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Community Development Financial Institution Advisory Board
Tra Alford
Tra is an accomplished professional with over 12 years of experience in the banking Industry and is currently serving as Vice President/Community Development Director for the bank. He leads the charge of providing comprehensive community development services across Mississippi.
David Barr
David retired as Chief Operating Officer of the Bank in 2015 after 37 years of dedicated service and continues to serve on our Bank’s Board of Directors. We’ve very thankful for his expertise that he has shared with us for so many years and we are truly inspired by his passion for serving others.
Laura Grisham
Diane Hankins
Diane faithfully served Citizens National Bank for 39 years as a Market President and Small Business Lender in Macon, Miss. As a lifelong resident of Noxubee County, Diane is extremely well versed in the banking needs of the unbanked and the underserved, and has a sincere desire to see our state grow and prosper. Diane is also a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary of Macon, which is dedicated to serving children and families in Noxubee County.
Dr. LaBaron Hedgemon
LaBaron serves as Lead Pastor for Freedom Rock Christian Fellowship Church in Meridian and is also the Founder of Camp Destiny Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Program. With prior experience in banking, LaBaron passionately serves as a motivational speaker and mentor, helping others develop their personal financial skills through LaBaron Hedgemon Ministries.
Trey Long
Trey is the owner of a successful local business, Long Cleaning Solutions, and has a heart for serving others in need. Trey led the way in creating the Playground for Jesus in Meridian, which provides children in an impoverished area of town, with a safe place to gather and play. He is also the founder of a ministry known as I John 3:17 which helps individuals and families with essential needs to sustain their quality of life.
Merrill McKewen
Merrill serves as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area which has built and rehabbed over 660 homes in Hinds, Madison, and Rankin counties since 1986. Their mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope, and their vision is a Mississippi Capital Area where everyone has a decent place to live.
Annie McMillian
Annie has an extensive professional background, having done two stints at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg. Her last position was as the Vice President of Community Development from July 2005 to July 2013. She has held multiple roles at Mississippi Power in Hattiesburg and Meridian, including District Manager, External Affairs Manager, and is currently the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager.
Tyeisha Smith
Tyeisha has over 17 years of experience in the financial industry and serves as the Community Development Officer for the bank. She oversees many aspects of the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act’s related program that helps make a positive impact and foster economic growth in the markets the Bank serves.
