BELZONI, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank, is proud to announce that the board of directors has approved the promotion of Jason Nichols to Executive Vice President. Jason currently serves as the bank’s Chief Information Officer and has been an essential leader on the Guaranty Bank team since August 2012, playing a pivotal role in advancing the bank’s technology infrastructure and security initiatives.

“Jason brings a disciplined approach to innovation that strengthens our ability to serve clients with excellence,” said Hue Townsend, CEO of Guaranty Bank. “His leadership in technology and operations positions us for scalable, secure growth in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.”

A native of Glen Allan, Mississippi, Jason graduated from Washington High School and went on to earn both a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and a Master’s degree in Professional Accountancy from Mississippi State University. He further sharpened his expertise by completing the prestigious LSU Graduate School of Banking.

Jason holds credentials as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), offering a rare combination of technical proficiency and strategic oversight. His insights have contributed significantly to Guaranty Bank’s commitment to operational excellence and cybersecurity.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jason is deeply engaged in community and industry leadership. He serves as a Board Member, Treasurer, and Executive Team Member for the Southern Financial Exchange, where he actively contributes to shaping the future of financial services in the region.

He lives in Chatham, MS, with his wife, Sarah, and their three children: Sophie (12), Bennett (8), and Charlie (3). Outside of work, Jason enjoys outdoor activities, fitness, travel, snow skiing, and time with family and friends.

Guaranty Bank looks forward to Jason’s continued leadership and the forward-thinking innovation he brings to the organization.

About Guaranty Bank:

Guaranty Bank is committed to delivering outstanding banking services with a personal touch. Backed by a skilled team and driven by a passion for excellence, we offer a full range of financial solutions—from personal banking to business services—designed to help clients achieve their goals. www.gbtonline.com

Belzoni, MS – Hue Townsend, CEO, is proud to welcome Carrie Sebring to the team as BSA Officer within the BSA Department.

Carrie joined Guaranty Bank on February 7, 2025, bringing more than three decades of banking experience to her new role. With over 22 years specifically dedicated to BSA leadership and compliance, she brings a deep understanding of regulatory standards and a proven track record in managing complex compliance programs. Prior to joining Guaranty Bank, she served in a similar capacity at Cadence Bank.

Originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, Carrie is passionate about building strong, compliant systems that protect both the bank and its customers. Her thoughtful approach, experience, and eye for detail make her a valuable asset to our team.

Outside the office, Carrie enjoys life on the lake where she lives. She’s an avid paddleboarder and nature lover—and her Yorkie, Eli, often joins her out on the water. She’s married to Carey Sebring and has two adult children, Madison and Jackson.

We’re excited to have Carrie on board and look forward to all she will bring to Guaranty Bank.

About Guaranty Bank:

 At Guaranty Bank, we’re committed to providing personalized financial services that meet the needs of our customers and communities. With a team of dedicated professionals and a customer-first mindset, we’re here to help you reach your goals—every step of the way. 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

Tax season brings more than just paperwork – it also attracts scammers. Stay ahead of the game with these important tips to protect yourself and your finances.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest scams and tactics used by scammers.
• Verify Contacts: The IRS won’t call, email, or text you without prior contact by mail.
• Use Security Software: Install and maintain antivirus software, firewalls, and email filters.
• Shred Sensitive Documents: Shred old tax returns and documents containing personal information.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to the IRS and local authorities.

Remember: Be cautious of emails or messages asking for personal or financial information. Never send sensitive information over the web without encryption.

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.

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.