BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Tanner Jackson to Vice President, Credit-Ag Credit Specialist.

Jackson is a graduate of Grenada High School and Mississippi State University. He has also completed the Mississippi School of Banking and is currently in his second year of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

A native of Grenada, Mississippi, Jackson joined Guaranty Bank in 2019 and has steadily advanced through a variety of roles during his tenure. His career path at Guaranty Bank includes serving as a Management Trainee, Personal Banker, Relationship Banker, Agriculture Underwriter, and Ag Credit Specialist before taking on additional responsibilities as Problem Asset Officer in September 2024.

“Jackson’s leadership in team development, risk management development, dedication to serving the teammates of Guaranty Bank and supporting our commercial and agricultural customers have made him an instrumental and valued member of our team, said Senior Vice President, Director of Special Assets, Chuck Williams. His ability to provide sound credit solutions and support in risk assessment is reflected in the bank’s ongoing commitment to growth of Guaranty Bank’s business and agricultural loan portfolio. Tanner has a mission of self-improvement and is currently enrolled in LSU School of Banking. He is fully engaged in all functions.”

Outside of the office, Jackson is actively involved in community and family activities including hunting and fishing. He is also entering his second year participating in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend with the JPA Joggers, helping raise funds throughout the year to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He is also a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and enjoys coaching his oldest son’s all-star baseball team. He and his wife, Savanna, are proud parents to two sons, Sykes (5) and Sullivan (2).

About Guaranty Bank:

Founded in 1943, Guaranty Bank is a privately held financial institution serving individuals, businesses, and communities across Mississippi and Tennessee. With 38 locations and a full range of consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth services, Guaranty Bank combines the strength of a modern financial partner with the personal relationships of a community bank. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the bank is deeply committed to expanding access to financial services and supporting economic growth in the communities it serves. For more information about Guaranty Bank, please visit gbtonline.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.  

Guaranty Bank is proud to recognize four outstanding team members who graduated from the Mississippi School of Banking on July 31, 2026, at the University of Mississippi.

Meet Our Graduates

• Hunter Screws, AVP Commercial Banker-Belzoni
• Johnny Ford, VP Financial Analyst
• Richard Day, Bank Officer Credit Analyst II
• Dylan Edwards, VP Controller

The Mississippi School of Banking, established by the Mississippi Bankers Association, is designed to give future banking leaders a well-rounded education in banking, management, leadership, regulation, and customer service. Through coursework, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, graduates strengthen the skills that help them lead with confidence and make a meaningful impact in their institutions and communities.

“This was an incredible opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. The Mississippi School of Banking program gave us a deeper understanding of the banking industry, strengthened our leadership skills, and reminded us how important relationships are in the work we do every day. We are grateful for the experience and excited to bring what we learned back to our teams, our customers, and the communities we serve”, said Dylan Edwards, Vice President, Controller of Guaranty Bank.

Congratulations to Hunter, Johnny, Richard, and Dylan for investing in their professional development and representing Guaranty Bank with excellence. Their achievement reflects not only hard work and commitment, but also a shared passion for continuous learning and service.

Guaranty Bank is now partnering with Greenlight® Financial Technology, Inc. (“Greenlight”) to better serve families and help the next generation build healthy financial futures. Guaranty Bank customers will have free† access to Greenlight’s award-winning family finance app, available through the Greenlight for Banks program.

Research shows that 91% of kids and teens believe they need financial knowledge and skills to achieve their life goals, and 94% of parents agree.* Still, only 35 states require a personal finance course for students, and teens score an average of 64% on the National Financial Literacy Test, showing a clear gap in financial education that is accessible and effective. Parents also rank personal finance as the #1 most difficult life skill to teach their children with 81% saying they wish they had more financial education tools and resources.**

Greenlight offers a debit card and app that teaches kids and teens how to earn, save, give and spend wisely, all with parental supervision. Using the Greenlight app, parents can quickly send money, automate allowance payments, manage chores, set flexible spending controls, get real-time notifications of all transactions, and more. Kids get hands-on money management experience, along with access to Greenlight Level Up™, an in-app financial literacy game with a best-in-class curriculum, educational challenges, and rewards.

“At Guaranty Bank, we believe financial education should start early and be accessible. Our partnership with Greenlight gives parents and kids the tools they need to learn, practice, and grow together, right from their everyday banking experience,” said Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank.

Guaranty Bank customers can receive a free† Greenlight subscription by registering through gbtonline.com/greenlight/ and adding their Guaranty Bank account as a funding source.

About Guaranty Bank:

Founded in 1943, Guaranty Bank is a privately held financial institution serving individuals, businesses, and communities across Mississippi and Tennessee. With 38 locations and a full range of consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth services, Guaranty Bank combines the strength of a modern financial partner with the personal relationships of a community bank. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the bank is deeply committed to expanding access to financial services and supporting economic growth in the communities it serves. For more information about Guaranty Bank, please visit gbtonline.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. 

†Guaranty Bank customers are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their Guaranty Bank account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, members will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 6/16/2029. Offer subject to change and partner participation.

*Survey insights were collected by Greenlight through a Researchscape survey fielded between March 22 and March 24, 2024, among 2,310 respondents in the U.S., split between kids and teens ages 10-19 and parents of 10-19 year olds.

**Survey insights were collected by Greenlight through a Researchscape survey fielded between February 9-12, 2023, among 1,034 U.S. respondents, all of whom were working parents of 8-18 year olds.

In the small town of Indianola, Mississippi, a story of hope and kindness quietly unfolded reminding us of the power of community support. Demetrius Perryman, a disabled individual living on a fixed disability income, was facing a daunting challenge. Her roof was leaking and deteriorating, threatening the safety and comfort of her family.  

For Demetrius, the leaking roof was more than just an inconvenience. It was a source of constant worry, especially during rainy days when water seeped into her home causing damage that could escalate into costly repairs. To make matters worse, insurance coverage was not available for the roof replacement, determining the roof as outdated and beyond repair assistance. With limited financial resources, the situation felt overwhelming.  

A Ray of Hope from Guaranty Bank and The Federal Home Loan Bank Dallas 

A beacon of hope arrived when a family member told Demetrius to reach out to Guaranty Bank for assistance. Working in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas through its FORTIFIED Fund, Guaranty Bank helped guide her through the application process. Demetrius was approved for a FORTIFIED Roof grant that made it possible to replace her damaged roof, stop the leaks, and prevent further deterioration of her home.  

The grant did more than fix a roof, it restored peace of mind. For Demetrius, it meant a safer, more comfortable home where her family could thrive without the constant fear of water damage. It meant stability in a time of uncertainty and a reminder that kindness and support from a local community bank truly matter.  

In her own words, Demetrius sent a letter to Guaranty Bank that expressed deep gratitude:  

“Your support has made a tangible difference in our lives, providing stability and peace of mind when we needed it most. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and the kindness extended to our family. Thank you once again for your generosity and support. Your assistance has made a lasting impact on my family’s safety and well-being.” 

What is the Federal Home Loan Bank FORTIFIED Fund?  

• A grant program administered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. 
• Helps income-qualified homeowners get a FORTIFIED Roof which is built to withstand hurricanes, high winds, hail, and severe thunderstorms. 
• $10 million was allocated to the fund in 2026. 
• Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning with $5 million in January and then $5 million in July until funds are exhausted.  
• A FORTIFIED Roof can double a roof’s uplift strength, reduce water intrusion by up to 95%, and increase home value by an average of 7%.  
• Homeowners can also receive meaningful home insurance savings by receiving a FORTIFIED Roof Certificate upon completion.  

How To Apply for the Federal Home Loan Bank FORTIFIED Fund and Eligibility Criteria 

• Applications must be submitted by an FHLB Dallas member financial institution like Guaranty Bank. 

• Eligible households may receive up to $17,000 toward replacing a roof on an existing home.
• Households must have and show proof of income at or below 120% of the area median income.  
• The home must be an owner-occupied primary residence. 

• Roof replacements must pass pre-evaluation and be installed by a certified FORTIFIED contractor.  
• Grant approval, amount, and timing are subject to FHLB Dallas program requirement, documentation, certified contractor/evaluator requirements and availability of funds.

 About Guaranty Bank:

Founded in 1943, Guaranty Bank is a privately held financial institution serving individuals, businesses, and communities across Mississippi and Tennessee. With 38 locations and a full range of consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth services, Guaranty Bank combines the strength of a modern financial partner with the personal relationships of a community bank. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the bank is deeply committed to expanding access to financial services and supporting economic growth in the communities it serves. For more information about Guaranty Bank, please visit gbtonline.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.  

About Federal Home Loan Bank Dallas:

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) is a part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 11 district Federal Home Loan Banks created in 1932 to provide capital for mortgage funding and support for community investment. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), with total assets of 97.1 billion as of March 30, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 780 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information visit FHLB Dallas Home.

For many students and families, paying for college requires planning, savings, scholarships, grants, federal aid, and sometimes private financing. Now, upcoming federal student loan changes are making that planning conversation even more important, especially for graduate students, professional students, and parents who have historically relied on federal PLUS loans to help cover the full cost of attendance.

What’s Changing in Federal Student Loan Borrowing

Beginning July 1, 2026, several federal student loan rules are scheduled to change under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The Department of Education has noted that the changes affect loan limits and repayment options for borrowers and will continue to provide implementation guidance. 

• Graduate student borrowing is expected to be limited to $20,500 per year, with a $100,000 aggregate cap for the degree.
• Professional student borrowing is expected to be limited to $50,000 per year, with a $200,000 aggregate cap for the degree.
• Parent PLUS borrowing is expected to be capped at $20,000 per year and $65,000 total per student.
• Graduate PLUS loans are expected to be eliminated for new borrowers, changing how many students fund advanced degrees.

Why Federal Student Loan Limits Matter for Students and Families

These changes do not eliminate the need for education financing; they change the order and urgency of the conversation. Families may need to compare school costs earlier, understand borrowing limits sooner, and identify responsible ways to close any remaining funding gaps after scholarships, grants, savings, and federal student aid have been considered. 

For undergraduate families, the Parent PLUS cap may affect households that are expected to use federal parent borrowing to cover costs above the student’s direct federal loan eligibility. For graduate and professional students, the change may be even more significant because many programs have tuition and living expenses that exceed the new annual and aggregate limits. 

Why We Partnered with College Ave

Guaranty Bank chose to partner with College Ave because individuals need clear, flexible options at a time when education financing is becoming more complex. College Ave focuses on private student loans for undergraduate students, graduate students, professional degree students, and parents, with an online application process, no origination fees, fixed and variable rate options, and repayment choices designed to fit different budgets. 

Just as important, College Ave positions private student loans as a potential way to fill a financing gap after students and families have explored scholarships, grants, savings, and federal student aid. That approach aligns with how we believe education financing should be discussed, starting with the lowest-cost and individually tailored options, then evaluating private financing only when it makes sense for the borrower’s broader financial plan. All private student loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting requirements, and program eligibility criteria.

What Families Should Do to Start the Student Loan Application Process

• File the FAFSA and review all federal aid eligibility first. 
• Ask the school’s financial aid office how the new federal loan limits may apply to the student’s program and enrollment timeline. 
• Compare the total cost of attendance, not just tuition, including housing, books, fees, transportation, and required equipment. 
• Estimate the funding gap after scholarships, grants, savings, income, and federal loans. 
• If a gap remains, compare private loan options carefully, including rate type, repayment term, monthly payment, cosigner requirements, fees, and total cost over time. 

How to Learn More About College Ave

As federal loan rules evolve, our goal is to help students and families make informed, confident decisions. Partnering with College Ave gives us another way to support those conversations with tools and financing options that may help bridge the gap when federal aid, savings, and scholarships are not enough.  This is a pivotal time for proactive planning. If college, graduate school, or professional school is on the horizon, it is important to learn more about the new federal limits. Visit our College Avenue information page and explore the full range of responsible funding options available to you.

*Guaranty Bank & Trust may receive a referral fee if you click on this link and obtain a student loan from College Ave.

Summer is all about sunshine, family time, and making memories, but all those activities can add up fast. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice fun to stay on budget. With a little planning and creativity, your family can enjoy a memorable summer without overspending.

Here are some practical (and fun!) summer budgeting tips:

Embrace Free Budget Friendly Family Activities

Some of the best summer memories don’t cost a thing.

• Visit local parks, splash pads, or nature trails
• Attend free community events, concerts, or festivals
• Have a family movie night in the backyard
• Explore your local library and their summer activity schedules

Pack Snacks & Meals

Food is one of the biggest hidden costs during summer outings.

Instead of eating out every time:

• Pack a cooler with drinks, sandwiches, and snacks
• Plan picnics at parks or beaches to elevate the setting
• Let your kids help prepare and plan meals

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid long lines and last-minute splurges.

Set a Summer Spending Budget

Giving your summer spending a clear limit helps you stay in control.

Break it down and stay committed to:

• Entertainment
• Food & Dining
• Travel

Give Your Kids Their Own Budget

Summer is a great time to teach your children about money.

Give your kids a small weekly cash allowance for treats or activities and let them decide how to spend or save it. This builds smart money habits early. Note: Our online banking tools are designed for adult account holders.

Make Memories and Save Money This Summer

The best part of summer isn’t how much you spend, but it’s the time you spend together. By being intentional with your money, you can enjoy all the season has to offer without the stress of overspending.

 A simple day at the park, a homemade picnic, or a backyard game night can be just as meaningful (and often more memorable) than expensive outing.

Remember: You can monitor your transaction history and account activity by logging into your online banking application here: Account Services | Guaranty Bank

Note that some transactions may take time to post or reflect in your account balance.

The Financial Tools section is available at no additional charge to eligible account holders.  

BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce the appointment of Diédre Barret as Executive Vice President, Chief Experience Officer (CXO), a role that will lead the bank’s strategy for delivering a consistent, service‑first experience for clients, employees, and communities.

Barret, a 23-year veteran of Guaranty Bank, is widely recognized as a dynamic, people-centered leader who has helped redefine what it means to be a primary financial partner. She brings together innovation, technology, communication, and genuine human connection to ensure banking remains both personal and impactful.

“Diédre has an extraordinary ability to see the big picture while staying deeply committed to local impact,” said CEO, Hue Townsend. “Her leadership strengthens our identity as a trusted community bank while pushing us forward with fresh ideas, sharper execution, and a unified vision for how we serve.”

In her new role as Chief Experience Officer, Barret will guide the work, defining, coaching and executing a consistent service first experience across all Guaranty Bank locations. Her focus will be on moving beyond transactions to ensure teams show up every day as trusted advisors, building relationships, solving problems, and delivering on the bank’s mission to help people and communities prosper.

Barret is known for cultivating an environment where ideas thrive and people achieve their best. She is a fierce advocate for the power of community banking, believing that strong relationships and tailored solutions are essential to long‑term community success.

“This structure strengthens accountability, sharpens execution, and supports our vision while maintaining who we are at our core,” Barret said. “I’m honored to lead this work and excited for what it means for our clients, our teams, and the communities we serve.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Barret remains deeply rooted in Belzoni, Mississippi, home to Guaranty Bank’s flagship office. She and her husband, Spencer, are the proud parents of three children, and she is also a proud “Honey” to three grandchildren.

About Guaranty Bank:

Founded in 1943, Guaranty Bank is a privately held financial institution serving individuals, businesses, and communities across Mississippi and Tennessee. With 38 locations and a full range of consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth services, Guaranty Bank combines the strength of a modern financial partner with the personal relationships of a community bank. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the bank is deeply committed to expanding access to financial services and supporting economic growth in the communities it serves. 

For more information about Guaranty Bank, please visit gbtonline.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.  

Media Contact: Mary Ashley O’Reilly at maryashley@gbtonline.com. 

BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce that Melissa Brady has joined the bank as Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, where she will lead marketing strategy, brand development, and corporate communications. In this role, Brady will oversee integrated marketing initiatives designed to strengthen brand awareness, deepen customer relationships, support business growth, and advance the bank’s long‑term strategic objectives.

Brady brings more than 20 years of experience driving marketing transformation and growth for national and global organizations. Prior to joining Guaranty Bank, she served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience at Fogelman, and previously held leadership roles at ServiceMaster, FedEx, and Juice Plus+.

A Mississippi native, Brady holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University and a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. She also serves on the Board of the Regional One Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports one of the Mid‑South’s leading academic medical centers and trauma hospitals.

“Melissa is a dynamic and strategic leader whose expertise will elevate our brand and strengthen our connection with customers across the communities we serve,” said CEO Hue Townsend. “Her vision and experience will play a critical role in advancing our mission and supporting our continued growth.”

About Guaranty Bank:

Founded in 1943, Guaranty Bank is a privately held financial institution serving individuals, businesses, and communities across Mississippi and Tennessee. With 38 locations and a full range of consumer, commercial, mortgage, and wealth services, Guaranty Bank combines the strength of a modern financial partner with the personal relationships of a community bank. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the bank is deeply committed to expanding access to financial services and supporting economic growth in the communities it serves. 

For more information about Guaranty Bank, please visit gbtonline.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.  

Media Contact: Mary Ashley O’Reilly at maryashley@gbtonline.com. 

BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is proud to announce the bank’s participation in the American Bankers Association Foundation’s Teach Children to Save program throughout April 2026, reaching nearly 550 students promoting financial literacy across our community.

As part of Guaranty Bank’s continued commitment to financial literacy and community investment, representatives from more than 80% of branches across our bank-wide footprint participated in the initiative by visiting local classrooms and leading financial education discussions.

 What Is the Teach Children to Save Program?

The Teach Children to Save program is a national initiative held in April where bankers, educators, and volunteers teach children K–8 about saving, budgeting, and making good financial decisions.

Throughout the month, Guaranty Bank team members introduced students to foundational money management concepts through interactive conversations and real-life examples, including:

Key Money Lessons Taught to Students

• Spend, Save, Share: Decide in advance how much of allowance or earnings goes to each category.
• Open a savings account: Let kids monitor growth and see the value of money.
• Teach needs vs. wants: Show how saving covers essentials while preparing for wants.
• Use real purchases: Have kids pay with their own money to understand cost.
• Create a savings goal: Give it a name and picture so it feels personal.

Why Early Financial Education Matters

For many students, these lessons provide exposure to financial concepts they may not otherwise encounter in a traditional classroom setting. Guaranty Bank views financial education as a critical part of strengthening the long-term success of the communities it serves.

Branch Manager of our Ridgeland office, Cindy Deerman, shared “teaching kids to save is one of the best money habits we can share. Whether a first grader is dreaming big—like pretending to save for a Range Rover—or just hoping to buy a fun new toy, saving early helps them learn how to set goals, make good choices, and practice patience.”

Building Stronger Communities Through Financial Literacy

These small lessons help kids feel confident. Over time, they turn into important life skills—planning ahead, avoiding impulse buys, and feeling in control of their money. When we help kids build these habits now, we’re giving them a strong start and helping them grow into smart, thoughtful money‑makers in the future.

By cultivating a community that values financial literacy, we give our children the tools, support, and inspiration they need to build a secure future. Together, we’re not just teaching them to save money, we’re teaching them to save for their dreams.

About Teach Children To Save:

ABA Foundation, a (501C)3, provides free programs and resources to help banks support the financial well-being of their customers and communities. ABA Foundation’s mission is to inspire, equip and empower banks of all sizes to build thriving, resilient and equitable communities. Learn more at: https://www.aba.com/advocacy/community-programs/teach-children-save

About Guaranty Bank:

Guaranty Bank’s mission is to set the standard in our communities for excellence in financial service products and their delivery, to strengthen the communities we serve, and to help improve the quality of life in those areas; while creating lasting value for our shareholders, employees, and customers. Learn more at Personal & Business Banking Services | Guaranty Bank

BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is pleased to announce that Kaley Cassandras has joined Guaranty Bank as Branch Manager in Oakland.

Kaley is a graduate of Gateway Christian School and actively participates in the local Oakland Chamber. She frequently volunteers with Fayette Cares, demonstrating her commitment to the community. As a devoted mom and wife, she enjoys life with her two-year-old child and their English bulldog. In her free time, Kaley loves kayaking and cherishing moments outdoors with her family.

Nick Nichols, President and Commercial Banker in Oakland, shared his enthusiasm for Kaley’s leadership, stating, “We’re excited for Kaley to lead our team, and I am confident she will make meaningful contributions to both our customers and our community.”.

Kaley began her banking career in 2021 and has gained experience in all facets of the industry. Through her career, she has served as a teller, consumer service representative, loan assistant, assistant branch manager, and now she proudly serves as the branch manager at our Oakland office.

About Guaranty Bank & Trust: 

Guaranty Bank’s mission is to set the standard in our communities for excellence in financial service products and their delivery, to strengthen the communities we serve, and to help improve the quality of life in those areas; while creating last value for our shareholders, employees, and customers. Learn more at Personal & Business Banking Services | Guaranty Bank