United Way Campaign Success

CNB’s Hattiesburg team celebrated the terrific success they were able to achieve with their recent Pacesetter Campaign for the United Way of Southeast Mississippi, and it was all fun and games.

Jaclyn Baylis, who serves as Board Chair for the United Way and who is also a Vice President and Relationship Banker at Citizens National, praised the Bank for its willingness to support the valuable work being done by the United Way’s thirteen local non-profit agencies.

“Our entire team rallies around this great cause, and the support of our Bank’s executive leadership in this regard is truly invaluable,” she said. For example, Kevin Brewer, Chief Sales Officer for the Bank, who served as the Bank’s South MS Regional President for the past 10 years, has always taken a special interest in encouraging the Bank’s employees to give back to the local community and has provided fun incentives along the way such as free vacation days and drawings for gift cards.

Two years ago, Kevin agreed to let his team throw a pie in his face if they met their fundraising goal, and last year he agreed to take a splash in a dunking booth. This week, he agreed to be the target of 70 water balloons that were thrown at him by the Bank’s Hattiesburg employees, and everyone had a great time celebrating their success for a worthy cause.

Lori Siccone, Manager of CNB’s West Hattiesburg Banking Centre, coordinated the Bank’s recent Pacesetter campaign and was recently recognized by the United Way as their Workplace Coordinator of the Year. Through her leadership in the 2023-2024 campaign, the Bank was able to achieve some very impressive results which included the following:

• 100% participation from all 27 employees in Hattiesburg, with a minimum of $25 annual pledge from employees.


• Nine grand givers (employees who give at least $1000 annually) and 2 Emerging Grand Givers, (employees that give $500 for the first year, $750 for the second year, and $1000 for the third year until they reach Grand Giver Status).


• The total amount pledged for the United Way was over $16,800, with an average employee gift of $623.00.

“We had lots of fun making a splash this week,” Jaclyn said, “and we truly appreciate Kevin’s support. More importantly, it’s a great feeling knowing that we’re working together to help the United Way of Southeast Mississippi to cultivate partnerships in our community which can improve lives through education, economic mobility, and healthy living. It’s also great to see how everyone on our team really gives from the heart and cares about the people in our local communities,” she added.