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.”

Guaranty Bank is proud to announce that Gretchen McNeal has been promoted to SVP, Director of Branch Administration.

A tenured employee for more than 25 years, Gretchen will lead the Regional Retail Managers, enhancing communication across all Guaranty Bank locations in Mississippi and Tennessee. Her ultimate leadership role is ensuring consistency and customer service excellence, embracing Guaranty Bank’s mission of providing a cutting-edge community banking experience.

“Gretchen’s impact on the growth of Guaranty Bank cannot be overstated,” said Hue Townsend, CEO and President of Guaranty Bank. “Her mastery of systems and solution-focused approach has propelled our success, earning the trust and admiration of all of our teammates.”

A native of Hollandale, Mississippi, Gretchen’s career path in banking began upon high school graduation while working as a teller with the Bank of Hollandale.

Gretchen is a graduate of Delta State University where she also received her Master’s in Business Administration. She was named Operations Specialist at Guaranty Bank in 1999 where she would continue to grow professionally and assume the role of Operations Manager.

Having served in several positions throughout her illustrious career at Guaranty Bank, Gretchen is an Accredited ACH Professional and a recognized National Checks Professional (NCP) under the National Checks Payments Certification Program (NCPC). As a dedicated team member, she also champions financial literacy for those in need of assistance in the community.

Gretchen is married to Rodney McNeal; they have two daughters, Tyra and Tayla.

Guaranty Bank is proud to introduce our new Providing Access to Homeownership (PATH) Program – created to help support underserved customers and communities. It is based on geographic location and is designed to increase home ownership in eligible census tracts. Here are some of the highlights of this product.

• Conventional loan

• Choose from below market interest rate OR closing cost credit

• No income limits

• Not restricted to first time home buyers

• Expanded credit parameters

• Up to 97% financing available

• Can be used in conjunction with HomeReady and HomePossible

• Priority underwriting approval

• Eligible for Purchase and Refinance (including Cash Out) for Primary Residences

The Guaranty Bank PATH Program is an integral part of our commitment to enriching each community within our footprint. Serving hopeful homeowners with education, support, and a pathway to achieving their homeownership goals is part of our vision for the future of community banking.

Contact your local Guaranty Bank mortgage loan officer for more details and property eligibility.

Guaranty Bank

Company NMLS# 405570

gbtmortgage.com

662-449-1296

New guidelines and increases to the Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) Grant.

We are proud to offer the Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) program. This program offers down payment and closing cost assistance 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.

Apply now: www.gbtmortgage.com

Guaranty Bank Launches Construction of New Full-Service Office in Ridgeland

RIDGELAND – A new chapter in banking convenience and innovation is unfolding in Ridgeland, Mississippi, with the groundbreaking of Guaranty Bank’s latest project. Located strategically at 405 West Parkway Place, off Highland Colony Parkway, this new build-out marks a significant expansion of the bank’s presence in the area.

On the morning of December 6, the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce, Madison County Business League & Foundation, esteemed representatives from Dean Architecture, P.A., Peoples Construction Corporation, Concord Companies, along with local city dignitaries, united with Guaranty Bank executives to celebrate the commencement of the new office.

Nicky Cobb, Market Branch President of Guaranty Bank, shared insights into the expansion, which will span 17,500 square feet. The new facility is designed to offer an exceptional banking experience, incorporating the latest technological advancements. Key features include two state-of-the-art drive-thrus, each equipped with Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), enhancing customer service and efficiency. The completion of the construction is eagerly anticipated by the end of 2024.

This venture builds upon Guaranty Bank’s initial investment in Ridgeland, dating back to 2019, when a temporary office was established on Crescent Boulevard. Today, this site operates as a thriving full-service bank branch. The new build-out represents a leap forward in the bank’s dedication to the community, offering a comprehensive range of banking, Wealth Advisory, and Mortgage Group services under one roof.

Cobb emphasized the significance of this expansion: “With our tremendous growth in Ridgeland, this new build-out is a testament to our ongoing and future commitment to Ridgeland and its community. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our customers and are excited about the prospects of many more years of success and partnership in Ridgeland.”

Guaranty Bank, with this innovative full-service branch, is set to redefine banking convenience and customer service, further cementing its position as a trusted financial partner in the community.