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, 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.”

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.

Guaranty Bank is unleashing the festive spirit again with our 13th Annual Holiday Toy Drive, which will run from December 1^st through the 15^th!

Our toy drive started 13 years ago when Guaranty Bank partnered with a local radio station hosting a toy drive for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We’re talking gifts galore in 2010, and since then, our toy drive has evolved into this epic extravaganza involving the entire Guaranty Bank team. This program has become a favorite for employees and customers, and we look forward to its success again this year.

Here is the wish list of items from St. Jude:

• Barbies/Action Figures
  • Multicultural variety of Barbies, Ken dolls, and accessories, especially the career set Barbie with accessories
  • Action figures that make patients feel like the superheroes they are!

• LEGO kits
  • Small, medium, and large LEGO kits

• Infant/Toddler
  • Light up toys or toys with sounds featuring Disney characters, Fischer Price Little People sets, Peppa Pig toys, Baby Alive, and Paw Patrol items

• School-Age
  • Star Wars and Minecraft toys
  • STEM toys like the Imaginext or robotics building toys always bring smiles to the kids of St. Jude
  • LOL dolls with accessories for that extra dash of cheer

• Teens and up
  • LEGO kits of iconic statues or places provide endless hours of fun
  • Art supplies like Sketchbooks
  • When the weather is nice, flying a drone is always a great activity
  • Tech goodies like earbuds, chargers, sound-canceling headphones, and Bluetooth speakers – teen essentials!
• Toiletry items:
  • Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bar soap, lip balm, skin care products, unscented lotion, razers, hand sanitizer, small manicure sets, Q-tips, kids’ band-aids, baby wipes, pacifiers, baby bottles, Teething toys, assorted diapers, and pull-ups. Travel or personal size are good.

*Just a gentle reminder: the hospital cannot accept stuffed animals, handmade Items (e.g., blankets and knit caps), food, candy, cloth baby dolls, porcelain dolls, bubble mixtures, used items, and ride-on toys.

Families at St. Jude count on generous donations from donors like you to sprinkle a bit of magic onto their hospital stay. Share the Christmas spirit by dropping off toys for ages baby-teen at any Guaranty Bank location!