PageO Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
pìäÉÉ=_ä~åëÉíí ^ÖÉW 33
máääçï=^Å~ÇÉãó
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Jackson
eáÖÜ=ëÅÜççäW=Canton Academy
péçìëÉI=Üáë=ÜçãÉíçïåI=ÅÜáäÇêÉåW=Brian Blansett of Cleveland, Mississippi; Jackson Blansett, 7, and McCarty Blansett, 7 months
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Pillow Academy Elementary principal, three years
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s in elementary education, Delta State University; Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Leadership Institute eçÄÄáÉëW Spending time with family, including having them over for a good meal; sewing
mêçÑÉëëáçå~äI=ÅáîáÅ=~åÇ=êÉäáÖáçìë=~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW MAIS Education Association board member and Westminster Presbyterian Church sçäìåíÉÉê= áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Directors
Girl Scouts Board of
^ï~êÇë=~åÇ=ÜçåçêëW 2014 Teacher of the Year for Bell Academy
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “Continue to learn from others and apply it in my personal and professional life. Education is constantly changing. I want to make sure that we are always moving forward and doing everything we can to prepare the students for the future.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I have always loved working with children. I never thought of myself doing anything else.”
tÜç=Ü~ë=ÄÉÉå=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áåÑäìÉåíá~ä=éÉêëçå=áå=óçìê Å~êÉÉê\=eçï=ÇáÇ=ÜÉ=çê=ëÜÉ=áåÑäìÉåÅÉ=óçì\ “I cannot say that just one person has influenced my career. I am blessed to work with and have worked with many great people. I can say that I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my family. My husband has always supported my endeavors to further my education and acts as a sounding board to my educational ideas, even though he is not an educator.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “My love for children and my strong desire to help them succeed. I love my job and enjoy going to work every day. I work with some amazing people at Pillow, and they create such a caring atmosphere for children and co-workers.” tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “The small-town charm.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “Continue with the downtown family-oriented events. I love getting to get out of the house with my family and enjoy Greenwood with others.”
`ä~êâ=_ê~ÇäÉó ^ÖÉW 29
qêìëíã~êâ=_~åâ
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Leakesville
eáÖÜ=ëÅÜççäW=Greene County High School
péçìëÉI= ÜÉê= ÜçãÉíçïåW= Katherine Bradley of Starkville
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Trustmark Bank, 5½ years eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Mississippi State University
m~äãÉê=_êçÅâ
rpa^=k~íìê~ä=oÉëçìêÅÉ=`çåëÉêî~íáçå= ^ÖÉW 39
`áíó=çÑ=ÄáêíÜW=Greenwood
eáÖÜ=ëÅÜççäW=Pillow Academy
`ÜáäÇêÉåW=Olivia Gayle, 10; Lee, 7; Marie, 6; Buren, 6
lÅÅìé~íáçå= Ô= bãéäçóÉêÛë= å~ãÉ= ~åÇ= óÉ~êë= çÑ ÉãéäçóãÉåíW Supervisory district conservationist, United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service, 11 years
eçÄÄáÉëW Golf, hunting and reading
eáÖÜÉê= ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI= áåÅäìÇáåÖ= ÇÉÖêÉÉë= É~êåÉÇW Bachelor of Business Administration degree, University of Mississippi; associate degree in aquaculture science, Mississippi Delta Community College
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Salvation Army bell ringing
mêçÑÉëëáçå~äI= ÅáîáÅ= ~åÇ= êÉäáÖáçìë= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts, First Presbyterian Church
mêçÑÉëëáçå~äI= ÅáîáÅ= ~åÇ= êÉäáÖáçìë= ~ÑÑáäá~íáçåëW Kiwanis Club of Greenwood and member of the Mississippi State Alumni Association, the Leflore-Carroll Chapter ^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW 2013 Leadership Greenwood program and 2016 graduate of the Southeastern School of Commercial Lending
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “To continue to grow in my career and obtain the additional knowledge to be successful in the banking industry and find ways to help this community become a better place.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “I’ve always enjoyed trying to help other people. After graduating college, I wanted to find something I could turn into a career and something I would enjoy doing every day. Trustmark has provided me with both.”
tÜç=Ü~ë=ÄÉÉå=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áåÑäìÉåíá~ä=éÉêëçå=áå=óçìê Å~êÉÉê\=eçï=ÇáÇ=ÜÉ=çê=ëÜÉ=áåÑäìÉåÅÉ=óçì\ “It’s hard to single out one person. I’ve been very fortunate to work with very talented individuals who helped shape my career. One of the best pieces of advice I received was to take the opportunity to move to Greenwood.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “Success is a big motivation for me. Not only personal success, but the success of others I can help along the way. I take pride in trying to help others succeed.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Greenwood is very fortunate to have a group of young professionals that are willing to give back to the community through various events. To me, that speaks volumes about the community and why others should want to live here.”
tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “Like many small towns in Mississippi, Greenwood must continue to find ways to market the town to younger generations.”
eçÄÄáÉëW Anything outdoors, hunting, fishing, kids sports, raising cattle and Ole Miss athletics
sçäìåíÉÉê=áåîçäîÉãÉåíW Coaching youth sports, helping with the Community Kitchen, deacon at First Presbyterian Church and assisting with Cub Scouts ^ï~êÇë= ~åÇ= ÜçåçêëW Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts North Area Employee of the Year
tÜ~í=~êÉ=óçìê=äçåÖJíÉêã=Öç~äë\ “I plan to expand my cattle business so that it can supplement the cost of sending my four children to college.”
tÜ~í=äÉÇ=óçì=íç=óçìê=Å~êÉÉê=ÅÜçáÅÉ\ “Growing up in Greenwood, I have always been involved in some way with agriculture. A career with USDA allowed me to use my past experiences to help farmers conserve our natural resources while improving the efficiency of their operations.”
tÜç=Ü~ë=ÄÉÉå=íÜÉ=ãçëí=áåÑäìÉåíá~ä=éÉêëçå=áå=óçìê Å~êÉÉê\=eçï=ÇáÇ=ÜÉ=çê=ëÜÉ=áåÑäìÉåÅÉ=óçì\ “My grandfather, Henry Vanburen Brock, raised cotton and cattle in Holmes County. Spending summers and weekends with him really instilled in me a love and appreciation of farm land and all of the work that goes into making it productive.”
tÜ~í=ãçíáî~íÉë=óçì\ “I am motivated by my children. With four, there is never a dull moment and very little time to rest. I stay as involved as possible and try not take anything for granted.”
tÜ~í=ã~âÉë=çìê=Åçããìåáíó=~ííê~ÅíáîÉ=íç=óçìåÖ éêçÑÉëëáçå~äë\ “Young professionals are drawn to Greenwood because of its citizens. There is a true sense of community and family here.” tÜ~í=áë=çåÉ=ëìÖÖÉëíáçå=óçì=Ü~îÉ=Ñçê=áãéêçîáåÖ=áí\ “Greenwood has to keep crime in check.”
PageP Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
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Age: 34
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City of birth: Orlando, Florida High school: Pillow Academy
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Age: 39
Age: 34
High school: Pillow Academy
High school: Madison Central High School, Madison
City of birth: Greenwood
City of birth: Athens, Georgia
Spouse, her hometown: Christie B. Clark, LaPlace, Louisiana
Spouse, his hometown, children: Jim Crowder, Hoover, Alabama; Ann Rogers Crowder, 9
Spouse, her hometown, children: Erica Culpepper, Greenwood; Hailey Culpepper, 3, and Jay Culpepper Jr., 1
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentration in risk management, insurance and finance, Mississippi State University
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, University of Mississippi
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree and medical degree, University of Mississippi
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood; Greenwood Exchange Club; Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals; 2014 Leadership of Greenwood
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Member of St. John’s United Methodist Church
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Clark Insurance Agency, 12 years
Hobbies: Sporting events, hunting, golf and flying
Volunteer involvement: Greenwood Exchange Club; Greenwood Exchange Club youth baseball and softball Awards and honors: 2007 EMC Insurance Company Mississippi Young Agent
What are your long-term goals? “To grow in my Christian faith and to be the best husband and hopefully father I can be. To one day become partners in Clark Insurance Agency and continue to support and serve in this community as my wife, Christie, and I have chosen to make Greenwood our home.”
What led you to your career choice? “ It just seemed to be the natural choice for me when selecting my major at MSU to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather, uncle and cousin, all of whom have been very supportive of my choice to become involved in the family insurance business.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My grandfather William A. Clark. He influenced me with his Christian faith, hard work and his ability to always do what he said he was going to do.” What motivates you? “My wife, Christie, and success. Achieving goals I set for myself.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “It is a small town with small-town values. Where your neighbors become friends, clients and business partners. Restaurants are second to none.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “To encourage other young professionals to come back or move to our community.”
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Pillow Academy Elementary teacher
Hobbies: Watching her daughter and nephews in any sport, painting/crafting and any activity with her family
Volunteer involvement: Vacation Bible School leader as well as various church and school activities
Awards and honors: Midfield Elementary School (Alabama) Teacher of the Year 2012-2013; Bankston Elementary School Teacher of the Year 2014-2015; Positive, Behavioral, Interventions and Support (PBIS) leader at Bankston Elementary School 2014-2015
What are your long-term goals? “I hope to be able to teach for a long time. I pray that I am able to inspire and encourage many more young minds. My students will always have a huge piece of my heart.”
What led you to your career choice? “There was never a defining moment when I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My career choice had more to do with my own teachers who made a huge impact in my life. I wanted to make others feel as loved as they made me feel in school. They led Bible studies, modeled grace and kindness, and genuinely cared about us.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My mom and dad. Neither had the same career as me, but they both have an amazing work ethic. They taught me how to work hard and to serve others.”
What motivates you? “My faith, husband and daughter. Everything I do is done to honor them. I couldn’t be successful without my faith or my family.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “I lived in a big city (Birmingham) for 11 years, and there is just something about a small town. You build relationships that are tough to build in big cities. There is always someone willing to step in and lend a helping hand. Most businesses in a small town still believe in excellent customer service.” What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Promote the good things about our small town. The feelgood stories are often buried by the negative ones. There is so much good in our town, and I would love to see it highlighted more.”
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Orthopaedic surgeon for two years at Greenwood Leflore Hospital
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and golf
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: First Presbyterian Church, American Medical Association, Mississippi Orthopaedic Society and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons What are your long-term goals? “To establish a strong orthopaedic practice to help support Greenwood and the surrounding areas orthopaedic needs.”
What led you to your career choice? “I choose to become a physician because of my desire to help people. I choose orthopaedics because of my love to be hands-on and because of my passion for sports medicine.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My wife. She always has been my voice of encouragement and keeps me focused on our long-term goals.” What motivates you? “The opportunity to treat and help people.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “The already established strong young community present and the hospitality of the community as a whole. It is a place where people want to start a family because of the small-town charm.” What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Support local business. ”
PageQ Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
MVSU SALUTES...
Antwoine Williams
on your achievement! Š
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PageR Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
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Age: 36
City of birth: LaFayette, Alabama
High school: Chambers Alabama
Academy,
LaFayette,
Spouse, her hometown: Emily Roush-Elliott, Hillsboro, Ohio
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Co-owner of Delta Design Build and Design Build Solutions for the past three years. Currently, work focuses on the Mississippi Delta and the Rorya District of Tanzania, East Africa. Elliott also teaches youth carpentry with ArtPlace Mississippi and Shakespeare Boot Camp and works as construction manager for the Greenwood-Leflore Fuller Center for Housing.
Higher education, including degrees earned: Master of Science in design build, Auburn University; Bachelor of Science in business management, Jackson State University Hobbies: Fishing, traveling, paddling and hiking
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Licensed residential contractor, state of Mississippi; member of First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood
Volunteer involvement: Village Life Outreach Project, Delta Streets Academy, Baptist Town Community Center and Greenwood-Leflore Fuller Center for Housing Awards and honors: 2015 Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Community Pride Award — Baptist Town; Neighborhood Revitalization Project; 2012 Cincinnati Museum Center Difference Maker Award for Village Life Outreach Project; 2011 SEED Honorable Mention Award, Roche Health Center, Roche, Tanzania What are your long-term goals? “Start more small businesses to create more job opportunities including material salvage and repurpose business and other creative outlets. I also want to be part of building new housing in the Mississippi Delta using new construction methods and designs.”
What led you to your career choice? “I was very interested in architecture and historic preservation after finishing my studies at Jacksonville State University. I started working with my uncle, Steve Hendrix, on historic houses in Opelika, Alabama, and decided that the mystery of building and architecture was something that I found very intriguing.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My wife, Emily Roush-Elliott. We have shared so many adventures in building and traveling, and she inspires me with her hard work.”
What motivates you? “Creating and building new projects. I love taking on projects that are difficult.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “The opportunities for creative work here.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I feel that we need to continue to address the quality of housing for all our residents.”
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Age: 31
Age: 36
High school: Clarkston High School, Atlanta
High school: Carroll Academy
City of birth: Atlanta
Spouse, her hometown, children: Lt. Tamarique Ellis, Antigua; Jamaal Ellis Jr., 3, and Daniel Ellis, 1
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Corps officer of the Salvation Army; has been with the Salvation Army for six years, serving in various roles Higher education, including degrees earned: Associates of Arts Degree in Practical Ministry, Evangeline Booth College of Atlanta Hobbies: Spending time with family, fishing, cooking and bicycle riding
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Senior pastor of the Salvation Army Church in Greenwood and administrator of the Salvation Army’s outreach efforts
Volunteer involvement: Serves the community through the Salvation Army as well as various agencies and individuals
What are your long-term goals? “I hope to spend my life serving God and my community through the Salvation Army. That will look different throughout my career, but the mission is the same — to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name, without discrimination.” What led you to your career choice? “In the Salvation Army I saw a church without walls. The ministry was happening in the rough places where people desperately need hope.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “That’s hard to narrow down to one. I would have to say my pastor, Dr. Melvin Bell, pastor of Power of Purpose Christian Church of Atlanta, has been the most influential. He taught me how to care for people simply through the way he cared for people.”
What motivates you? “The potential that I see in people. Another motivation is my background and upbringing. The people who saw the potential in me. I feel like God has placed me in this position. I able to do that because I’m doing the Lord’s work.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “Greenwood is developing and is ripe with potential.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Invest in the people that live here and provide some incentive for them to stay here instead of utilizing their gifts elsewhere.”
City of birth: Greenwood
Spouse, her hometown, children: Sloane Porter Fair, Greenwood; Ryals, 5, and Jack Porter, 4
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Senior loan officer with First South Farm Credit for 11 years Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree in ag business, Mississippi State University
Hobbies: Hunting and competitive barbecue contests as a member of the No Count Q barbecue team
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Member of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity and Greenwood Farmers Club
What are your long-term goals? “To continue to build and maintain relationships with farmers and landowners in our area. To find people who are considering buying a piece of land for hunting, investment or farming and seeing if I can help them finance it. I hope to live here and retire here.”
What led you to your career choice? “I grew up on a family farm and have always known I wanted to be involved in agriculture. When a loan officer position opened up with First South Farm Credit, one of the deciding factors for me was the number of years everyone I met had worked here. Twenty, 30, even 40 years is the norm here. There is very little turnover because First South is such a great company to work for. I also enjoy working with some of the best farmers in our area, and I’m doing my small part for agriculture in the Delta.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “I was fortunate to grow up working for my dad, Mike Fair, during summers and even a few years after college on the family farming operation. He taught me the value of hard work and an appreciation of what it takes to start with a bag of seed and turn it into a bale of cotton or a bushel of grain. This knowledge has been invaluable to me as an ag loan officer.” What motivates you? “Helping people to fulfill their dreams. You also develop long-lasting friendships as a result of meeting people as part of these everyday transactions.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “I enjoy the small-town life. I appreciate going to a restaurant or grocery store and running into several friends who want to talk for a minute. Greenwood also hosts several communitywide events that are always a lot of fun, my favorite being ’Que on the Yazoo. The Exchange Club also does a great job of providing sports for our young kids. Greenwood is also blessed with Pillow Academy, which provides a quality education for our kids.”
PageS Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
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Age: 38
City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Pillow Academy
Spouse, her hometown, children: Mary Loyce Gammill, Morgan City; Gage Gammill, 14, and Grayson Gammill, 11 Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Co-owner of Leflore Steel LLC and owner of Delta Farm & Auto LLC Higher education, including degrees earned: Associate’s degree in machine tool and die, Mississippi Delta Community College
Hobbies: Spending time with family, traveling, hot rods and work
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Member of North Greenwood Baptist Church and Elks Lodge What are your long-term goals? “To be a leader for my family and a great leader for my community. I want to be successful in everything I do and to always pay it forward and help others.”
What led you to your career choice? “After finally graduating from high school, I decided to go to MDCC and take machine tool and die courses to learn to be a machinist. I got a job at Viking Range and worked there for 10 years. I had the opportunity in 2003 to buy Leflore Steel Inc. in a foreclosure with my father-in-law, Reece Makamson. I started working there full-time in 2006. In 2016, I was give the opportunity to buy Delta Farm & Auto Supply. I worked there when I was in high school and college, which made the purchase even more satisfying. My wife and I hope it does really well.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My wife of 14 years, Mary Loyce, has been by my side through this entire journey. Her attention to detail and money management has been great. She is my biggest cheerleader. I have had other great people in my life that I learned a lot from and some great teachers along the way.”
What motivates you? “The thing that motivates me the most is being able to help people. I love being that guy. If I can’t help that person, I will find someone who will.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “For me, it’s because this is where I grew up. Being able to raise my family here means a lot to me. For young professionals, there is a lot to offer in other areas, such as manufacturing and farming.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “My suggestion would be to bring back some sort of vocational and technical program to this town. This would allow our children another option besides sitting behind a desk.”
háãÄÉêäó=dåÉãá Age: 35
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City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Cruger-Tchula Academy
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Age: 38
City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Pillow Academy
Spouse, his hometown, children: Will Gnemi, Greenwood; Ann Carol, 9, and Mari Wilson, 6
Spouse, her hometown, children: Rachel Goldberg of Memphis; Walter Goldberg, 9, and Jack Goldberg, 6
Higher education, including degrees earned: Associate’s degree, Mississippi Delta Community College; bachelor’s degree in accountancy and master’s in business administration, Mississippi State University
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree, Mississippi State University; Doctor of Osteopathy, Nova Southeastern University
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: With Viking Range since 2013 and with Viking Cooking School for almost five years
Hobbies: Tennis, sewing, reading and spending time with family and friends
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Junior Auxiliary Life Member (has served as JA’s Cotton Ball director, corresponding secretary, awards chairman and education chairman); member of United States Tennis Association; member of St. John’s United Methodist Church; board member for St. John’s Weekday Ministries
Volunteer involvement: United Way of Leflore County Workplace Campaign; various Junior Auxiliary projects such as Clothing Corner, Bucks for Books, S.T.A.R.S. and Too Good for Drugs
What are your long-term goals? “Professionally, my long-term goals are to continue to provide our customers with a top-notch culinary experience and continue to stay involved in our community. Personally, my goal is to continue to grow my faith so my husband and I can raise our girls in a strong Christian home.”
What led you to your career choice? “As a child, I always loved numbers. When in college, I took my first accounting course, and I knew that I wanted to make accounting my major. Thankfully, accounting led me to Viking Range and eventually to the Viking Cooking School. I am a ‘people person,’ so the cooking school has been a great fit for me.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “While at Viking, I have been incredibly fortunate to work for several amazing people. Each of them has influenced me in many different ways throughout my career.”
What motivates you? “My husband and children motivate me each and every day. They make me want to be the best person I can be in every aspect of life. I strive to love and support them in all their endeavors.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “I love the small-town atmosphere in Greenwood. The people in this town genuinely care for one another.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I would love to see more people make the commitment to shop locally. The retail stores in Greenwood have so much to offer and could be even better if the local community fully supported them.”
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Gastroenterologist, Greenwood Leflore Hospital, 1½ years
Hobbies: Watching collegiate athletics, outdoor enthusiast, spending time with family
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: American Medical Association, American College of Gastroenterology, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Mississippi State Medical Association, Ahavath Rayim Congregation What are your long-term goals? “To continue to serve the people of the Mississippi Delta by providing digestive health services. My family and I are invested in this community and committed to keeping it healthy.”
What led you to your career choice? “My love for helping people.” Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My parents and my wife. They have supported and encouraged me along my career path.” What motivates you? “Perfection.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “A core group of enthusiastic, forwardthinking young people who are motivated to make Greenwood a great place to live and raise a family. And some amazing restaurants!” What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Creating more job opportunities for young professionals.”
PageT Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
30 p To
40 r de n u
congratulations treet s r e v O ” n y l u “J h Dr. Elizabet W W W. D E LTA S TAT E . E D U / N U R S I N G • 6 6 2 - 8 4 6 - 4 2 5 5
Congratulations to
Louis Holbrook on your selection to Top 30 Under 40.
214 W. Market Street • Greenwood, MS 38930 662-453-6231 • www.staplcotn.com
PageU Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
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Age: 31
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City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Pillow Academy
Spouse, his hometown, children: Andy Hackleman, Greenwood; Townes Hackleman, 23 months, and Sellers Hackleman, 8 months
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Loan originator and assistant to her father, Will Lott, at Priority One Mortgage; and owner of A Pryor Engagement, a wedding and event planning company created in 2013 Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, Mississippi State University
Hobbies: Going to dinner and concerts with friends, traveling, working out, volunteering, spending time with her husband and children
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Vice president of the Delta Garden Club and coordinator of Little Free Library program; Kiwanis Club of Greenwood; Chamber of Commerce Board; Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood Scholarship Chairman, Cotton Ball Children’s Court Chairman, Bucks for Books campaign summer committee; member of St. John’s Methodist Church, Vacation Bible School committee; previous board member of Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Delta; Main Street Greenwood member What are your long-term goals? “I have two kids under 2 years old. Ask me in about two years. Right now I am trying to get through the next week.”
What led you to your career choice? “During college I wanted to pursue a career in fashion. I interned at Condé Nast publications at Jane magazine in New York City the summer before my senior year, on content for the magazine, photo shoots, the wardrobe closet and returning clothes from shoots. I realized I enjoyed the public relations and events side more. Later I interned for Charleston Fashion Week in South Carolina and did some networking, which led to a summer internship with Duvall Event Planning and Design. That internship made me choose a career in events.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My parents. I was never scared to apply for a job or try out for an organization. I have taken their advice and way of thinking in all of my jobs. My mom is super creative and always wants things pretty and fun and always looks ‘out of the box.’ My dad is always looking on the business side of how this will work logistically and financially. ”
What motivates you? “I want to be the best version of myself to be a great example for my kids. I also love a list. I get excited when I get to highlight something off my todo list.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “Greenwood is a great place to raise a family. The people that serve you not only do their job but become your friends — your pharmacist, dentist, doctors, retail and restaurant owners, etc.”
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Age: 31
Age: 32
High school: Pillow Academy
High school: Hutchison School, Memphis
City of birth: Jackson
Spouse, his hometown, children: Ben Hargett, Greenwood; Henry Hargett, 4, and Jane Reynolds Hargett, 4
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Certified public accountant, Fred T. Neely & Company, PLLC, five years
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s and Master of Accountancy degrees, University of Mississippi
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants, Delta Chapter of CPA, Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, Chamber of Commerce Board, Junior Auxiliary, Junior Auxiliary Executive Board/Treasurer, Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals, member of Episcopal Church of the Nativity Volunteer involvement: Various volunteer activities through Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood
What are your long-term goals? “My long-term goals are to continue providing our clients with excellent quality service. I find that figuring out different ways to help people and businesses financially really keeps me engaged professionally. I want to always strive to improve my skills and knowledge in this ever-changing environment.”
What led you to your career choice? “Mathematics and problem solving have always intrigued me. Although I didn’t start out as an accounting major, I’ve never regretted making the change and going into this.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My husband, Ben. He has supported me and encouraged me in my work ever since I made the decision to go into accounting at Ole Miss. He is a sounding board for me and gives great advice and guidance when I need it the most. Ben is an amazing father and caretaker of our two young children, especially during those long, busy-season hours. I would not be able to do what I am doing without him.”
What motivates you? “My motivation in everything I do is my family, and that includes my professional life. I truly enjoy my job and take pride in the services we provide to our clients, but none of this would be possible without the love and support from my family. I want to have their respect and make them proud of the work I do.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “I think there is a large group of young professionals in Greenwood that are doing important things. I have seen a lot of younger professionals in leadership roles, not only in their careers but in areas of the community. I believe this makes our community attractive to young professionals.” What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “By continuing to host events/seminars through the chamber and recruiting new businesses to town, the young professional community will continue to improve as it has been doing for the last several years.”
City of birth: Memphis
Spouse, his hometown, children: Brad Hawkins, Greenwood; Ann Hollis Hawkins, 6, and Mimsie Hawkins, 3
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, The Skin Clinics, five years Higher education, including degrees earned: Master of Science in Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: St. John’s United Methodist Church, Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood, Mississippi Nurses’ Association, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners Volunteer: Young Lives of Greenwood, Delta Streets Academy
What are your long-term goals? “My first goal is to continue to immerse my family in the wonderful Greenwood community and take advantage of everything our great city has to offer. Secondly, through the Skin Clinics I have enjoyed working with many different people in the Delta community. I look forward to continuing to help clients with their aesthetic needs.”
What led you to your career choice? “While working for Dr. George Flinn at his radiology practices in Memphis, we created the Skin Clinics. The Skin Clinics was created to meet the growing aesthetic needs of the greater Memphis community. I helped Dr. Flinn build the business from the ground up and have enjoyed serving the needs of all my clients.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “As far as my career in Mississippi, I have been most influenced by Dr. Scott Nelson. He is very passionate about the Delta, and his enthusiastic demeanor has shown me many positives that the Delta has to offer.” What motivates you? “My faith and my family.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “My family moved to Greenwood this past July from the much larger city of Memphis. The Greenwood community quickly opened its arms to my family and the Skin Clinics. Coming from a larger city, Greenwood offers a safer close-knit community and a historic charm that cannot be replicated in bigger cities.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I love the trajectory that Greenwood is on. The entire Delta region has identified its unique assets. By doing this, it has allowed the Delta to embrace the past and venture into the future. It’s the perfect combination for my family and me, and I look forward to being part of the team that leads Greenwood into the future.”
PageV Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
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Age: 29
City of birth: St. Louis
City of birth: Natchez
High school: Ladue High School, St. Louis
Spouse, her hometown: Haley Holbrook, Tupelo
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Economic analyst, Staplcotn, one year
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Science in Finance in economics, Southern Methodist University; Master’s of Agribusiness Management, Mississippi State University Hobbies: Duck hunting, turkey hunting, collecting Native American artifacts, St. Louis Cardinals baseball
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Episcopal Church of the Nativity Volunteer involvement: Viking Committee, 300 Oaks Race Committee
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Awards and honors: Leadership Greenwood, master’s program at MSU, winner of essay contest at the Memphis International Cotton Institute What are your long-term goals? “Have a family. Provide for a good life. Work hard and have fun.”
What led you to your career choice? “Family history in farming, combined with interest in economics. Growing up, I spent the summers helping out on my family’s farm in Tunica. The summer after my freshman year in college, I became more involved in the business, and three years later I made up my mind that I wanted to combine my education in finance economics working experience in agriculture and go back to school for a master’s degree in agribusiness.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “I have been blessed with many great influential figures in my life, and the one that influenced my career path most is my maternal grandfather, Penn Owen Jr. A grower of cotton, rice, soybeans and corn in Tunica County his whole life, he was involved in economic development for the town, county and state. He traveled on missions to Asia and Central America with the U.S. Rice Producers Association. He was passionate, intelligent and hard-working in his growing operation, and he always encouraged his grandchildren to pursue their interests. Mostly, he stuck to his strong set of values and was always true to what he believed in.” What motivates you? “Hard work, focus and dedication pay off.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “Greenwood is a good Delta town with great restaurants and opportunities to be involved.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Improve public schools.”
Age: 29
High school: Cathedral High School, Natchez
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Financial adviser, Edward Jones Investments, six years Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Business Administration, Mississippi State University Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, hunting and Mississippi State athletics
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Greenwood Exchange Club, United Way of Leflore County, Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club Volunteer involvement: Exchange Club youth baseball and softball, United Way Awards and honors: People’s Greenwood’s Favorite Financial Adviser
Choice
2016
What are your long-term goals? “From a community standpoint, my long-term goals are to make a lasting positive impact on Greenwood and Leflore County by being involved and giving back to the community that has given so much to me. Professionally, my long-term goals are to help as many people as I can to reach their financial goals, whether it be sending a child or grandchild to college or preparing for a living in a comfortable and financially secure retirement.”
What led you to your career choice? “I grew up in the financial industry, having worked for a bank in high school and also while I was in college. The investment side of it came from my studies in college.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “At Edward Jones, it would be Rob Spiller. He gave me a chance to build a business here in Greenwood and has been a mentor to me since day one.”
What motivates you? “We are at a point in our nation’s history where the wealthiest generation of human beings who ever lived is quickly approaching retirement with no clear financial idea of how to prepare or what to do when they get there.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “There are many things that make our community attractive to young professionals. The thing that sticks out to me most is the large number of intelligent and very successful young people in Greenwood.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Continue to improve and provide an environment conducive to cultivating relationships with the young professionals of the area. There are so many bright young professionals in Leflore County, and we can all learn a lot from each other.”
City of birth: Tiverton, Rhode Island High school: Tiverton High School
Spouse, her hometown, children: Sarah Iwanski, Portland, Oregon; Nathaniel, 8 months
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Manager, Turnrow Book Co. (three years); youth director, Episcopal Church of the Nativity Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Arts in English, University of Notre Dame Hobbies: Reading, hiking, kayaking, sabermetrics
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Greenwood Little Theatre Board of Directors, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Volunteer involvement: Founder and director, Greenwood Shakespeare Project; Greenwood Little Theatre; Main Street Greenwood
Awards and honors: Carroll County School District Teacher of the Year, 2013
What are your long-term goals? “To continue serving the young people of Leflore County through arts and cultural education programming and to proudly represent Greenwood with a nationally renowned independent bookstore and literary community.”
What led you to your career choice? “After four years of teaching high school English at J.Z. George High School, I wanted to spend more time living and working in Greenwood. The position as director of youth programming at Nativity was a natural transition from the classroom. At the same time, I started working with Jamie Kornegay at Turnrow. When Jamie stepped down from the bookstore last spring to finish his second novel, he graciously asked me to take his place as manager.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “After a lifetime as a book lover, it was Jamie Kornegay and Ben Arnold at Turnrow who were instrumental in making me a true bookseller. Jamie’s passion for this store and its customers is contagious, and he inspired me to invest in the Shop Local movement. At Nativity, the Rev. Peter Gray is the sanest person I know, and his levelheaded, compassionate leadership has been influential in every aspect of my professional life.”
What motivates you? “I’m motivated by my wife, Sarah. Together we discuss the major ideas and decisions in our professional life, and we’ve achieved a balance that allows us to share the disappointments and successes.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “There’s a very tight-knit but inclusive group of enthusiastic young professionals here who mutually support each other’s ventures.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I am proud of this town, but it cannot reach its full potential until we unite in support of our public schools and their hundreds of students.”
PageNM Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
PageNN Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
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City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Greenwood High School
Spouse, her hometown, children: Cylentae D. Fair Jones, Indianola; CyZariah Destinee Jones, 9; Ahmaude Deion Jones, 8; and Cyleiah Danielle Jones, 6
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Unit director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Mississippi Delta’s Greenwood unit (13 years) Higher education, including degrees earned: Attended Mississippi Valley State and Full Sail universities
Hobbies: Church, tennis, basketball, pool and hair-cutting
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Minister of music of Saint Luke Church of God in Christ under the pastoring of his father, Elder Anthony Jones Sr. Volunteer involvement: Volunteer with the GHS tennis team and piano services for Threadgill Elementary
What are your long-term goals? “My long-term goal is to have a safe haven for children of our community to come to. I want our club to be the most effective, positive influence on children.”
What led you to your career choice? “I am the eldest of eight children; my parents had me at a young age. It is important for children to experience and grow up in a close-knit family. My parents provided that for me, and I want to give the same in return to those children less fortunate. God has given me a soft, pure heart for his people. I am only doing what he wants done.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My father, Anthony Jones Sr., has the been the most influential person in my life. He instilled in me godly principles and also how to become a provider and supporter for my family. My father is and has always been the sole provider of our family. There wasn't a day we missed a meal or a day there was no electricity; all the essentials were provided. It was important that he showed me it wasn't him that always had to do the providing, but always have faith and be faithful to God and he will supply all of our needs. Today I still live with that principle even with serving the kids in our community.”
What motivates you? “A simple smile of kids keeps me going every day, knowing that I am fulfilling the work of Christ.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “Young professionals are ambitious; nothing stops us. We see a need, we see what we want and we go after it. Greenwood is a perfect breeding ground for amazing things to come to pass.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “To simply show love; love conquers all. Regardless of race, background, economic class or gender, love covers it. If the community can harbor that God-given love in their hearts, nothing is impossible.”
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Age: 26
City of birth: Tylertown
High school: Parklane Academy, McComb
Fiancee, her hometown: Maura Wakefield, Oxford
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Regional director of clinical operations, Greenwood Leflore Hospital (two years)
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in health administration, University of Mississippi Hobbies: Softball, tennis, golf and boxing
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: American College of Healthcare Executives, Medical Group Management Association Volunteer involvement: Greenwood Rotary Club; recreational baseball coach; 300 Oaks Road Race; Bikes, Blues & Bayous; Greenwood Balloon and Music Fest Awards and honors: Leadership Greenwood
What are your long-term goals? “To continually grow as a health care leader and help facilitate operational innovation to provide quality health care to people through integrated health delivery systems.”
What led you to your career choice? “Growing up with a grandmother and mother who are pharmacists with a father who ran the pharmacy, I was thrust into health care. I loved every minute of it and knew that I wanted to serve the public in the same industry.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “Both my mother and father have been the most influential people in my career. They gave me the resources to get the education I needed and supported me the entire way. I modeled myself after their passion for caring for their community. I strive to be as successful and impactful as they have been in their roles as health care providers.”
What motivates you? “My fiancee, Maura, pushes me to always help others before I even consider helping myself. Seeing her compassion and love for others motivates me to go that extra mile. It is true that if you do the little things right, big things will happen.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “I believe it is perfectly balanced. It is a small community with big-city aspirations. Here you can be employed at a multitude of businesses across a variety of sectors that compete on a national and even global scale. At the same time, you can walk down the street and receive that friendly Southern greeting and truly feel the loving embrace of a tight-knit community.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I came from south Mississippi, and what I knew of Greenwood was only what I saw on the bus ride when we would come play Pillow Academy. Not until I moved here did I realize just how much this town and the surrounding areas have to offer. I would like this special place to be promoted more so that more people can come to see how great and unique the Delta really is.”
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City of birth: Yazoo City
High school: Manchester Academy, Yazoo City
Spouse, his hometown: Brent Morgan, Greenwood
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Executive director of the Greenwood Convention & Visitors Bureau (five months)
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in graphic design and a minor in photography, Delta State University Hobbies: Painting, photography, music, travel and cooking
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Mississippi Delta Tourism Association, Southeastern Tourism Society, Rotary Club, Westminster Presbyterian Church Volunteer involvement: Main Street Greenwood, Museum of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State Alumni Association
Awards and honors: American Farm Bureau Public Relations Awards in 2010, 2011 and 2014
What are your long-term goals? “To grow tourism in Greenwood in areas such as music, sports travel and ecotourism and continue to cultivate our wonderful attractions.” What led you to your career choice? “I love nothing more than sharing the Delta’s culture with others.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “David Waide, former president of Mississippi Farm Bureau. His leadership inspired me in developing my leadership style.” What motivates you? “I am motivated by making a difference. I feel God creates each of us for a purpose and equips us all with unique talents in order to fulfill our purpose.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “I love smaller communities. The genuine concern and support can’t be found in a larger city.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Improved job opportunities. I know a lot of people in Greenwood work hard to boost economic development and job creation. I think tourism is an important piece of the puzzle. Direct travel and tourism is already responsible for about 740 jobs in Leflore County. There are a great deal of opportunities for growth and entrepreneurship in the tourism industry in Greenwood.”
PageNO qlm=PM=rkabo=QM Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 =======================================================================================================================================================================
bäáò~ÄÉíÜ=gìäóå lîÉêëíêÉÉí Age: 35
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City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Carroll Academy
Spouse, his hometown, children: Jason Overstreet, Greenwood; Bailey, 11, Preston, 4, and Lacy, 3
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Assistant professor of nursing at Delta State University (four years at DSU) and family nurse practitioner at various Delta-area clinics (six years) Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center; master’s degree in nursing, Mississippi University for Women; Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Delta State University Hobbies: “I am fascinated with paleontology.”
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association, Mississippi Nurses Association, Mississippi Association of Nurse Practitioners Volunteer involvement: Junior Auxiliary
Awards and honors: Clinical Nursing Excellence Award, Mississippi University for Women
What are your long-term goals? “Continue educating the future nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses of the Mississippi Delta, while also continuing to practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I also will continue my doctoral work by advocating for legislation enabling health care providers to better implement Expedited Partner Therapy in the management of Mississippi’s astronomically high rate of sexually transmitted infections.” What led you to your career choice? “I had always desired to be in the medical field. After considering multiple health care professions, nursing seemed to be the best fit.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “Each student and patient I encounter is unique in their own way, which requires me to tailor my teaching style or advanced practice nursing care to their specific needs. This is truly what allows me to grow professionally and has been the most influential aspect of my career.”
What motivates you? “The most motivating factor for me is doubt. The minute someone doubts me, my students, or my patients’ ability to succeed, I become extremely motivated to ensure success is achieved no matter the task.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “The small-town atmosphere, the community’s support of our small-town businesses combined with Main Street Greenwood’s efforts to revitalize the downtown areas.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I feel the community is steadily improving itself; however, the crime rates for me are very concerning, and I hope the city can improve in that aspect.”
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Age: 30
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City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Greenwood High School
Spouse, her hometown, children: Jessica Pulley, Rosedale; Rhaegan Matthews, 9
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Attorney and owner of The Pulley Law Firm, LLC, established this year; special prosecutor for the City of Indianola, four months Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Arts degree in history at Jackson State University; Juris Doctor degree, Mississippi College School of Law
Hobbies: Playing the piano and organ, attending sporting events, visiting new restaurants and spending time with family and friends
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Travelers’ Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, Community Baptist Church, team sponsor of the Greenwood Women’s Softball League, and member of the Mississippi Bar Association and the Leflore County Bar Association Volunteer involvement: Various clubs and organization in and around Greenwood
Awards and honors: High school salutatorian and graduated in three years from JSU with the highest average in the College of Liberal Arts
What are your long-term goals? “I plan to grow my law firm into one of the premier law firms in Mississippi, while also becoming one of the best trial lawyers in Mississippi.”
What led you to your career choice? “While at Jackson State, I visited a criminal law class taught by my aunt, Professor Patricia Bennett, at Mississippi College School of Law. When I saw what was being taught and how it was being taught, I knew from that day forward that I wanted to become a lawyer.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “The most influential person in my career is my father, Cedell Pulley. From a very early age, he instilled in me the importance of attending church and believing in God. With this foundation of faith, my father also taught me to be a professional and ethical leader.”
What motivates you? “Success motivates me. My relentless drive to be the best motivates me to pursue new challenges and to set new goals.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “Our community is attractive to young professionals because of the cost of living in Greenwood is lower than other areas of highly-concentrated young professionals.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “To improve Greenwood, all people need to work together across political aisles and racial lines in order to reach a common goal for the betterment of all citizens and the future of our children.”
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Age: 30
City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Greenwood High School
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Principal of Greenwood High School, five years; adjunct professor of teacher education, leadership and research, Delta State University, two years
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University; Master of Arts degree in teaching, secondary education, Educational Specialist degree in educational administration and supervision and Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership, all from Delta State University Hobbies: Singing and working with technology
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Travelers’ Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Browning Progressive Civic League and Greenwood Voters League
Volunteer involvement: Served as a vocalist in many religious, civic and political activities throughout Greenwood and Leflore County Awards and honors: Greenwood High School valedictorian; graduated from Jackson State University with highest average in the Department of Liberal Arts What are your long-term goals? “I plan to continue and expand my work in the field of education in the Greenwood and Leflore County area.”
What led you to your career choice? “I grew up around educational leaders in my family. From experiencing firsthand their impact on education in our community, I always knew that I wanted to continue that legacy and become an educational leader as well.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “The most influential person in my career has been my mother, Dr. Margie Pulley. In my professional opinion, she is arguably the most talented and most successful educator that Mississippi has ever seen in improving low-performing schools and districts. Personally, my mother has always provided positive and progressive advice and direction for me as an educator. She has taught me to be an effective communicator as well as an aggressive, data-driven decision-maker. Her influence has had a major impact on my leadership style, my passion for education and my drive to succeed every day as an educational leader.”
What motivates you? “I am motivated by my desire to do what is right for all students. Even when I get tired, something on the inside tells me that I have to keep moving forward.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “We are a small community. The potential of our community, however, is attractive to young professionals. Through various fields of work, we have the chance to invoke our progressive ideas as young professionals, which ultimately aid in advancing our community economically, educationally and socially.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “We must continue to find ways to promote unity among all citizens in our community and to place an emphasis on improving education for our young students.”
PageNP Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
the alluvian and the viking cooking school congratulate
KIMBERLY GNEMI for being selected one of greenwood’s
top 30 under 40
thank you for your dedicated service to our company and community!
318 Howard Street Greenwood, MS 662.453.2114 thealluvian.com
Congratulations Ryan!
We are proud to have a “Top 30 under 40” at Planters Bank!
www.planters-bank.com
PageNQ Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
`óåíÜá~=c~óÉ=pí~åÅáÉä Age: 34
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City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Greenwood High School
Spouse, his hometown: Timothy Stanciel, Greenwood
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Branch team leader at Regions Bank, seven months Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Business Administration degree, University of Phoenix by way of Christian Brothers University
Hobbies: Reading, shopping and spending time with family and friends Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Member of Jones Chapel No. 1 Missionary Baptist Church and Greenwood-Leflore Young Professionals Volunteer involvement: Volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club, the United Way, the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce, Feeding America and the Make-A-Wish Foundation Awards and honors: Young Business Manager of the Year, ARC of Excellence award, Business Manager of the Year award
What are your long-term goals? “My long-term goals are to start a family in the next three years, start a nonprofit organization helping the youth and go back to school and pursue a Ph.D in Christian psychology.”
What led you to your career choice? “I love business and financial operations, but my first love is helping others. I embarked on my career path because I get to be a businesswoman while helping others and serving my community.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My mother-in-law, Delores Stanciel, assistant vice president at Bank of Commerce, is the most influential person in my career. Delores has been with Bank of Commerce for over 40 years. She has done a great job at the bank while being an amazing wife to her husband and a wonderful mother to her two sons. Delores has also been a beacon of Leflore County, serving on numerous boards and committees as well as volunteering countless hours for many organizations over 40 years.”
What motivates you? “I am motivated by my faith and knowing I did the right thing always. I live by the Golden Rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ It makes me feel good to know I made a positive difference in someone else’s life.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “Our community is attractive to young professionals because of the affordable cost of living in the Mississippi Delta.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I think we can improve our community by inviting people we meet to come see the Delta has more to offer than just the crop fields you see passing through. We can invite others to see the great small shops downtown and experience living in the Delta at an affordable monthly cost.”
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Age: 39
City of birth: Greenville
High school: Indianola Academy
Spouse, her hometown, children: Caroline Strawbridge, Belzoni; Rhodes, 9, and Catherine, 3
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Vice president and lender at Planters Bank & Trust Company, 1½ years
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration degree, Delta State University Hobbies: Running, golf, spending time with family
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Member of First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, Greenwood Rotary Club, United Way of Leflore County Board and Mississippi Bankers Association Lending Committee and 2016 Leadership Greenwood member
Volunteer involvement: Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Leflore County
What are your long-term goals? “I want to continue to grow professionally and contribute to the continued success of Planters Bank. I would hope that in achieving this it will also contribute to the future success of Greenwood and Leflore County.”
What led you to your career choice? “I became interested in banking as a career in college. Growing up in Indianola, I saw how vital a bank and bankers are to a small town and all of the positive impacts they can have on a community.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “While I was in college, Jimmy Sykes, of what was then Terra International, hired me to manage a small warehouse location for him in Inverness. In hindsight, it was a good bit of responsibility for a 20-year-old. Jimmy taught me things about the seed and chemical business, but, more importantly, I learned how to communicate with different people and to also do things the right way, even if it takes a little longer.”
What motivates you? “Enjoying what you do is important. I enjoy helping people and solving problems. The company you work for and the people you work with are also huge motivators. I am blessed to have both of those in working for Planters Bank.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “We were attracted to Greenwood for its small-town atmosphere and its prior success in attracting and retaining young professionals. The city and the chamber also provide a lot of family-oriented events, such as the Christmas parade, that are run extremely well.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Continued economic development, and the groundwork is already in place. Greenwood has been progressive in its efforts to improve downtown. This, along with a continued working relationship between the city, county, chamber and Economic Development Foundation will be key to retaining businesses and attracting new opportunities.”
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City of birth: Vicksburg
High school: Brandon High School
Spouse, his hometown, children: Dr. Ward Stuckey, Greenwood; Sullivan, 10, and Jack, 6
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Photographer for the past 4½ years and graphic designer since 2003
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences with graphic design emphasis, Mississippi College Hobbies: Photography, working on her new house and donating time to good causes
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Member of Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood, GreenwoodLeflore County Chamber of Commerce, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Volunteer involvement: Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood; member of the Auxiliary’s PALACE Committee, which helps low-income families with clothing, food, school supplies and all the things they cannot otherwise afford What are your long-term goals? “To build a business that people think of when they think of photography.” What led you to your career choice? “While staying home with my children I found that my love for photography grew, and I just loved getting that great photo of someone’s child for them.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My husband, because he is always supporting me and helping me find new ways to do things. My uncle, Pat Marbury, who always thought I should be a photographer for my profession, and Emma Lou Horrell, of Horrell Photography of Jackson, who was my boss when I was in high school and college. She’s an amazing photographer and taught me so much.”
What motivates you? “Capturing moments that would otherwise be lost, such as a smile on a baby’s face that might have been missed or the look a groom has when he sees his bride walking down the aisle.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “The young professionals that are here are very active in the community such as Junior Auxiliary, the Boys and Girls Club and Chamber of Commerce. Some of them also help with Delta Streets Academy.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “We need more outdoor community spaces. Rail Spike Park is going to make a big difference. We need to update our existing parks.”
PageNR Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
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City of birth: Yazoo City
High school: Manchester Academy, Yazoo City
Spouse, his hometown, children: Chris Walker, Greenwood; James, 4, and Margaret, 2
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Pharmacist at Greenwood Drugs for 2½ years Higher education, including degrees earned: Minors in chemistry and biology, University of Mississippi; Doctor of Pharmacy degree, University of Tennessee Health Science Center Hobbies: Ole Miss sports and spending time with family and friends
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Mississippi Pharmacists Association, member of First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood Volunteer involvement: Greenwood
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Awards and honors: Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at the University of Mississippi; and National Scholars Honor Society and Rho Chi Honor Society, both at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy What are your long-term goals? “I hope to stay involved in the community and help make Greenwood the best it can be. I also hope Greenwood Drugs continues to provide the best customer service and patient care for our community.”
What led you to your career choice? “I volunteered in high school for King’s Daughters Hospital pharmacy. I fell in love with the profession and knew that it was the right choice of career for me.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “I worked under pharmacist Keith Sargent as an intern for Walgreens in Memphis. He always showed such compassion for his patients. He showed me how to care for patients, and I can say for certain that I am a better pharmacist because of him. ”
What motivates you? “I am motivated daily to be the best mom, wife and pharmacist that I can be. ”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “Greenwood has been so supportive of Greenwood Drugs and would make a great town for any new professionals looking to start a new business.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I hope others take the risk and open small businesses here, so we can continue to provide quality service and job opportunities for young professionals and the Greenwood community.”
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Age: 39
City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Greenwood High School
Children: Antwoine Williams Jr., 18, and Amir Williams, 11
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Athlete academic counselor and life skills coordinator, Mississippi Valley State University, 1½ years Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Science degree in educational psychology, Mississippi State University
^Çî~åÅÉÇ=cáíåÉëë=`ÉåíÉê Age: 29
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City of birth: Greenwood
High school: Carroll Academy
Spouse, her hometown: Ashton Alderman Wilson, Greenwood
Occupation — Employer’s name and years of employment: Personal trainer at Advanced Fitness Center, five years; recently accepted the position of strength and conditioning coach at Carroll Academy
Hobbies: Attending athletic events, singing and hanging out with friends
Higher education, including degrees earned: Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science with a minor in family and consumer science, Delta State University
Volunteer involvement: Director of Greenwood Youth Sports Program, pee-wee football coach and Little League baseball coach
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Attends First Baptist Church in Greenwood; member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National High School Strength Coach Association and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
What are your long-term goals? “I would like to become an athletic director of a Division I school, and I would also like to start a nonprofit recreation facility.”
What are your long-term goals? “I would like to continue working with athletes and open an athletic development complex to help area athletes become better at their specific sport.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “My father and my mother are the most influential people in my life. My father believed in me and encouraged me to never give up, to get involved in athletics and go after what I had a passion for. My mother has always been supportive of me and helped me any way she could. She inspired me to always do my best.”
Who has been the most influential person in your career? How did he or she influence you? “I have had several people influence me in my career. The two that stick out the most would be Dale Morgan and Jason Harvey. I have been fortunate enough to train and work under these two men. I have learned so much from them in the way they teach, coach and handle any situation. Patients and athletes respond positively to them. They encourage me to continue learning and become a better person and coach.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “It’s a small town in the Mississippi Delta that is thirsty for young energy and fresh ideas.”
What makes our community attractive to young professionals? “I believe Greenwood as a community has a great support system for young professionals. It's a great place to raise a family. Greenwood has a small-town feel with an open mind for new ideas.”
Professional, civic and religious affiliations: Member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and a board member of the Greenwood Public School District
Awards and honors: 2014 Man of the Year Award, North Mississippi Youth Football Association; 2015 Community Service Award, Greenville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity
What led you to your career choice? “I started out volunteering with youth sports, pee-wee football and Little League baseball. I also worked at the time at Life Help as a youth counselor for its Adolescent Offender Program. I was interested in my current position at Valley, because it combined two things I enjoy — mentoring students as well as being around athletics.”
What motivates you? “I am motivated by seeing the kids I’ve mentored and coached since pee-wee sports grow up and get the opportunity to get college scholarships or to see them achieve in life and become productive citizens.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “Working together as a community and providing more educational and business opportunities.”
Hobbies: Weightlifting, watching sports, being outdoors and grilling
Volunteer involvement: Speaking to area groups and organizations on health and fitness and coaching youth sport teams
What led you to your career choice? “I have always enjoyed exercise and sports, as well as living a healthy lifestyle. I am able to combine all of those into personal training and athletic development. I love meeting new people and making a positive impact.”
What motivates you? “Improvements in others due to my coaching abilities and helping others reach their goals.”
What is one suggestion you have for improving it? “I think we need more support groups in the health and fitness departments. There are many people who still do not understand or know the benefits that a proper diet and exercise can do for their health and well-being.”
PageNS Greenwood Commonwealth / Wednesday, March 22, 2017 qlm=PM=rkabo=QM =======================================================================================================================================================================
TOP 30 UNDER 40 Greenwood Leflore Hospital would like to congratulate the three exceptional individuals of our team who were recognized by the community as Top 30 under 40. From left, Jay M. Culpepper, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon at Greenwood Orthopedic Clinic. Alex Langhart serves as director of Clinic Operations at Greenwood Leflore Hospital. Richard A. Goldberg, D.O. is a gastroenterologist at Greenwood Gastroenterology Center. Greenwood and Greenwood Leflore Hospital are both fortunate to have healthcare providers who have made such a positive impact on our community.
A Lifetime of Care
1401 River Road • Greenwood, MS • www.glh.org