionals, coordinates programming for leadership development in the Hattiesburg area.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 25

Micah J. McCullough NAI UCR Properties & Underwood Co.

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icah McCullough as vice president, is responsible for the overall company operation and strategy for NAI UCR Properties, which includes approximately 680,000 SF of Office, Retail, & Industrial Properties with an estimated market value of $50 Million.

He is accountable for brokerage services, asset management, acquisitions and development.

He has completed more than 100 commercial real estate transac-

tions totaling more than $100 Million.

McCullough is a graduate of the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He now is on the Real Estate Alumni Advisory Board at Ole Miss and is a member of the Phoenix Club of Jackson.

He and his wife Meredith have been married for three years and have a 1-year-old son named Alden. In his spare time, Micah enjoys golf and traveling.

Congratulations

Chelsey Everett

on being selected as a 2019 Top 50 under 40 honoree

on being selected as a 2019 Top 50 Under 40 honoree

Love, Joe, Mackenzie, Gracie, Daisy & Bubbles 26 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

ONE CONVENTION CENTER PLAZA HATTISBURG, MS 39401 www.theADP.com

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Jonathan P. Mills Heartland Catfish Co

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onathan Mills is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Heartland Catfish Company.

He joined the company more than 10 years ago, helping to grow Heartland into the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish industry leader.

Mills oversees a nation-wide sales team and broker network that ensure Heartland Catfish sales are represented throughout each of the lower 48 states.

Prior to joining Heartland Catfish Company, Mills had his own private legal practice where he focused specifically on

litigation, real estate and criminal defense out of his office in Philadelphia, Miss.

A lifelong Mississippian, Mills completed his undergraduate degree in political science at Mississippi State University where he graduated cum laude.

His graduate work was completed at the Mississippi College School of Law where he graduated magna cum laude.

H Mills e enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, being an active member of the Greenwood community, and in his spare time, working on his golf game and duck hunting.

Jesse Mitchell III, Esq. The Mitchell Firm, PLLC

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esse Mitchell is the founding partner of The Mitchell Firm. He has been honored by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” and has received the honor of being selected by The National Trial Lawyers Association as a Top 40 Under 40 for 2015.

Mitchell primarily represents institutional and individual investors in securities and consumer fraud matters. He is one of very few litigators in the country that holds a Series 7 and Series 63 securities broker license. This unique insight and knowledge gives him a stark advantage over his competitors and opponents.

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He is a board member of the Second Chance Foundation, a volunteer for the Central Mississippi Kappa League, a board member for the Community Foundation for Greater Jackson and a past president of the Ole Miss M-Club.

The Moss Point native earned his Bachelor of Accountancy and Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi. Mitchell was also an All-SEC defensive tackle for Ole Miss and helped lead the Rebels to a shared SEC West title and three bowl games, including a Cotton Bowl victory over Oklahoma State.

Mitchell and his wife Darrilyn live in Brandon with their two sons — Jayden and Chase.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 27

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Watkins & Eager PLLC 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

TO

Molly Jeffcoat Moody 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.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

ROSS WEEMS ON BEING NAMED

TOP50 UNDER40 2019

As a First Vice President with the Private Client Group at BankPlus, Ross is one of our finest. So we’re proud, but not surprised, that he has been chosen for this honor. Ross’ service to the community has been recognized by many.

We take our hats off to Ross.

BankPlus.net © Copyright 2019 BankPlus.

Member FDIC.

28 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Kory Moore Citizen’s National Bank

K

ory Moore is a vice president and commercial and relationship banker with Citizen’s National Bank in Hattiesburg and has worked in the banking industry since 2013.

Moore joined the 186th Air Operations Group in 2014 and received his commission in 2015.

As a 1st Lieutenant, he leads the personnel team in providing support to First Air Force for homeland defense, natural disasters and national exercises.

In 2018, Kory founded a podcast called “The Same 7”, which is all about life, faith and religion.

On the podcast, he interviews people from different political, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

His other hobbies include watching Southern Miss sports, playing with his pup, Murphy, and traveling with his wife, Nicole.

Moore is a graduate of USM where he received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in 2009 and 2011. He went on to study Christian Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC. Currently, he is a second-year student at the Mississippi School of Banking and will graduate in April 2019.

Robert Gene Morgan, II Mississippi Governor’s Office

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obby Morgan serves as a Policy Advisor to Gov. Phil Bryant on issues related to economic development and federal affairs. In this role he works closely with the Mississippi Development Authority and its Executive Team on public policy matters at the local, state, national, and international level. He also serves as Governor Bryant’s Liaison to the Mississippi Senate and is his designee to the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Prior to joining the Governor’s office, Morgan served as the Communications Director for the

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Mississippi Republican Party. He began his career in Washington DC where he served as an intern for former Rep. Chip Pickering, Sen. Roger Wicker, the lobbying firm BGR Group, and the Republican Governor’s Association.

Morgan is a native of Mississippi — an Air Force Brat born at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.

He left Mississippi at age six and moved to Italy for four years and then Turkey for three years before his parents retired to the Florida panhandle. Morgan is a 2009 graduate of the University of Mississippi. He serves on the Board of the Phoenix Club of Jackson.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 29

Misti Munroe Mississippi Legislative Budget Office

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s Chief Revenue Officer for the Legislative Budget Office, Misti Munroe oversees the revenue and cashflow of the General Fund and all State Support Funds, totaling approximately $6 billion. She also serves as an advisor to the LBO’s Executive Director, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House, and legislators on various revenue and legislative matters.

Prior to serving as Chief Revenue Officer, Munroe was the Chief Investment Officer for the Office of the State Treasurer.

Munroe is a graduate of Mississippi College with a Master’s

in Finance and holds a Bachelor’s in Marketing from Mississippi State University. Munroe has been named as one of Trusted Insight’s Top 30 Women Chief Investment Officers nationally in 2016, as well as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 10 Leading Business Women for 2015.

She spends her free time volunteering with Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County and various other service organizations around the Jackson metro area. She also enjoys home improvement projects, playing tennis, judging pageants and coaching, and spending time with friends and family, including her dog Bailey.

Congratulations to Clarence Webster for being named to the Top 50 Under 40 for 2019

At Bradley, our attorneys understand that legal matters are more than contests of critical thought; they have real-world implications, which is why we prioritize integrity. It is this integrity that inspires us to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations by providing innovative solutions, dependable responsiveness and a deep commitment to success.

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30 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Tami L. Munsch Munsch Law

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ami Munsch, originally from Metairie, Louisiana, was raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Kiln.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002 and received a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law in 2006. Munsch was admitted to The Mississippi Bar in 2007 and opened her law practice in 2008.

Munsch’s practice focuses on the areas of Personal lnjury, Youth Court, Estate Planning, Debt Settlement & Negotiation, Family Law, and General Practice.

After practicing in the Jackson area for about eight years, she decided it was time to move closer to family. Her office is currently located in Hancock Co. Prior to opening her own practice, Munsch was employed at the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project as an Equal Justice Works fellow. She was assigned to her post as an AmeriCorps attorney to focus primarily on the Katrina recovery aspect.

Munsch assisted in organizing and working many clinics for the benefit of the underpriviledged and Katrina victims. She has also presented FEMA and SBA information at clinics on the East Coast for storm survivors.

Sydney R. Murphy UMMC

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ydney Murphy is a third generation Mississippian. Born and raised in Madison she attended Mississippi State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry in 2006. Murphy continued her academic career at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where she earned her Master of Science in biomedical sciences in 2009 and Doctorate of Philosophy in physiology in 2010.

In 2012, Murphy was hired as faculty within the department, and continued her research investigating the specific molecular factors that contribute to alter-

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ations in placental remodeling and increases in maternal blood pressure during pregnancy. In 2014, Murphy became the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs within the School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, and was promoted to Associate Dean in 2017.

She volunteers her time by serving as an undergraduate research mentor in the School of Graduate Studies’ Summer Undergraduate Research Experience and Physiology Understanding at the Mississippi Children’s museum each fall. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with husband of 12 years, Camp, and their two children, Gray and John Burke.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 31

Joshua Norris Corkern & Norris/Lefleur Financial

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osh Norris owns a tax practice and financial planning firm in Jackson. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, where he received a degree in both accounting and international studies, he began his career with Ernst & Young in Memphis.

In 2010, Norris moved back

to his hometown where he worked for Richard L. Corkern, CPA P.A. for a year before purchasing the firm and renaming it Corkern & Norris. In 2015, he created LeFleur Financial, a fee-only financial advisory firm, which allows him to provide more extensive financial services to his clients. He operates both firms from his office in Fondren.

Congratulates

HEATHER LADNER SMITH on being selected as a Top 10 Finalist in the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40.

CONGRATULATIONS to

SHELLEY HARRIGILL for being named as a

2018 TOP 50 UNDER 40

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32 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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cott Pickering is President of the Jones County Division for Community Bank, where he serves as a loan officer, managing a loan portfolio in addition to overseeing the daily operations of the 4 Jones County offices and 80 staff members.

Pickering is a 2007 graduate of The University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a major in Banking and Finance. He is a 2014 graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. Pickering serves his local

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Community Bank of Mississippi

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Richard Scott Pickering community in various capacities.

He is a member of the Laurel Main Street Association Board of Directors, where he was a founding member of Laurel’s Downtown Crawfest. Pickering is also an active member of the Mississippi Young Bankers Association, a member of the St. John’s Day School Board of Directors and serves as a volunteer soccer coach for the Laurel Soccer Association.

Pickering is married to Emily Pickering. Together they have two children, Vera Grace, 5, and Rowan, 4. They attend First Baptist Church Laurel.

Roderick Red Red Square Productions

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oderick Red is a video producer at his multimedia business, Red Squared Productions, LLC, a video production company that specializes in commercials and documentaries for company’s and non-profits.

Red, a Jackson native, went to Murrah High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast production from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2011.

He started Red Squared Productions in 2012.

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Red has worked on a number of projects, including directing film features for non-profits the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program and Springboard to Opportunities, as well as the creating and producing the “We are Jackson” promotional video, the official video for City of Jackson, commissioned by the city.

He’s also produced several commercials for corporations such as Entergy and for new media conglomerates VICE.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 33

Jason Skrmetti Stericycle

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ason Skrmetti is the Regional Vice-President of Sales at Stericycle in Pearl.

Since its founding over 25 years ago, Stericycle has grown from a small start-up in medical waste management into a leader across a range of increasingly complex and highly regulated arenas, including compliance and sustainability waste services, brand protection solutions, and customer contact solutions.

Skrmetti is responsible for more than $200 million in revenue and $16 million in new business sales across multiple

division in Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

Skrmetti is a supporter of the University of Southern Mississippi and serves on its College of Business Advisory Council.

He is also and avid member of the Eagle Club. Skrmetti continues to support his fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi. He contributes and participates in the annual ALS Association walk on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in hopes of a cure for this disease. Skrmetti lives in Madison with his wife Kristin and their four children.

Congratulations

LAUREL LI HARRIS ON BEING SELECTED AS

2019 TOP 50 UNDER 40 HONOREE

34 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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Butler Snow eather Ladner Smith is a member of the Butler Snow team on the Gulf Coast in its Gulfport office.

She is a member of the firm’s government, environmental and energy group and serves in the areas of school law, government relations, governmental regulations and administrative law.

Ladner Smith received a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University-New Orleans and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communication from Mississippi State University.

In addition she is the city

TO

Heather Ladner Smith attorney for the city of Bay St. Louis, a commission attorney for the Mississippi Coast Transit Authority, a board attorney for the Pearl River County Utility Authority, a board attorney for the Hancock County Utlity Authority and others.

Having grown up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Ladner Smith has felt a need to stay and give back to the area in which she was raised.

She says she enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends including her two daughters and enjoys going to Mississippi State sporting events.

Austin Stewart Adams and Reese

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ustin Stewart is an attorney with Adams and Reese LLP in Ridgeland, where he advises clients on a variety of complex matters, including product liability litigation, insurance, mass tort litigation, commercial litigation and transactions. Stewart received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Mississippi College, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Stewart is actively involved in various community and professional organizations. For the

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last decade, Stewart has volunteered his time to the programs of the Mississippi Bar Association, particularly the High School Mock Trial Competition. He has also dedicated his efforts to legal education opportunities for students and young lawyers as Chairman of the Seminars and Lawyer in Every Classroom committees of the Young Lawyers Division.

Stewart resides in Madison with his wife, Katie, and their three children, Mae, Cal, and Luke. He enjoys grilling, spending time with friends and family, coaching youth sports, golf, and watching Ole Miss athletics.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 35

Dr. Braque Talley Rust College

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r. Braque Talley is the Vice President of Enrollment Services at Rust College in Holly Springs and reports directly to the President of the institution. Rust College is a private/liberal arts college that was founded in 1866 and annually services 1,100 students. This position allows him to manage six areas and an annual budget of $18 million.

Prior to Rust College, Talley worked at Alabama A&M University. There, he worked as a graduate assistant from 20112012. While as a GA, he studied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and

worked on a project to improve the University’s transportation system.

Talley is a 2011 graduate of Rust College and earned his masters at Alabama A&M and then his doctorate from Jackson State in 2018.

Talley says his most significant professional accomplishment is obtaining his PhD. Only 2 percent of the African-American population of the United States of America holds PhD degrees.

In his spare time, Talley loves fishing, reading and traveling and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Congratulations, Top 50 Under 40!

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Regina Todd Rankin First Economic Development Authority

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egina Todd is the Assistant Director for Rankin First Economic Development Authority.

Her responsibilities include business and industry recruitment and expansion activities in Rankin County.

She previously served as senior project manager in the Global Recruitment Division of the Mississippi Development Authority. Additionally, Todd managed the work of MDA’s international trade and investment recruitment representatives in Japan and Korea. She previously served as the senior associate manager for MDA’s International Trade Office,

focusing on the Asia-Pacific region.

Prior to MDA, Todd served as an international trade specialist with the Mississippi World Trade Center. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Todd has advanced Korean language skills and has traveled extensively throughout Asia.

Todd is a member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council, Mississippi World Trade Center, Jackson Zoo Young Professionals and is a Life Member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. She and her husband Joe reside in Flowood with their daughter and two dogs.

Chris Vignes Mississippi Power

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hris Vignes is a Communication Specialist at Mississippi Power, with a history of working in social media, strategic planning, government relations, policy and event planning.

Previously, he served as the Public Information Officer / Community Relations Manager for the City of Gulfport Mayor’s Office and facilitated communication with citizens, businesses and elected officials regarding city services, projects and events.

Vignes earned a Bachelor of

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Arts in Political Science from Jackson State University in 2009.

He has been recognized for his work in the community by induction into the Hall of Fame for Coast Young Professionals and as a recipient of a Top 10 Under 40 One Coast Award. He is also a graduate of Leadership Gulf Coast.

In his spare time, Vignes loves discovering new music, great restaurants and travel.

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 37

Dr. Alexander Washington Mississippi Public Service Commission

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r. Alexander Washington joined Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Cecil Brown’s staff in 2016 as his Chief Policy Advisor.

In his role at the Commission, Washington advises the central district commissioner on policy and economic decisions impacting utility companies and Mississippi’s utility ratepayers.

Prior to his appointment, he worked in higher education for 5 1/2 years. Washington began his professional career at Mississippi State University working at the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and the Department of Student

Financial Aid. In 2014, He moved back to his hometown of Madison to begin working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

In 2017, Washington earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University. He received his BBA in Finance and Masters in Public Policy & Administration, also from MSU. Washington’s research includes public service motivation, federal student aid policies, and public policy implementations.

Currently, Washington on is an adjunct professor for Belhaven University’s Master of Public Administration program. Washington resides resides in Ridgeland.

Congratulations to MICAH MCCULLOUGH THE GULF SOUTH’S PREMIER CITY FOR CULTIVATING, NURTURING AND

ON BEING

INSPIRING YOUNG TALENT...

SELECTED AS

LIKE SAMANTHA MCCAIN.

CONGRATULATIONS SAMANTHA MCCAIN ON BEING RECOGNIZED AS A MEMBER OF THE 2019 CLASS OF TOP 50 UNDER 40

2019 TOP 50 UNDER 40 HONOREE

CITY OF HATTIESBURG — TOBY BARKER, MAYOR WWW.HATTIESBURGMS.COM 601-545-4500 CITY OF HATTIESBURG-GOVERNMENT

38 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

HATTIESBURG_MS

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Clarence Webster, III Bradley

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larence Webster represents and advises a broad range of clients in a variety of litigation matters, including complex commercial litigation, labor and employment, product liability and mass tort litigation, and appellate litigation. Webster has also advised healthcare and business clients on a variety of issues. In addition Webster has experience litigating real estate matters and served as a member of the national coordinating counsel team for a large equipment manufacturer at a previous

firm.

Webster currently serves as chair of the Mississippi Bar’s Litigation Section’s Executive Committee, editor of the Mississippi Lawyer, and as a member of the Ethics Committee.

He is actively involved in the Jackson community, having served as chair of the I.S. Sanders YMCA Board among many other things.

munity through organizations such as Leadership Greater Jackson; the Phoenix Club of Jackson, currently serving as president; the Mississippi Children’s Museum Partners Board of Directors, previously serving as Neon Night Co-Chairman; the American Cancer Society’s Best Dressed Jackson; Youth Villages of Mississippi Event Committee; Greater Jackson Chamber Ambassadors; Team JXN; the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi; the Mississippi Food Network; and the Mississippi Young Bankers.

Weems resides in Jackson and attends Fondren Church.

T IS

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10

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oss Weems is the First Vice President in BankPlus’s Private Client Group. He has been in the banking industry for over 8 years.

Weems will be responsible for cultivating personal and business banking relationships and assisting clients with their various financial needs.

A native of West Point, Weems holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Mississippi State University, both in Bbusiness Administration. He is also a graduate of the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending.

Weems has served his com-

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BankPlus

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Ross Weems

2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 39

Demeria Nichols Williams Department of Veterans Affairs

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emeria Nichols Williams joined the Veterans Benefits Administration as a Veterans Service Representative at the Jackson VA Regional Office in July 2009. She was appointed as the Chief of the Support Services Division at the Jackson VA Regional Office in February 2018.

Williams has received several job related honors and recognized for her hard work and dedication to America’s Heroes.

She received the Jackson VA Regional Office Coin for Excel-

lence from the Director, Golden Starfish Honor, Special Contribution Awards and Awards for outstanding performance and quality.

Williams graduated from Millsaps College located in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

She later secured a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Belhaven University in 2013 while working for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Jackson.

She enjoys spending time with family, traveling and giving back to the community.

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40 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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PAST WINNERS

2018

2017

Daniel G. Ball........................................................................................Human Rights Campain

Abumere F. Akinwale, M.D. .......................................................................Southern Eye Center

Albine Z. Bennett .......................................................................................CREATE Foundation

Jason Bailey........................................................................Summit Management Services. LLC

Bill Bethany ..............................................................................Community Bank of Mississippi

Carlos Bell ..............................................................Mississippi State Port Authority of Gulfport

Lauren Castle Black ......................................................................................... Raymond James

Chase Blankenship ................................................... The First, A National Banking Association

Wayne Black....................................................................................................................Garver

Kelly A. Boutwell ..........................................................................Mississippi Economic Council

David Blackburn ....................................................................................... Blackburn Group LLC

Christy B. Bridges ...........................................................................American Heart Association

Lorraine Walters Boykin .......................................................................Currie Johnson & Myers

Jason M. Brown...........................................................................................Ingalls Shipbuilding

Jon Bramlett...............................................................................................................Jesco, Inc.

Todd Butler ........................................................................................................ Phelps Dunbar

Megan H. Burkes......................................................................................The USM Foundation

Ashley Eley Cannady ...............................................................................Balch & Bingham LLP

Jennifer Clark......................................................................................................Emerge Events

Amanda Carraway ...................................................................Flowood Chamber of Commerce

Mandy Davis............................................................................MS Department of Public Safety

Chris Champion.......................................................................Cornerstone Government Affairs

Navketan Kaur Desai ................................................................Taggart, Rimes & Graham PLLC

William Lusk Coppage ...................................................Washington County Economic Alliance

Christen H. Duhe’.....................................................Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Kristy M. Daniels ...........................................................................................................Regions

Wendy Huff Ellard .............................................................................................Baker Donelson

Jerry B. DeFatta Jr...................................................... Southern Mississippi Alumni Association

Willie L. Fairley, Jr. .......................................................................................Ingalls Shipbuilding

Liz Hogue Densmore .....................................................................................................LEC Inc.

Elliott G. Flaggs, Esq................................................................Cornerstone Government Affairs

Lindsay Thomas Dowdle ................................................................................Jones Walker LLP

Amanda Price Frazier.................................................................................... Plaza Dry Cleaners

Greg L. Durrell .................................................................................Durrell Design Group, PLLC

Warren T. Herring............................................................................................TrustCare Health

Dr. Lee Gary............................................................................The Winning Smile Dental Group

H. Lee Hill, II .....................................................................................................Baker Donelson

Christin Grissom.............................................................................................. Phi Theta Kappa

Will Janoush....................................................................................................Barnes Law Firm

Megan Hall ................................................................................. ERA Real Estate Professionals

Brian Johnson ....................................................................................Fisher Brown Bottrell Inc.

Mark F. Hinton ..................................................................Community Bank, North Mississippi

Chelsa Ann Jones .................................................................................................. Steel Service

Ryan A. Holmes ..................................................................................Dungan Engineering P.A.

Kia Monique Jones .....................................................................................For Brown Girls, Inc.

Aa’Keela L. S. Hudnall.......................................................Mississippi Center for Legal Services

Danielle Joyner .........................................................................................................MyJoy, Inc.

Bradley W. Joyner, CMB..............................................................Mississippi Home Corporation

Dustin Koehl ........................................................................Total Transportation of Mississippi

Jhai’Obes C. Keeton ......................................................................... Imperium Resource Group

Cory R. Lancaster ........................................................................................Lancaster Law Firm

Shenika Kelly-Moore.................................................................................Kelly Family Denistry

Jenny Levens ................................................................................................City of Long Beach

Dr. Wendy Lewis.....................................................................The Winning Smile Dental Group

Jamison Logan ...................................................................................................Renasant Bank

Justin Javarus Mathis ............................................................................The Mathis Foundation

Brittney L. Luke .......................................................................................The Taylor Group, Inc.

Alan P. McCormick ........................................................................ Ballew Wealth Management

Joshua A. Mars..................................................................................................Yak Access, LLC

Alison O’Neal McMinn .................................................................Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP

Cassie Mendrop........................................................................Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Kent Mortimer.............................................................................................. Bank of Kilmichael

J. Russell Morrison ................................................................................................Merrill Lynch

Amy Oliver .......................................................................................................Love AO Jewelry

Tiffany R. Paige .....................................................................Mississippi College School of Law

John W. Ridgeway Jr. ...................................Ridgeway Homes | J.W. Ridgeway Contractors, LLC

Bradley Patano ................................................................................................Machado Patano

Scott Rives .................................................................................... Ballew Wealth Management

Peter Ross ............................................................ Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi

Chris Roberts ..............................................................................................................BankPlus

Melissa Russo .........................................................................Coast Electric Power Association

Carl Sandberg............................................................................................................3S Homes

Edgar “Rob” Santos ....................................................................................Ingalls Shipbuilding

Dr. Mitchell M. Shears ...............................................Hinds Community College, Utica Campus

Courtney B. “Corky” Smith............................................................................ Sims & Sims, LLC

Anne Marie Smith ............................................................................................... 4Top Catering

Erin W. Smith ................................................................................................AARP Foundation

Lucien Smith ...........................................................................................Balch & Bingham LLP

Tywanna Smith ..........................................................................................The Athlete’s Nexus

Stephen Daniel Smith ..............................................................................Ellisville State School

Trent Tippey ....................................................................................................... Caterpillar Inc.

Angie Stallings ......................................................................................................CraftCroswell

Josh Todd ....................................................................Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors

Selena Lajean Standifer .............................................Mississippi Department of Transportation

Ryan Upshaw ................................................................................The University of Mississippi

Sara Elizabeth Stockton..........................................................Magnolia Regional Health Center

Shelley Cresswell Walker .....................................................................................Chawla Hotels

Laura Beth Strickland ....................................................Vicksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau

Danielle M. Williams...........................................................................................................MEC

Scott Tollison.........................................................................Mississippi University for Women

MarQuaita Williams .......................................................Mississippi Office of the State Auditor

Jonathan Varney......................................................................................Security Card Services

Dana Wilson..................................................................................... Mississippi Interactive LLC

Robert F. Walker................................................................................................Baker Donelson

Clarke R. Wise ................................................................ Mississippi Association of REALTORS

Pamela P. Ware ............................................................................................Metropolitan Bank

Dr. Antwon Woods ..................................................................................... Belhaven University

Bryan Williams .............................................................................Huntington Ingalls Industries

Sara Yates ..............................................................................................Peterbilt Truck Centers

LaFarra Young-Gaylor, M.D. ....................................................King’s Daughters Medical Center

Previous winners are listed by where they worked at the time of their selection.

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2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 41

THE AWARDS LUNCHEON

More than 350 attended the Top 50 Under 40 luncheon April 25 at the Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson.

The Mississippi Business Journal’s annual Top 50 Under 40 luncheon is one of the highlights of the state’s business community. This year, more than 350 business people and their families, friends and co-workers gathered at the Old Capitol Inn in downtown Jackson to celebrate the best and brightest young people and leaders of the state.

Raphel Semmes and his band provided entertainment at the Top 50 Under 40 luncheon.

Photos by Stegall Imagery

42 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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THE AWARDS LUNCHEON

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2019 Top 50 Under 40 – 43

THE AWARDS LUNCHEON

44 – 2019 Top 50 Under 40

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BANKING & FINANCE

Liberty Bank is the only black-owned bank operating in Mississippi

By BECKY GILLETTE

W

hile Mississippi’s population is 37 percent black, there is only one black-owned bank operating in the state, Liberty Bank and Trust Company.

“We have a saying, ‘We are more than just a bank’,” said Ann D. Duplessis, senior vice president, retail banking, Liberty Bank and Trust Company. “We truly believe in providing access to capital to strengthen our communities and we practice giving back to the communities we serve.”

Duplessis Duplessis said the secret to their success has been plain and simple… their employees.

“Not only is Liberty Bank a strong commercial bank, but we are extremely proud of our community involvement,” Duplessis said. “Our employees give hours of their time serving on various social, civic, community, and professional boards.”

Liberty Bank opened in 1972 with $2 million dollars in assets and a goal of providing quality products and services to the city of New Orleans’ underserved, disadvantaged minority population.

able financial services.

Nearly four decades later, Liberty Bank “Black-owned banks understand has an enviable record of growth, boastthe issues faced in our communities,” ing tremendous profitability and asset Duplessis said. “We have learned how to accumulation, Duplessis said. determine what is truly ‘risk’ as it relates The bank has grown to about $600 million in assets. Liberty has 160 full and to ones’ credit score and or a person’s part-time employees with 16 branches See LIBERTY, Page 46 and offices in 8 states. Headquartered in New Orleans, it is the second largest minority-owned bank in the U.S. Duplessis said they believe that it is important to have black and minority owned banks because they play a major role in providing access to capital for segments of the community that FOR have been traditionally been left out of the In 1939, seven shipyard workers ability to get affordshared a vision and founded a credit

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union offering savings accounts and loans to coworkers. Today Navigator Credit Union serves Members from Daphne, Ala., to Gulfport, Miss., with 14 Branches offering comprehensive financial products and services.

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601.421.8385 • www.jacksonmscarservice.com

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Mississippi Business Journal – 45

BANKING & FINANCE

LIBERTY Continued from, Page 45

ability to pay us back. Because of this expertise, we have been able to be a driving force with providing capital to purchase a home or start or grow a business. Additionally, having blackowned banks in the community provides for a source of pride to communities of color.”

Duplessis said in addition, black-owned banks can plan a role in developing opportunities for economic development to challenged communities.

Bailey Chandler, regional vice president, commercial lending, Liberty Bank and Trust, Jackson, worked for several different banks before he recently went to work for Liberty Bank. He appreciates the opportunity to grow the bank’s market share.

“The people are wonderful,” Chandler said. “It is just a very professionally run bank. It is nice to work for an organization like this. I’ve been with several different banks in Jackson. I was with AmSouth Bank before it merged with Regions, and with Wachovia before it merged with Wells Fargo. And I was with BancorpSouth for several years. I did commercial lending in my previous positions.”

Chandler said all of the institutions he has been part of have been nondiscriminatory and based loan decisions strictly on credit requirements. People who meet credit requirements get a loan.

“I don’t see any evidence of red lining in any zip codes,” Chandler said. “The bank examiners who come into any institution are making sure we are conforming to the serving all

the communities regardless of race. But part of the mission of Liberty is to serve some areas other banks don’t serve. We are a minority-owned bank, so we take that responsibility very seriously.”

With bank mergers being such a big trend, Chandler said sometimes that can result in customers just becoming a number and losing a personal relationship with their bankers.

“If you get a relationship with a business or customer, you need to maintain that,” Chandler said. “I’ve been successful in doing business with the same people because they know I am going to take care of them. I look at this not necessarily as a transaction, but a relationship. If I can help them grow, then I can grow with them. In my opinion, if we can help others be successful, we can be successful.”

Chandler said they have a separate mortgage division that is doing very well. His area of focus is on improving commercial lending at Liberty Bank.

“Some people didn’t realize Liberty was in the market,” Chandler said. “I have to change that perception. We’re making strides. I’m looking for loans, but also educating some business community leaders what we can do and how we can go about it to grow their business.”

Chandler said while they are a for-profit business, they try very hard to put the needs of customers first.

“We treat everyone equally,” Chandler said. “We have credit criteria everyone has to quality for in order for us to make a loan. We maintain the integrity of our institution and follow the policies that we have in place.”

For more information, see https://www.libertybank.net/.

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46 – Mississippi Business Journal

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BANKING & FINANCE

Types of jobs in banking expected to change with increasing adoption of artificial intelligence

By BECKY GILLETTE

A

hot topic in banking circles is how much artificial intelligence (AI) will impact employment in the banking industry. One study reported in American Banker magazine predicts that 70 percent of front-office jobs will be replaced by chatbots, voice assistants and automated authentication and biometric technology. And steep job losses are also predicted for financial management, compliance

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officers and loan officers as those functions are replaced by AI applications for anti-fraud, compliance, monitoring and anti-money laundering.

Adoption of AI and machine learning (ML) could also be very profitable for banks. Some researchers have estimated it could increase the revenue of banks 34 percent by 2022. But will that come at the cost of job losses for many employees of banks?

John Oxford, senior vice president and director of marketing, Renasant

Bank, Tupelo, said he doesn’t think bank employees should fear for the future.

“Throughout the history of business, there is always transformational change,” Oxford said. “The fear of jobs evaporating tomorrow is a little overhyped. The worry of a job being taken is way over played because the jobs are just going to transition. You will now be working more in data processing, IT seSee AI, Page 48

Mississippi Business Journal – 47

BANKING & FINANCE

AI Continued from, Page 47

curity or providing a customer service experience that is more interactive than from a digital standpoint.”

Oxford predicts the types of jobs will change; there will be a re-education and retooling within the workforce.

“The jobs of tomorrow will be much more technology based than they are today, but there will still be jobs,” Oxford said. “If we go back in history, from what we do digitally in banking, ten years ago people weren’t going to coding schools and learning to build apps. Hands on today might be digital interactions tomorrow. But someone has to be able to work those jobs.”

While AI can do a lot of functions previously handled by a person, Oxford said a lot comes down to a customer’s preference. Some people prefer to never enter a bank and do all their banking digitally. Others want interaction with bank employees.

“Some people don’t feel confident with digital,” Oxford said. “They want

48 – Mississippi Business Journal

someone to walk them through their transactions. Banks on Fridays are pretty packed with people needing services. While there are more efficient ways to do banking, some people are not willing Beauchamp to do that. It comes down to client preference. Some clients want interaction and relationships. Some want just a digital relationship. To be a quality bank, you have to meet the demand on both sides.”

Chevis C. Swetman, president and CEO of Peoples Financial Corp., Biloxi, has seen a lot of changes in the 48 years he has been in banking.

“The big thing is most people are afraid of technology,” Swetman said.

“You can’t be afraid of technology. It is going to make everybody’s life so much easier. People just need to take advantage of it. It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but the new tricks are here to stay.”

Swetman has pondered why people should bother to drive to a bank and go through the drive-up window.

“If I had to build another bank or branch bank today, I doubt I Oxford would put a drive-up window there. It is changing the nature of the business,” Swetman said. “So, realistically, technology can cut people’s jobs and save money. But what are you going to do with the employees at your 18 branches who have been there five, ten or 20 years? Are you going to fire them? Not a chance. You take those people and retrain them as personal bankers. Have them be able to provide information on loan products and Certificates of Deposit.”

Swetman said people who have been specialized in one job will now need to be trained to three of four jobs.

See AUTOMATION, Page 49

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BANKING & FINANCE

AUTOMATION Continued from, Page 48

Automation is both a threat and an opportunity for the industry, said Dean Ken B. Cyree, Ph.D., University of Mississippi School of Business Administration.

“Since Mississippi has relatively small banks and most are community banks, there is concern about competing with large, out-of-state banks that are in some cases more automated, or could have the resources to become more automated,” Cyree said. “I believe the customer relationship and service parts of the industry will be valuable to customers in the future, regardless of the automation and artificial intelligence opportunities that emerge. While lending commodity-type products, such as insured mortgages, are tailor-made for efficiencies due to automation, other more non-standard loans are still very likely to be made by experienced bankers.”

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Cyree said small business loans, at which community bankers excel, are a good example since it is difficult to model all the factors a banker must consider. He said lending is part science and part art, and the ability to add value to the customer through the art of lending will likely never go out of style.

“Some customer service functions could be even more automated in the future, and, in many cases, this will create faster and accurate service,” Cyree said. “But, in contrast, some customers will desire human interaction when making financial decisions and transactions. I continue to be optimistic about the future of banking, and I believe automation will add to the efficiency of the industry, and hopefully allow bankers to focus on what customers need to be successful.”

Right now, the only banks investing major amounts in AI are megabanks, said Charles Beauchamp, Ph.D., CTP, a professor of finance at Mississippi College in Clinton.

“They are the only ones who can

scale it because it is expensive,” Beauchamp said. “I think where the real danger in moving forward is non-bank companies actually developing AI where some of these banks could farm out some of their operations to those companies. That would have a big impact on employment in banking.”

Beauchamp sees the biggest threat in employment in back office operations.

“Now, how far out on that we are, I have no idea,” he said.

Beauchamp said the biggest obstacles in using AI to make loan decision is judging someone’s character. There are five Cs in credit: collateral, capital, capacity to pay, conditions and character.

How does AI judge character?

“Community bankers live for relationships and so do some of the regional banks,” Beauchamp said. “You may have marginal borrowers whose credit score is not great, but the banker will decide to make the loan based not completely, but largely, on character.”

Mississippi Business Journal – 49

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

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Mississippi Business Journal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 51

NEWSMAKERS

PriorityOne Bank promotes Eiland PriorityOne Bank announced the promotion of Haleigh Eiland. Eiland will be serving as Loan Assistant/ Branch Officer for PriorityOne’s Seminary Branch.

Nufarm hires three to lead Greenville manufacturing facility operations

Haleigh holds an Associates Degree from Jones County Junior College, and attend- Eiland ed The University of Southern Mississippi. She has been with PriorityOne Bank since June of 2015. She has served in many areas of the bank, most recently, Loan Assistant and Customer Service Representative.

Eiland has also served her community in multiple leadership roles. She is a member of Salem Baptist Church in Collins and of the Covington County Chamber of Commerce. Haleigh is an Event Coordinator for fundraisers benefiting St. Jude Research Hospital and American Cancer Society. She and her husband, Cade, live in Covington County and have one son, Hank..

PSC Commissioner Brown promotes 2 staff Central District Public Service Commissioner Cecil Brown has announced the promotions of two members of his staff: Alex Washington, Ph.D., to Deputy Commissioner and Tina Carter-Sawyer to Director of Consumer Services.

Washington joined Brown’s staff in 2016 as his Chief Policy Advisor. Prior to his appointment, he worked in higher education for 5 1/2 years. Alex began his professional career at Mississippi State University working at the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and the Department of Student Financial Aid. In 2014, Alex moved back to his hometown of Madison to begin working at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Nufarm has announced the appointment of Scott Pfantz to operations manager for the company’s newest manufacturing facility in Greenville.

Pfantz was most operations manager of Nufarm’s Chicago Heights facility, which achieved an impressive seven years without a lost-time incident this year.

“Scott’s deep knowledge of Nufarm and our customers, his safety-minded approach, and his skills in starting operations from the ground up and building a winning team will be invaluable to the company as we establish our Greenville operations,” says Tom Lyons, vice president of supply chain and operations for Nufarm.

Pfantz will relocate to the Greenville area with his family to lead and continue to build the team at the manufacturing facility.

The Nufarm Greenville, facility’s leadership team continues to grow with the appointment of Vicki Goss to site supply planner on the facility’s supply planning team.

Washington earned his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University. He received his BBA in Finance (2009) and Masters in Public Policy & Administration (2011) also from Mississippi State University.

Assistant Secretary for the Mississippi Chapter for the American Association of Blacks in Energy, and a board member for H.E.A.L. Mississippi. Washington is also a graduate of the 2017-2018 class of Leadership Greater Jackson and was honored by the American Cancer Society as a 2018 Best Dressed Jackson honoree.

This year, the Mississippi Business Journal recognized Washington as one of the Top 50 Under 40 Business Leaders in the state. Washington is an adjunct professor for Belhaven University’s Master of Public Administration program. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., serves as the

Carter-Sawyer is a life-long resident of Jackson, where she graduated as Valedictorian of the Forest Hill High School Class of 2007. Following graduation, she accepted a full scholarship to Alcorn State University. In 2011, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration.

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From left to right: Scott, Vicki and Cathy.

Goss joins Nufarm from a director of marketing role at Double Quick, Inc., a network of 48 convenience stores throughout the Mississippi Delta that originated in Greenville. She has also worked for Gresham Petroleum Company and Pinnacle Agriculture Holdings LLC where she held the propane routing manager and director of chemical procurements roles, respectively.

Also, Cathy Ray was selected as the production superintendent for Nufarm’s Greenville facility. Her role will involve partnering with Scott Pfantz to assist with start-up and commissioning as the plant works toward opening.

Ray was most recently an onsite account manager for Preferred Personnel Solutions in Greenville, Miss., and has manufacturing management experience from Matcor Automotive and Brown Corp in Greenville.

Cathy will also oversee hourly employees and work with the demand planner and customer service to ensure the plant is running on schedule and meeting customer needs.

She received a Master’s of Business Administration in the fall of 2013 when she graduated Cum Laude from Jackson State University. She is enrolled at Jackson State pursuing a Master’s in Degree in Public Accounting.

She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta. She attends Bertha Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she is an Assistant Sunday School Teacher, member of the Adult Dance Ministry, member of the Bertha Chapel Young Adult Choir, and a member of Bertha Chapel Sanctuary Choir. She and her husband, Gregory, have one child.

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NEWSMAKERS

PriorityOne Bank welcomes Worthy PriorityOne Bank announced the hiring of James Worthy. Worthy will be serving as Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer for PriorityOne at their Flowood Location.

Pine Belt Federal Credit Union holds grand opening

James joins PriorityOne Bank with experience as a Worthy Commercial Credit Underwriter and Commercial Loan Officer. He studied Managerial Finance and Real Estate at The University of Mississippi and has completed a Managerial Bank Training Program.

Worthy has also served his community in multiple leadership roles. He serves on the Board of Home Builders Association of Jackson (HBAJ), as President of Flowood FLEX (Future Leaders Entrepreneur Exchange) and is a member of the Flowood Chamber of Commerce. James is also the HAVEN Grant Coordinator for PriorityOne Bank.

Butsch named marketing & communications director The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has announced the promotion of Ashley Butsch to Marketing & Communications Director.

In this role, she will oversee marketing and communications for the seven Chamber divisions. She has served as Programming Coordinator for Butsch almost two years, coordinating all events falling under the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce’s program of work.

Butsch received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from The University of Southern Mississippi. From her previous experience as the Event Sales Manager of Treasure Bay Casino & Hotel to the Director of Marketing for the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, Butsch has 10 years of extensive experience in marketing, event planning, sales and public relations.

Butsch was in the 2013 Leadership Gulf Coast class and is also a 2015 graduate of Leadership Hancock County. In 2015, she was named a Young Careerist finalist by the Lighthouse Business and Professional Women organization.

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Pine Belt Federal Credit Union held their grand opening for their new location on Wednesday, May 8, at 100 1st Street in New Augusta. People from all over Perry County, including county and city officials, showed up to support the credit union.

Health screenings were offered from Perry County General Hospital and Southeast Rural Health Initiative. Free goody bags were handed out to the first 50 people at the event, and lunch was catered by Main Street Cafe. The new location offers a drive through and ATM that is open 24/7/365.

You can visit Pine Belt Federal Credit Union online at www.pinebeltfcu.com. They are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at their location in New Augusta and their Forrest County location on Evelyn Gandy Parkway in Hattiesburg.

Rural Lending Co-op hires Victoria Scarbrough

the nation’s single largest source of loans for agriculture, agribusiness, rural real estate and country homes. For more information, visit www. southernagcredit.com.

Southern AgCredit, a rural lending cooperative, hired Victoria Scarbrough as an accountant in its administrative office in Ridgeland.

Chris Caves hired at Community Bank

Scarbrough holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a BBA degree in finance and an MBA degree, all from Mississippi State University. She Scarbrough worked for a local real estate company while she was pursuing her master’s degree. A native of Gluckstadt, Miss., Scarbrough grew up riding horses and living on a crop farm.

Chris Caves has been named Loan Officer at Community Bank. A native of Laurel, Caves served as Management Trainee and has been in banking for almost one year. In his new role, Caves will focus on assisting consumers in and around the Ellisville and Laurel community with all of their banking needs.

Southern AgCredit is a full-service cooperative lender that specializes in financing rural land and agricultural operations in Mississippi and Louisiana. It is a part of the Farm Credit System,

Active in his community, Caves is a member of Sertoma Club of Laurel and a member of First Baptist Church in Laurel.

Caves is a graduate of University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Managerial Finance.

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NEWSMAKERS

PriorityOne Bank welcomes Oates PriorityOne Bank announced the hire of Rob Oates, Jr. Oates will be serving as Vice President and Commercial Lender for PriorityOne at their Brandon Location.

Oates has 12 years of Oates banking experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Mississippi College.

He serves as a board member for the Flowood Chamber of Commerce where he was the recipient of the 2018 President Award. Rob is also a board member of the Jackson Touchdown Club. He is a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson and serves on the Deacon Executive Committee. He has been teaching 3-year-old Sunday school for eight years.

Rob and his wife, Tina, have four children, Charlotte, Anna Clare, Lucy and Coit.

Digital team expands at Mad Genius Mad Genius, a full-service agency in the Jackson Metro area, has expanded their digital team by adding two team members with a track record deeply-rooted in project management and digital marketing. Janie Boersma has joined the firm as Digital Project Manager, while Kristin Coco brings her skills in digital strategy, SEO, and mobile marketing to the role of Digital Marketing Specialist.

Boersma

Chip Sarver, Mad Genius’ President and COO, remarks: “Janie brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at American Cancer Society in Chicago. Kristin has honed Coco her skills with such brands as IBM, Cisco, Marriott, and Starwood Hotels. We’re excited by the benefits our clients will receive from their insight and expertise.”

Rob Bridges, Chief Creative Officer at Mad

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Genius, adds: “Over the past few years, Mad Genius has made it a priority to position our team to be able to meet the expanding online needs of our clients, in web, and in digital marketing. Janie and Kristin are evidence of this.” Ryan Farmer, SVP & Creative Director, concurs: “It’s more than a buzzword. It’s the new business reality. Everything is going digital, and Mad Genius has prepared for it. We’re happy to have Janie and Kristin on board to assist in our ongoing mission to provide the highest-quality product possible.”

Averett appointed to Taylor Board of Directors At the Taylor Group of Companies’ Annual Board of Directors and Stockholders meeting, held on April 22, 2019, Thomas R. Averett was appointed to the Board of Directors. Randy was with Warren Averett since 1976 and a member since 1979. Warren Averett has grown from a staff of Averett 21 to the current staff of over 800 gaining extensive experience over the past 35 years working with large manufacturers and providing business, tax, and estate planning services. Randy Averett has worked with companies through crisis management, business stabilization, and implementation of survival strategies with recruitment of permanent management after recovery. He served as a leader for the Firm’s Turnaround Services Client Service Team. He is also experienced in serving as an expert witness for the evaluation of businesses.

The Taylor Group of Companies is excited for the experience and value Averett will add to our company’s impact in the material handling industry. Lex Taylor, CEO of the Taylor Group of companies remarked, “Prior to his retirement Randy provided exceptional tax and audit services to Taylor. His clear and professional advice to me and our leadership team throughout the years led us to a natural decision to invite him to the Board of Directors to retain his independent experienced advice and governance expertise. We are so happy to have Randy serving as one of our outside Directors as our company grows and prospers in the years ahead.”

William Carey names Conner administrative dean of Tradition campus William Carey University announced that Dr. Cassandra Conner has been named administrative dean of its Tradition campus, succeeding Jerry Bracey, who will retire in August.

A native of Gulfport, Conner has been academic dean of the Tradition campus since Conner 2011, coordinating programs and assisting students with their academic needs or concerns. She is also an associate professor in the WCU School of Education, teaching courses in elementary education, literacy and educational leadership.

Before joining WCU, Conner retired as an administrator in the Mississippi public school system, where she served as teacher, principal and, ultimately, director of curriculum and instruction and director of technology for the Harrison County School District.

Conner holds four education degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi – ranging from a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1973 to a doctorate in educational leadership and research in 1997.

The retiring administrative dean, Jerry Bracey, served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years before joining William Carey University in 1992 as the assistant director of student marketing and admissions. He has been administrative dean of the Tradition campus since 1999.

Monmouth Historic Inn receives Four Diamond rating The Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens in Natchez has been awarded the Four Diamond Rating

by AAA for the 39th consecutive year, the longest of any Southern hotel.

The 26-acre property was purchased by Nancy and Warren Reuther seven years ago, when they feared for the future of the historic building. Built in 1818 by Mr. and Mrs. John Hankinson from Monmouth County, NJ, the estate has been named a national historic landmark.

Monmouth features 30 rooms and suites through the house and grounds. The inn also features two dining options and daily tours.

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NEWSMAKERS

PriorityOne Bank promotes McGee PriorityOne Bank announced the promotion of Rebekah McGee. McGee will be serving as Assistant Vice President and Document Management Manager for PriorityOne. Rebekah has been with McGee PriorityOne Bank since November of 2007. She has served in many areas of the bank, most recently, Document Management Supervisor.

Rebekah has also served her community in multiple leadership roles. She is a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. F. Barnard Mitchell.

Also, she is a member of the Zion Hill Gospel Choir and the Women of Zion Choir. Rebekah and her husband, William, have two daughters, Cyrra and Mahagane.

Lee promoted to Asst.

Secretary of State of Business Services Division Jeff Lee, formerly a senior attorney in the Secretary of State’s Securities Division, has been promoted to Assistant Secretary of State of Business Services.

Lee’s primary responsibilities in his new role include overseeing the processing of formation and other documents for foreign and domestic corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other businesses and non-profit entities. The Business Services Division also handles the filing of Uniform Commercial Code liens, regulates and approves all notaries public operating in the State, and oversees the registration of Mississippi Trademark applications.

A native of Natchez, Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2003, and a Juris Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law, graduating magna cum laude, in 2009.

Prior to joining the Securities Division in 2017, Lee served as General Counsel to a private equity firm in the Greater Chicago area, where he also held both Vice-President and President positions in one of the firm’s consumer products companies. In

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addition to his executive management experience, Lee has experience in private legal practice, working as an associate with Boackle Law Firm of Ridgeland and Allen, Allen, Breeland, and Allen of Brookhaven.

Lee had served as Senior Attorney in the Securities Division since January 2017. Among other accomplishments in his former role, Lee assisted in handling state action related to recent multi-million dollar, multi-state Ponzi scheme.

Lee lives in Brookhaven and is married to the former Shelley Smith. They have one child, Grant.

Bynum joins Lincoln Road Family Medicine Stephanie D. Bynum, MD, joined Hattiesburg Clinic Lincoln Road Family Medicine as a primary care provider.

Bynum received her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson. She completed an internship and residency in family medicine at the University of South Alabama in Mobile .Bynum is board certified in family medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. She has professional affiliations with the American Academy of Family Practice, the Mississippi Academy of Family Practice and the American Medical Association.

MMA names Williams Executive Director of MEP The Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA) has named James Williams as Executive Director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Williams replaced Dr. John “Jay” Tice IV, who retired Jan. 31. The MMA-MEP is one of 51 centers that provides services to assist manufacturers in being globally competitive and is sponsored in Mississippi by the MMA. Williams is the former Executive Director of the Governor’s State Workforce Investment Board. He also was the Vice President of Economic and Community Services at Itawamba Community College.

During his over 30 years’ in the community college system, Williams was instrumental in establishing several successful programs for youth including the Counseling to Career Program, 21st

Century Skills labs, and the Mobile Career Exploration Laboratory for high school students in the area of advanced manufacturing.

Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and a Master in Business Administration degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Geddie named Assistant VP at Renasant Renasant announced that Karen Geddie has been named Assistant Vice President. Geddie joined Renasant in 2017 as Employee Benefits Specialist.

Geddie is a graduate of Peace College where she obtained her Associate of Arts Geddie degree in Music, and North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. She is a member of First United Methodist Church where she actively serves her community.

She is also involved with Ten for Tupelo.

Geddie is located at the Tupelo Main branch.

MDAH names Director of Eudora Welty House Lauren Rhoades was named the new director of the Eudora Welty House and Garden. She previously served as public assistance specialist at the Welty House. Rhoades worked for two years as a FoodCorps service member in Jackson and led nutrition and garden education programs at Magnolia Speech School and Raines Elementary School. In 2015, she was named the FoodCorps Mississippi State Fellow.

Previously, Rhoades worked with school groups, developed public programming, and managed the Education and Visitors Center gift shop.

Rhoades earned BA degrees in English literature, Spanish, and political science from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is currently working on her MFA in creative writing at Mississippi University for Women.

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CLASS of 2019 Back row, from left: Jessica Cooley, Kory Moore, Adam Gates, Jesse Mitchell, Scott Ferguson, Maxine Greenleaf, Kelvin Davis, Misti Munroe, Michah McCullough, Bob Glover, Wayne Madkin, Chris Vignes, Kevin Frye, Sarah Link, Jonathan Mills Middle row: Matthew Harrison, Chelsey Everett, Samantha McCain, Jason Skrmetti, Shelley Harrigill, Regina Todd, Tami Munsch, Roderick Red, Anderson Ervin, Aubrey Leigh Goodwin, Demeria Willams, Laurel Li Harris, Bobby Morgan, Blanin LaFontaine, Ashley Gray, Alexander Washington, Dr. Braque Talley, Sarah Beth Jones Front row: Sydney R. Murphy, Emily Penn Hoff, Ross Weems, Molly Jeffcoat Moody, Heather Smith, Shawn Gillenwater, Johnny Beck, Scott Pickering, Stacia Dunson, R. Lance Carnahan, Joseph Childs, Brian Cronin, Daniel Boggs Not pictured: Josh Norris, Dr. Brandin Hardin, Austin Stewart, Clarence Webster.