Guaranty Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of J. Blake Murphy as Chief Risk Officer within the Administration and Risk Management department. Blake officially joined the bank on February 18, 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience in financial risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight.

A Jackson, Mississippi native, Blake earned both his Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi in Oxford. He further enhanced his banking expertise by completing the Graduate School of Banking at LSU. A member of the Beta Alpha Psi honor society in Accountancy at Ole Miss, Blake holds prestigious industry certifications, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed in Mississippi and Tennessee, and Certified BSA/AML Professional (CBAP). He is also an active member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Mississippi Society of CPAs (MSSCPA).

Blake is deeply engaged in community service and leadership, having previously served as Treasurer and Board Member for Goodwill Industries of Mississippi and President of his neighborhood HOA. He has also coached and managed youth sports through the YMCA, AAU, and regional soccer clubs and has been a Discipleship Group Leader at his church.

Currently residing in Little Rock, Arkansas, Blake and his wife, Lisa, will be relocating to Mississippi. They have one daughter, Meghan, who is in her third year at Ole Miss. Outside of work, Blake enjoys attending Ole Miss sporting events, traveling with his family, hiking with their rescue dog, Josie, and playing an occasional round of golf.

Guaranty Bank is excited for Blake’s leadership in this new role and looks forward to the positive impact he will bring to the organization and the communities it serves.

About Guaranty Bank: Guaranty Bank is dedicated to delivering exceptional banking services with a focus on personalized solutions, community engagement, and financial expertise. Our team of professionals is committed to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.

Welcome to National Consumer Week! This year, we’re focusing on a critical issue that affects millions of people: fraud. Fraud can take many forms, from wire fraud to credit card scams, and it’s essential to stay informed and vigilant. In this blog, we’ll explore some common types of fraud and provide tips on how to protect yourself.

Understanding Wire Fraud

Wire fraud is a type of scam where criminals use electronic communications to trick people or organizations into giving them money or personal information. This can include phishing emails, fake websites, and fraudulent wire transfer requests. To protect yourself from wire fraud, always verify any request for personal or financial information. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages and never click on suspicious links.

Learn more: Prevent Wire Fraud.

Safeguarding Your Credit Card

Credit card fraud is another common issue. Scammers can steal your card information through various means, such as skimming devices, phishing attacks, or data breaches. To protect your card, regularly monitor your statements for any unauthorized transactions. Use secure websites for online purchases and consider setting up alerts for suspicious activity.

Learn more: Protect Your Card from Fraud.

Recognizing and Avoiding Scams

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick you into sending money. Always be cautious. Remember, as your bank, we will never call you asking for your login credentials or a secure code.

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

1. Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often claim that immediate action is required, such as paying a bill or avoiding legal trouble.
2. Impersonation: They may pretend to be from a trusted organization, like your bank, a government agency, or a well-known company.
3. Emotional Manipulation: Scammers might use emotional appeals, such as pretending to be a family member in distress or a charity in need.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify the Source: Always double-check the identity of the person or organization contacting you. Use official contact information to verify their claims.
• Never Share Sensitive Information: Do not provide your login credentials, secure codes, or personal information over the phone or through email.
• Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: If you receive an unexpected request for money or personal information, take a step back and evaluate the situation.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

• Report It: Contact your bank immediately if you suspect fraudulent activity. They can help secure your accounts and guide you on the next steps.
• Document Everything: Keep records of any suspicious communications, including emails, phone numbers, and messages.
• Stay Informed: Regularly educate yourself about the latest scam tactics and how to avoid them.

Learn more: Client Protection

By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your finances from fraud. Remember, your safety is our priority.

Happy National Consumer Week and stay safe!

As we step into 2025, it’s a great time to set new financial goals that can lead to a healthier and more secure financial future. Here are some key goals to focus on this year:

Build an Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability. Try to save enough money to cover 3-6 months of living expenses. This fund will help you handle unexpected costs like medical emergencies or job loss. To make saving easier, open a savings account with good interest rates and set up automatic transfers from your checking account.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Reducing unnecessary expenses can free up more money for savings and investments. This means cutting down on things like takeout meals, canceling unused subscriptions, and finding cheaper alternatives. Use budgeting tools to track your spending and see where you can cut back. Some services can even round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the difference to your savings account.

Pay Off High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt can be a big burden on your finances. Focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first to save money in the long run. You might consider a debt consolidation loan to combine multiple high-interest debts into one lower-interest payment. Creating a debt repayment plan can also help you stay on track.

Save for Retirement

It’s never too early or too late to start saving for retirement. Aim to regularly contribute to your retirement accounts to ensure a comfortable future. Opening an IRA or other retirement account can help you take advantage of tax benefits and grow your savings. Diversifying your retirement portfolio with the help of investment services can also secure your future.

Improve Your Credit Score

A good credit score is important for getting loans and favorable interest rates. Focus on paying your bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and avoiding new debt. Use credit monitoring services to keep track of your credit score and get alerts for any changes. A credit builder loan can also help improve your credit score by making regular, on-time payments.

Dive into Personal Finance with Guaranty Bank!

At Guaranty Bank, we believe that understanding personal finance is the cornerstone of making smart decisions with your money. Take the time to learn about budgeting, investing, and other financial topics to empower yourself. Join our engaging financial workshops and seminars to gain valuable knowledge, and explore our extensive online resources and tools to enhance your understanding.

By setting and working towards these top financial goals, you can build a more secure and prosperous future. Let Guaranty Bank be your partner in achieving financial success in 2025 and beyond! Here’s to a brighter financial future!

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Resource Library

To help you achieve your financial goals in 2025, we’ve compiled a list of valuable resources:

Build an Emergency Fund

Building My Emergency Savings Pathway | Personal Savings Accounts

Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Creating a Budget

Pay Off High-Interest Debt

Lowering My Debt Pathway | Credit Card Advice

Save for Retirement

Preparing for Retirement | Wealth Advisory

Improve Your Credit Score

Credit Scores | Build Better Credit

Personal Finance with Guaranty Bank

Tips to Improve Financial Literacy | GBT and Financial Literacy

BELZONI – Guaranty Bank is excited to welcome Amy Ellenburg to the team as Vice President Mortgage Loan Officer.  With over 25 years of experience in banking and a commitment to personalized service, Amy knows how to help families make smart, stress-free decisions about homeownership. Based in Corinth, she’s ready to lead our mortgage lending initiatives in Northeast Mississippi.

Amy brings a customer-first approach to mortgage lending, offering a wide variety of home financing products tailored to each family’s unique needs. With her at the helm, Guaranty Bank’s mortgage services will deliver fast closings, great rates, and personalized options—making it easier for local families to achieve their homeownership goals.

“At Guaranty Bank, we believe that mortgage lending is more than just financing—it’s about helping families realize their dream of homeownership,” says David Umsted, Mortgage Director. “Amy’s experience makes her the perfect fit to lead our mortgage services in Corinth and surrounding areas. Together, she will help us continue our mission of providing easy, hassle-free mortgage solutions that strengthen the communities we serve.”

Amy has been an active member of The Alliance of Corinth, working to unite local businesses and enhance the area’s economic growth. She has served on its board for Community Development. Additionally, Amy is a long-standing member of the Mortgage Bankers Association and has held leadership positions within the Tennessee Mortgage Bankers Association (TNMBA), including serving as Past Chair of the Ethics Committee.

“I am excited to join Guaranty Bank and bring my passion for helping families achieve their homeownership goals to Corinth,” said Amy. “I look forward to contributing to Guaranty Bank’s mission of providing personalized, high-performance service to our community.”

When she’s not helping people finance their dream homes, Amy spends time painting and gardening. She and her husband, Greg, have seven children and nine grandchildren.

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.

Ready to take the next step in homeownership? Contact Amy Ellenburg at amy.ellenburg@gbtonline.com today, and let’s get started!

BELZONI – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce that Steven Coleman has been named SVP Regional Commercial Banker. In this position, Steven will focus on empowering businesses across Northeast Mississippi, working alongside Tommy Chamblee, Regional President for Northeast Mississippi, to support local entrepreneurs and provide tailored banking solutions.

As a Fulton native, Steven brings a deep understanding of the region’s needs. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Banking and Finance and Business Administration at Mississippi State University. In 2019, he completed courses from the Mississippi School of Banking to continue his banking education.

Steven’s passion for community extends far beyond banking. While in Starkville, he was on the board of the Starkville Rotary Club and was a member of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership and Oktibbeha Young Leaders. Steven has been active in the Oktibbeha Chapter of the MSU Alumni Association and has served on numerous advisory boards related to the University and growth in the Starkville community. His work with Habitat for Humanity reflects his belief in strengthening communities through affordable housing initiatives.

“We are pleased to have Steven join the Guaranty Bank team to enhance our commercial lending presence in Tupelo and the surrounding areas,” said Tommy Chamblee. “While bringing his extensive experience in various areas of banking back to his home region, we’re confident that Steven will serve this greater business community, aligning with both Guaranty Bank’s growth and vision.”

Steven is looking forward to calling the Tupelo area home soon with his wife Amanda and their two children, Cooper, 10 and Lennon, 7.

About Guaranty Bank

Guaranty Bank, a locally-owned community bank, focuses on personalized service and is committed to fostering long-term relationships with individuals and businesses, contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity.

BELZONI – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce that Dylan Edwards has been named Controller. In this business leadership role, Dylan will direct daily accounting operations and will be led by the Chief Financial Officer.

Dylan earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Adkerson School of Accountancy at Mississippi State University. He then spent the first segment of his career in the public accounting sector in Nashville before recently relocating to Madison, Mississippi.

Dylan holds CPA licenses in both Tennessee and Mississippi. He is also active in several professional organizations, such as the Mississippi Bankers Association, American Bankers Association, Mississippi Society of CPAs, and the Tennessee Society of CPAs.

Dylan and his wife Nicole reside in Madison, where they are members of Madison Methodist Church. Outside of work, Dylan enjoys attending MSU sporting events, getting outdoors, and spending time with his Bernedoodle, George.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dylan to our team,” said Rich Knox, CFO of Guaranty Bank. “His extensive experience in accounting, specifically in banks, will be instrumental as we continue to grow and serve our community. With his deep understanding of financial regulations and best practices, we are confident that we can maintain strong financial health and achieve our strategic goals.”

Guaranty Bank & Trust Company CEO Hue Townsend is pleased to announce the board appointment of Relationship Banker Blake Shipp to Batesville President.

Blake has been a Guaranty Bank team member for 17 years and has held numerous positions within the organization.

Blake attended North Delta School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Mississippi. In 2010, he completed courses from the Mississippi School of Banking to continue his banking education.

Blake’s community involvement is a testament to his dedication to Batesville. As a member of Batesville First Methodist Church, he actively serves on the Finance Committee. His service on numerous boards, including the Panola County Industrial Development Authority and Panola Partnership, has significantly contributed to the growth, local economy, and quality of life in the county. Currently, he is serving on the Board of Directors for Panola County Community Chest Fund, further demonstrating his commitment to the community.

“Blake is very deserving of this promotion to City President for Batesville,” stated Mickey Naaman, North Regional President. “He is a Batesville native and very involved in numerous community organizations. I could not be more proud of Blake and his family as he embraces this new leadership role.”

With this strategic transition, Keith Buck has assumed a new role as Commercial Relationship Banker where he will continue to work one on one with business clients. This adjustment, carefully planned, ensures a seamless continuation of our services, with Blake now able to focus his skills on leading the team and meeting the needs of the community and our customers.

Blake and his wife, Magan, have three children: Preston, 13, Nola, 8, and Andrew, 6. He coaches his sons’ baseball teams and enjoys time outside of the bank as an outdoorsman and playing golf.

BELZONI – Guaranty Bank & Trust Company is pleased to announce that Lisa Childs has been named Vice President, Loan Processing Administrator.

With 25 years career banking experience, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge in the crucial tasks performed by loan processors in the Central Credit Department based in Belzoni.

A Humphreys County native, Childs joined Guaranty Bank in 1999. To her position, she brings both longtime practical banking experience as well as continuing education with certificate programs through the American Institute of Banking.

She is married to Floyd Childs and has two sons, a stepdaughter, a daughter, and five grandchildren.

“Lisa’s dedication, leadership, and knowledge in Loan Operations cannot be overstated,” stated Pam Jones, SVP Chief Operations Officer. “The loan processing department has grown tremendously with her guidance and direction.  I am truly excited to see Lisa continue to excel in her new role!”  

BELZONI – Guaranty Bank & Trust Company is pleased to announce the board appointment of Greenville Branch Manager Wendy Witherspoon to Vice President.

With a wealth of experience, Wendy spent 10-plus years in finance before joining Guaranty Bank and has served in numerous positions within the organization, from teller and lending to branch management in the Greenville Highway 1 location.

“Wendy has been an exceptional leader at our Highway 1 location, embodying Guaranty Bank’s commitment to excellence in customer service and community engagement,” stated Ken Purvis, Greenville Branch President and Commercial Lender. “We are confident that Wendy will continue to excel in her Branch Manager role, serving the needs of our customers first and foremost.”

An avid volunteer in the Greenville community, Wendy and her husband, Jeff, have two children and four grandchildren.

BELZONI – Guaranty Bank & Trust Company is pleased to announce that Mary Reeder has been promoted to VP Branch Support Manager.

With 40 years of career banking experience, Mary brings a wealth of operational and branch management experience to Guaranty Bank. In her new role, she oversees branch support and is ultimately the driving force of customer experience consistency across all Guaranty Bank locations in Mississippi and Tennessee

A Batesville native, Mary cut her teeth in community banking in 1985 and continued to rise into various officer positions, from compliance and operations to lending. Mary joined the Guaranty Bank team in 2014 as Branch Manager for the Batesville locations. Her continued education in banking includes the American Institute of Banking Courses among numerous seminars and training classes on banking and real estate.

She’s an active member of Shady Grove Baptist Church and the Batesville Rotary Club. Among other honors and civic club positions, she was the 2020 recipient of the Panola Partnership Bobbie Jean Pounders Ambassador Award. She and her husband, Darrell, live in Sardis.

“Mary’s dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence make her the perfect fit for this role,” stated Gretchen McNeal, SVP Director of Administration. “We are excited to see her thrive with continued success in our organization.”