Special to the Democrat

NATCHEZ — UMB announces promotions, certifications, and new hires in company

Katherine Christian named assistant vice president/Bank Secrecy Act officer

Hired in 2017 as the Backup for BSA, Katherine Christian quickly grasped the system of internal controls with her 19 years of experience as an examiner for the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance in Jackson. At the DBCF, Christian was the only examiner to work in every division, including the consumer finance, mortgage, credit union and banking divisions, where she worked to ensure businesses in these industries were in compliance with Mississippi laws designed to protect citizens.

Christian is a graduate of South Natchez Adams High School and Mississippi State University where she was on the dean’s list her senior year. She is a member of the Krewe of Phoenix and First Presbyterian Church. Proudly, Christian is the great aunt of Whitney Ryan and Spencer Kate Christian.

Courtney Geoghegan named new account specialist and IRA/CD administrator

Courtney Geoghegan joined UMB as a customer service representative where she developed excellent customer service skills and obtained vast knowledge of UMB deposit products. Previously, she spent five years at Concordia Bank as a teller and later as a customer service representative.

Geoghegan is a graduate of Vidalia High School and attended Copiah-Lincoln Community  College. She spends all her extra time between sporting events of her three children Thomas, Cailey and Amelia Cate who attend Delta Charter School.

Sarah Carter Smith receives  certified financial marketing professional certification

Sarah Carter Smith was awarded the CFMP certification from the American Bankers Association after graduating from the ABA Bank Marketing School.

The CFMP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of financial services marketing. To qualify for the CFMP certification, individuals must have certain levels of experience and education in the corporate trust profession, pass an exam and agree to abide by a code of ethics. The CFMP exam covers many areas including financial principles, laws and regulations, market research, characteristics of marketing plans, and marketing components.

ABA Professional Certifications promote the highest standards of performance in the financial services industry by validating individual’s knowledge and expertise.

Smith joined UMB in 2017 as the vice president of marketing with 27 years of marketing, sales, and business development experience.

Smith is a member of Jefferson Street United Methodist Church. Married to Jim, they have three children, Emory, Carter and McKenzie.

Danielle C. Eubanks joins as BSA analyst

Danielle Eubanks began her banking career at Regions Bank, spending three years as a financial services specialist with a background in lending and annuities. Eubanks’ attention to detail and exceptional skills in training make her a good fit for the compliance department of the bank. Previously, she owned and operated a medical clothing and supplies retail and online business for 10 years.

Eubanks attended University of Louisiana Monroe, studying business administration. She is a member of the National Association of Certified Yoga Teachers, the Institute of Spirituality and Health and the International Association of Meditation Instructors. She holds the E-RYT 500, which is the highest certification with the yoga alliance. During her time off, Eubanks enjoys teaching yoga at Satya and St. Mary’s Life Center. She is a member of St. Mary’s Parish and is engaged to marry Nick Blain.

Lisa A. Whittington joins as internal auditor and earns auditing certification

Prior to joining UMB, Lisa Whittington spent 10 years in banking at Regions Bank where she gained extensive knowledge of branch operation as a financial services specialist and a team lead. Previously, she worked as an administrator in the investment industry for 10 years. To prepare for her role as internal auditor, Whittington successfully completed and passed all comprehensive exams required for the Certified Community Bank Internal Auditor Program sponsored by the Community Banking School in Kansas City, Missouri.

Whittington is a graduate of South Natchez High School and received her certification in accounting/bookkeeping from Louisiana Business College. Historian for the Krewe of Phoenix, Whittington will serve as the president for the upcoming 2018-2019 season. She is a member of the Natchez Garden Club and First Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and sings on the praise team. Married to Buddy, they have two children, Ethen and Spencer.

Kimberly Wallace joins as customer service representative

Prior to joining UMB, Kimberly Wallace worked as a teller at the Bank of Franklin where she gained outstanding customer service skills and tremendous knowledge of bank products and services to prepare her for her new role.

A graduate of Loyd Star High School, Wallace attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College where she received an associate of applied science in drafting and design. At Roxie Baptist Church, Wallace teaches Children in Action and a pre-teen Sunday school class. Married to James, they have 3 children, Ryan, Brittany and Brock. They are also the proud grandparents of two, Gatlin and Briggs.

Cynthia “Lynnzee” Ware joins as customer service representative

Before joining UMB, Cynthia Ware worked as teller and financial relationship specialist at Regions Bank where she gained a broad knowledge of maintaining financial accounts while becoming proficient in solving customer issues. Previously, Ware managed a retail clothing store for 12 years and worked at MTC in Wilkinson County as a corrections officer.

A graduate of Natchez High School, Ware attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Alcorn State University where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Ware is the proud mother of two, Kirahn and Tyilan.