BankFirst Announces Johnny Ray as Jackson Regional President

Johnny Ray

Johnny Ray

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — BankFirst Financial Services is pleased to announce that respected Jackson, Mississippi, banker Johnny Ray recently joined the institution as Executive Vice President/Jackson Regional President.

“Johnny is well known in both the banking industry and the Jackson community as an energetic, experienced, knowledgeable leader,” remarks BankFirst President and Chief Executive Officer Moak Griffin. “These qualities make him an excellent fit for a progressive community bank like ours. BankFirst clients will benefit from his eye to the future and his focus on personalized service.”

Ray leads BankFirst’s Jackson-area teams, which include branches and loan offices in Flowood, Gluckstadt, Madison and Ridgeland. He also serves on the company’s executive leadership team.

“The outstanding management team and employees are what drew me to BankFirst,” comments Ray. “They are committed to providing state of the art financial products that are relevant to the needs of their local markets and clients. I’m enthused to be a part of that team and to contribute my knowledge and experience to help grow the bank.”

He continues, “I also appreciate BankFirst’s focus on giving back to its cities and neighborhoods. I believe it’s everyone’s responsibility as citizens to make the community better for our children.”

Ray began his banking career in 1986 and most recently was City President for a local financial institution, directing its Jackson banking center and many employees, overseeing commercial and retail lending and managing an extensive portfolio of assets. He currently serves as President of Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area and as a board member for the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Jackson Prep Patriot Club committee and is Vice President and incoming President of the school’s Booster Club. The Jackson resident manages an AAU basketball team and is a member of First Baptist Church Jackson.

A Mississippi State University alumnus, Ray holds a B.A. in Banking and Finance and a B.S. in Agricultural Economics. He also graduated from the Graduate School of Banking of the South, Louisiana State University. He and wife Dyanne have two sons and a daughter.

BankFirst was founded June 1, 1888. Today it has 11 locations in central and northeast Mississippi, in Columbus, Flowood, Gluckstadt, Macon, Madison, Ridgeland, Starkville and West Point.

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