Planters Bank and Trust Company

06/09/2026

Planters Bank is proud to announce that Andrew Whalen, Market President for Cleveland and Ruleville, has been named to Independent Banker magazine’s 2026 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders List. The annual award, presented by the Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) ICBA, recognizes emerging leaders who are helping shape the future of community banking through innovation, leadership, and service.

“ICBA congratulates Andrew on this well-deserved recognition,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “Each year, the 40 Under 40 honorees remind us of the talent and leadership strengthening community banking across the country. Andrew has demonstrated the drive, professionalism, and forward-looking leadership this recognition is meant to celebrate.”

The feature story in the June/July issue of Independent Banker recognizes community banking professionals who are advancing technology, advocating for their customers and colleagues, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Candidates are evaluated on character, leadership, community involvement, and innovation.

At Planters Bank, Whalen is known for his commitment to relationship banking, community engagement, and leadership development. He plays an active role in supporting economic growth throughout the Mississippi Delta while helping customers, businesses, and communities achieve their financial goals.

“Andrew represents the very best of community banking,” said Alan Hargett, Chief Executive Officer of Planters Bank. “His passion for serving others, commitment to our communities, and dedication to building strong relationships make him an outstanding leader. We are incredibly proud to see him recognized among the nation’s top young community bankers.”

“Being named to ICBA Independent Banker’s 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders List is a tremendous honor,” said Whalen. “Community banking is about building relationships, serving the community, and helping local families and businesses thrive. I’m proud to be a community banker and to represent Planters Bank in supporting our communities every day.”

06/08/2026

Planters Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Mallory Jones as Vice President, Compliance Officer, effective May 18, 2026.

In her role, Jones will serve as the bank compliance officer, overseeing regulatory compliance, consumer compliance risk management, and adherence to banking laws and internal policies.

Jones brings nearly a decade of specialized consulting experience in consumer regulatory compliance and Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering matters. Prior to joining Planters Bank, she worked with BDO, formerly HORNE, where she advised financial institutions of varying sizes, primarily community banks, on compliance-related initiatives and risk management strategies.

Throughout her career, Jones has led regulatory compliance audits, risk assessments, enforcement action remediation efforts, training initiatives and ongoing regulatory advisory support. She has worked with institutions regulated by the FDIC, Federal Reserve and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as well as credit unions and farm credit associations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mallory to the organization as our Compliance Officer,” said Zak Kinchen, CPA, EVP/Chief Risk Officer at Planters Bank. “Her deep expertise in regulatory compliance and Bank Secrecy Act / Anti-Money Laundering, coupled with nearly a decade of consulting experience advising financial institutions of all sizes, will be an invaluable asset to our team. Mallory’s proven leadership in compliance audits, risk assessments and regulatory remediation, along with her strong credentials as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist and Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager, reflects her commitment to excellence and integrity.

“Her industry thought leadership and passion for education further demonstrate her ability to elevate our compliance program and support a strong culture of risk management. We look forward to the impact she will make as we continue to strengthen our organization.”

Jones earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Mississippi College. She also holds several professional certifications, including CPA, CRCM and CAMS.

In addition to her professional experience, Jones has served as a speaker at numerous industry conferences and training events, including programs hosted by the Tennessee Bankers Association, Arkansas Bankers Association, Florida Bankers Association and AgFirst Farm Credit Bank.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many financial institutions, but I’ve always been especially drawn to community banking and institutions that know, invest in and support the people they serve every day,” Jones said. “Planters Bank exemplifies this kind of commitment through service to its shareholders, customers, employees and communities. I’m excited about the future and thrilled to be a part of the Planters Bank team.”

Originally from Monticello, Arkansas, Jones now resides in Collierville, Tennessee. She is an active member of Harvest Church in Memphis and enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.

06/08/2026

Happy 5-Year Anniversary, Woods Rose!

For the past five years, Woods has been an important part of the Planters Bank team, bringing knowledge, consistency, and a willingness to tackle whatever comes his way. Whether he's supporting operations, assisting the credit team, or helping solve challenges behind the scenes, Woods approaches his work with professionalism and a team-first attitude.

Thank you for everything you've contributed over the last five years, Woods. We're proud to celebrate this milestone with you and grateful to have you on our team.

Congratulations on 5 years!

Pictured from left: Jody Moor and Woods Rose.

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Andrew Whalen on being elected Vice President of the Mississippi Young Bankers (MYB) for 2026-2027!

Andrew's leadership, dedication to the banking industry, and commitment to serving our communities make him a tremendous asset to both Planters Bank and the Mississippi banking community. We are proud to see him continue making an impact through the Mississippi Young Bankers organization.

Please join us in congratulating Andrew on this well-deserved achievement!

This Spring, new officers were elected to lead the MYB for 2026-2027. Congratulations to MYB President Kit McCoy, Bank of Anguilla; MYB Vice President Andrew Whalen, Planters Bank and Trust Company, and MYB Treasurer Tyler Basil, BNA Bank.

Each of these young bank leaders have already dedicated years of service to the MYB and the Mississippi banking industry, and we appreciate their continued committment to financial literacy, the education of future bankers, and advocacy for top issues. Congratulations and thank you!

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Peyton Fandel on being recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as a Top 40 Under 40 honoree for 2026!

This well-deserved recognition reflects Peyton’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to serving our customers, employees, and communities. As Head of Retail Banking, Peyton continues to make a positive impact across our organization through his vision, professionalism, and passion for community banking.

We are proud to have Peyton as part of the Planters Bank family and look forward to all he will continue to accomplish.

Please join us in congratulating Peyton on this outstanding achievement!

05/28/2026

Please join us in celebrating Yolanda Price, Treasury Associate, on 15 years with Planters Bank!

For the past 15 years, Yolanda has served our customers and team with dedication, professionalism, and a positive spirit that makes a difference every day. We are grateful for her hard work, loyalty, and commitment to making banking personal.

Thank you, Yolanda, for all you do! Congratulations on this incredible milestone!

Pictured from left: Yolanda Price and Melissa Cadenhead.

05/26/2026

Planters Bank announced the promotion of Jamie Ray to first vice president, regional branch administration, effective April 1, 2026. In her expanded role, Ray will continue supporting branch operations while overseeing an expanded regional footprint across the Mississippi Delta market.

Ray brings nearly three decades of banking experience to the position, with a career rooted in customer service, operational leadership, and community banking. She began her banking career in 1995 at Union Planters and joined Planters Bank in 1998 as a teller and customer service representative. Over the years, she advanced through several leadership roles, including primary customer service representative and branch manager/branch operations officer, before being promoted to vice president of branch operations for Cleveland in 2022.

Her leadership responsibilities continued to grow with oversight of the Ruleville market in 2024 and Clarksdale in 2025. In her new position, Ray’s region will expand to include Greenville, Leland, Indianola, and Greenwood, Mississippi.

“Jamie’s dedication to both our customers and our communities has been evident throughout her career,” said Andy Sanders, chief operating officer at Planters Bank. “Her deep operational knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to serving others make her an invaluable part of the Planters Bank team.”

Ray is a graduate of the Mississippi School of Banking at the University of Mississippi and is actively involved in her community through the Exchange Club of Cleveland.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ray is the parent of two adult children, Morgan and Austin, and grandmother to Hudson Reed and Mari Milum. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, supporting her grandson at ballgames, and relaxing at the lake or pool during the summer months.

“What initially drew me to Planters Bank was its deep-rooted commitment to the community,” Ray said. “I was highly impressed by the leadership and organizational culture established by Mark Hargett and Judy Baldwin, and I’m honored to continue growing my career with such a respected institution.”

05/25/2026

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Janu Dahya on graduating from Leadership DeSoto!

We are proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and the dedication, leadership, and passion Janu brings to our team and community every day. Completing this program is a testament to a strong commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact, and we couldn’t be more excited to see all that’s ahead.

Please join us in congratulating Janu on this well-deserved accomplishment!