Belzoni, MS— Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce that Wendy Witherspoon, Vice President and Relationship Banker, has been named the “Best Banker” of 2025 in Washington County by the Delta Democrat-Times.

Wendy serves customers at our Greenville Highway 1 location, where she is known for her dedication to building strong relationships and providing exceptional service. Her commitment to her clients and community has earned her this special recognition.

“I am honored to receive this award,” Wendy shared. “It is a privilege to serve our customers in Greenville and across Washington County. This recognition reflects the trust and support of the community I’m proud to be part of.”

The Delta Democrat-Times “Best of the Best” awards highlight outstanding individuals and businesses across the Delta, chosen by the community through reader votes. Wendy’s recognition as Best Banker is a testament to her professionalism, customer-first approach, and impact in Washington County.

Guaranty Bank congratulates Wendy on this outstanding achievement and celebrates her continued leadership at the Greenville Highway 1 location.

About Guaranty Bank

Guided by a commitment to community banking, personal relationships, and customer service, Guaranty Bank continues to invest in the people and places we call home. www.gbtonline.com

BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is proud to announce the hiring of Allen Hudspeth as Senior Vice President Regional Commercial Banker based out of our Vicksburg office.

Allen brings decades of experience in commercial lending and relationship banking, along with a deep understanding of the Vicksburg market and the businesses that fuel its economy. In his new role, he will partner with local business owners and entrepreneurs to deliver tailored lending solutions and long-term financial support.

A Vicksburg native, Allen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Mississippi State University. He is also a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking at the University of Mississippi and the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending in Nashville, Tennessee. Throughout his career he has held key leadership positions in banking.

Beyond the banking sector, Allen is a well-known leader in the Vicksburg community. He serves on the boards of the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce, Delta Council, Vicksburg YMCA, and Merit Health River Region Hospital. He is a past president of both the Rotary Club of Vicksburg and the YMCA Y’s Men’s Club, and he currently serves as Head Usher and finance committee member at Crawford Street United Methodist Church.

“Allen has spent his career investing in people and businesses of Vicksburg,” said William Kemp, President of Guaranty Bank’s Vicksburg office. “His leadership style, deep local roots, and relationship-first mindset align perfectly with our vision. We are excited to have him join our team and help us continue delivering exceptional service to this community.”

Guaranty Bank is excited to welcome Allen and looks forward to the leadership, experience, and personal service he brings to the Vicksburg community.

About Guaranty Bank:

At Guaranty Bank, we do more than handle transactions—we build relationships. With personalized service, local expertise, and a commitment to helping our communities thrive, we’re here to be the financial partner you can count on through every season of life. www.gbtonline.com

BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce the hiring of Emily Cochran as a member of the Loan Support team at the Batesville Branch. Emily recently joined Guaranty Bank and brings a strong background in administrative and financial support, along with a deep connection to the local community.

A lifelong resident of Batesville, Emily is known for her reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to customer service, qualities that align seamlessly with Guaranty Bank’s values and approach to relationship banking.

“Emily’s strong work ethic, community ties, and client-focused mindset make her a natural fit for our bank,” said Blake Shipp, Batesville President. “We are pleased to welcome her to our team and look forward to the value she will bring to our customers and colleagues alike.”

Emily graduated from South Panola High School and attended Northwest Mississippi Community College before earning a Bachelor of Business Administration from Delta State University. She is a proud Life Member of both the Delta State University Alumni Association and the National FFA Alumni, with active affiliations to the Mississippi Association and South Panola FFA Alumni Chapter.

Dedicated to her community, Emily is a former Secretary of the Panola County Livestock Show Association and serves as a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she serves on the budget committee, sings on the church praise team, and numerous other positions.

Emily and her husband, Ryan Cochran, have been married for 17 years and are proud parents to their 14-year-old son, Hays. She is the daughter of retired South Panola High School teachers, John Kilpatrick and the late Marcia Land Kilpatrick. In her free time, Emily enjoys attending Hays’ academic and sporting events, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing on beach vacations.

Guaranty Bank is proud to welcome Emily to the team and is confident she will contribute to the continued success of the Batesville Office.

About Guaranty Bank:

Guaranty Bank is rooted in community and built on relationships. We’re here to offer personalized financial solutions with a hometown touch. Whether you’re opening your first account, buying a home, or growing a business, we’re proud to be the bank you can count on. gbtonline.com

At Guaranty Bank, we believe in giving back to our communities. This February, we’re celebrating National Love Your Pet Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day by making a difference for animals in need!

From February 15th to 20th, our branches will be collecting donations for local animal shelters, rescues, and humane societies. These organizations work tirelessly to care for homeless pets, and they need our help!

How You Can Help

We invite our employees, customers, and community members to join us in supporting these wonderful animal organizations by donating much-needed supplies.

What to Donate

Each organization has specific needs, but common donation requests include:

🐾 Pet food (dry/wet dog & cat food, puppy & kitten food)

🐾 Bedding (blankets, towels, heating pads)

🐾 Cleaning supplies (bleach, laundry detergent)

🐾 Toys & treats

Benefiting Organizations

Your generosity will directly support these incredible organizations:

• Mutt Madness of the MS Delta – Needs monetary donations, pet supplies, and dog and/or puppy food.

• BARK (Belzoni Animal Rescue Kennel) – Needs dog or puppy food, collars, metal or plastic buckets for water, treats, large metal bowls, toys (no stuffing, please), cedar/pine chips, puppy pads, and pill pockets.

• Mutt Madness – Needs towels and toys—Mutt Madness currently has over 30 little puppies they are bathing daily!

• Oxford Animal Resource Center – Needs dry cat food and dry dog food.

• Corinth Animal Shelter (Northeast MS) – Needs dry/wet adult and puppy food, cleaning supplies, and blankets.

• Fayette County Animal Rescue (Memphis/North MS) – Needs blankets, towels, and treats.

• Amory Animal Resource Center (Northeast MS) – Needs dog, puppy, cat, and kitten food, along with other pet essentials.

• Tupelo/Lee Humane Society (Northeast MS) – Needs bleach, laundry detergent, heating pads, and canned pet food.

• Tishomingo County Foster and Rescue – Needs Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Blend Lamb and Rice formula.

How to Participate

✅ Drop off your donations at any participating Guaranty Bank branch.

✅ Help us spread the word—share this initiative with friends, family, and fellow pet lovers!

✅ From February 21st to 24th, branches will deliver collected donations to the selected organizations.

Together, let’s make a difference for our four-legged friends! 🐶🐱💙

We are proud to offer the Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) program.
This program offers down payment and closing cost assistant to low-income,
qualified first-time homebuyers. Let’s work together to explore whether HELP is
right for you.

Benefits and requirements:

• Only first-time homebuyers are eligible for the program. Some exceptions apply.
• HELP funds up to $20,000.00 per homebuyer.
• Household income limits apply (must not exceed 80% of the area median
• income).
• Homebuyers are required to complete a Homebuyer Counseling Program.
• Homebuyers must contribute $500 of their own funds toward the required
• down payment or closing costs.
• Homebuyers are required to sign a five-year retention agreement.
• Can be used in conjunction with Conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans.
• Minimum 620 credit score.
• Additional qualifying guidelines apply.

*Program subject to change without notice. Subject to underwriting terms and
conditions and some restrictions may apply.

Guaranty Bank is pleased to announce that Gentry Collier has joined our team as VP Mortgage Loan Officer in the newly expanded Oxford market. With over 20 years of mortgage lending experience, she is passionate about helping families in the Oxford community navigate the home-buying process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Beyond her professional achievements, Gentry is deeply committed to the community. She has been an active board member for Night to Shine, a Tim Tebow Foundation event providing a prom experience for individuals with special needs, for several years. This involvement reflects her passion for making a positive impact both personally and professionally.

As a proud wife to Winston Collier and mom to five, Gentry has a deep understanding of the importance of finding the perfect place to call home. She is excited to bring her expertise and dedication to serving clients in the community she loves. In her free time, you can find her spending time with family and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels.  

David Umsted, Mortgage Director, expressed his excitement about Gentry’s addition:
“Gentry’s wealth of experience and her commitment to the Oxford community make her an incredible asset to our team. Her focus on providing exceptional service and creating a seamless home-buying experience aligns perfectly with our mission at Guaranty Bank Mortgage.”

About Guaranty Bank Mortgage Division:
Guaranty Bank Mortgage is dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. With a team of experienced mortgage professionals and a commitment to personalized service, we offer tailored lending solutions designed to meet our customer’s unique needs. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned homeowners, we strive to make the mortgage process seamless and transparent.

If you’re ready to start your home-buying journey, contact Gentry today at gentry.collier@gbtonline.com!

Guaranty Bank is proud to announce the promotion of 7 dedicated employees to officer status, approved by the Board earlier this year. People development is not just a core value at our bank—it’s the foundation of our success. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional contributions, embodying the innovation and excellence that drive our institution forward. Their promotions mark career milestones and pivotal roles in shaping our collective growth and progress.

Join us in congratulating:

Hue Townsend, President & CEO stated, “The promotion of these outstanding individuals underscores our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering leadership within our organization. At Guaranty Bank, we take pride in empowering our team to achieve their highest potential as we collectively strive to provide exceptional service to our customers and communities.”

About Guaranty Bank:
Guaranty Bank is a locally owned community bank focused on personalized service and building long-term relationships. We’re committed to helping individuals and businesses in our region grow and thrive by providing modern banking solutions and fostering a culture of trust, growth, and innovation.

The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and giving back to the community. We’re excited to invite you to be part of our Annual Toy Drive, running from Monday, December 2, to Wednesday, December 18! This has been a beloved tradition we started at Guaranty Bank 13 years ago and we look forward to it every single year.

We’re calling on our amazing customers and community members to help make the season brighter for children in need. Every Guaranty Bank branch will collect toys to donate to deserving local organizations.

 How You Can Get Involved:

• Drop-Off Toys: Visit your local Guaranty Bank branch and leave your toy donation in the designated collection area.
• Choose Joy: Toys of all kinds are welcome, from games and puzzles to dolls and action figures. We kindly ask for new, unwrapped items to make the experience magical for every child.
• Share the Spirit: Encourage your friends and family to join in the giving! Together, we can make an incredible impact on our communities.

Why It Matters:

Every toy collected will bring smiles to children in need and help spread the warmth and joy of the holiday season. It’s a simple but meaningful way to support families and make the season special for everyone.

Stay Connected:

Follow us on social media to see photos of the toys being delivered to local organizations and to witness the joy your generosity brings to our communities.

Thank you for helping us create holiday magic for children across our communities. Let’s make this season unforgettable, one toy at a time!

Visit your local Guaranty Bank branch today to donate and spread the holiday cheer!

Branch Beneficiaries:

Amory – Meadowood Baptist Church Angel Tree

Batesville branches – The Grace Place

Burnsville – Tishomingo County Angel Tree

Calhoun County – Toys for Tots

Cleveland – Boss Lady 4 Kids Store

Cordova – LeBonheur Children’s Hospital

East Memphis – St. Jude

Fulton – Pack the Cruiser (Itawamba County/City of Fulton)

Greenwood – Gracefully Broken

Hernando McIngvale – Interfaith Council

Hollandale – Hollandale Community Volunteers for Progress

Indianola – First Methodist Church Angel Tree

Iuka – Direct Support to Local Families

Oakland – Fayette Cares Angel Tree

Oxford branches – The YMCA

Ridgeland – MadCAAP

Saltillo – Partnering with local elementary school to directly support local families

Senatobia – Tate County Sheriff’s Department

Southaven – Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center

Southaven Customer Success Center – DeSoto County Dream Center

Starkville – Starkville Strong

Tishomingo – Tishomingo Police Department/Town of Tishomingo

Tupelo branches – Children’s Mansion

Uptown Memphis – Direct Support to Local Families

Stay tuned for more beneficiary details by branch to come.

Guaranty Bank, a steadfast advocate for growth and progress, proudly announces the promotion of 10 of its dedicated employees approved by the Board. As a cornerstone of our organizational ethos, people development is not merely a core value we uphold; it’s the heartbeat of our institution. As we celebrate their achievements, we recognize them as catalysts for innovation and drivers of our collective success. Their journey to officer status is not just a career milestone; it’s a testament to their outstanding contributions that have truly set them apart.

Please join us in congratulating:

Ali Inmon –Portfolio Manager II, AVP, Oxford

Angelle Oltremari – Consumer Underwriting Manager, AVP, Credit

Debbie Bailey – Operations Manager, AVP, Operations

Laura Meredith –Branch Manager, AVP, Senatobia

Lindsay Lehman – Branch Manager/Loan Support, AVP, Southaven

Hunter Screws – Commercial Banker, Bank Officer, Belzoni

Lauren Strowd – Senior Consumer Underwriting Specialist, Bank Officer, Credit

Matthew Fortenberry – Information Security Officer, Bank Officer, Fulton

Meagan Grisham – Brand Manager, Bank Officer, Marketing

Tanner Jackson – Ag Credit Specialist, AVP, Grenada

Hue Townsend, President & CEO stated, “These well-deserved promotions reflect the dedication, hard work, and exceptional skills that define our workforce. At Guaranty Bank, we continue to invest in its greatest asset – its people – ensuring a thriving community of professionals dedicated to providing unparalleled service and expertise.”

BELZONI – Guaranty Bank & Trust Company is pleased to announce five appointments within the bank to assume the role of Regional Retail Manager. Carrie Bullock, Ginger Morgan, Ann Hopkins, Missy Edmondson, and Chase Clark will lead branch management in their designated communities. Their mission within the company is to ensure customer-centric excellence across all locations, aligning Guaranty Bank’s vision of providing a cutting-edge community banking experience.

Carrie Bullock of the East Memphis office will lead Guaranty Bank locations in Tennessee and the Northwest Mississippi communities. With an education that includes the Barret School of Banking, Carrie has been an integral part of the Memphis banking community for 20 years, specializing in Retail Banking.

Ginger Morgan of Greenville will oversee the Mississippi Delta communities of Greenville, Hollandale, Belzoni, and Vicksburg. A native of Leland, Ginger was educated at the University of Mississippi. She has held five previous titles with Guaranty Bank, bringing significant expertise in customer service and community banking culture.

Leading Northeast Mississippi communities is Ann Hopkins of the Tupelo location. A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi, Ann has spent 20 years in the banking industry. She was the Assistant Operations Officer at First American National Bank prior to the recent partnership with Guaranty Bank.

Missy Edmondson of the Oxford office will manage the North Central Mississippi communities. A native of Corinth, Missy has a wealth of banking experience, combining 30 total years from four financial institutions. Her commitment to customer service excellence led her to this new role, previously the Branch Manager in Oxford.

Chase Clark of the Greenwood office will oversee central communities in the Mississippi Delta, as well as Grenada, Ridgeland, and Starkville. A native of Cleveland, she was educated at Mississippi Delta Community College. Celebrating her 20th anniversary in banking this year, Chase has held three previous positions at Guaranty Bank.

“As Guaranty Bank continues to prioritize exceptional service and community engagement, we are proud to welcome Carrie, Ginger, Ann, Missy, and Chase into their new roles as Regional Retail Managers,” stated Gretchen McNeal, Director of Branch Administration. “Their dedication to our customers and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly elevate the banking experience across our footprint.”