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First State Bank Announces Leadership Promotions at Laurel Branch
First State Bank is proud to announce three leadership promotions at its Laurel branch, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to investing in its employees and strengthening its ability to serve the growing needs of Laurel, Miss. and the Jones County area.
To better serve local business development and growth, Amber Page (NMLS#1827427) has been promoted to vice president of lending in addition to her role as branch manager, furthering her role in commercial, construction and consumer lending. A Jones County native and graduate of West Jones High School and Jones College, she brings twenty-three years of banking experience across roles including teller, customer service representative, loan assistant and assistant vice president. Locally, Page serves on the United Way of the Pine Belt Region’s Citizen’s Review Committee and serves on the Jones College Board of Trustees. “I’m honored to continue serving the community that has supported me throughout my career. I look forward to helping more individuals, families and businesses achieve their financial goals,” Page said.
Supporting this change, Tara Welborn has been promoted to assistant branch manager and head teller for the Laurel division. With more than 17 years of banking experience, Welborn brings a strong background in customer service, operations, and branch leadership. A West Jones High School and Jones College graduate, Welborn continues to embrace the importance of supporting the local community while also bringing a unique background in management information systems, entrepreneurism and business management.
Allison Pippen has been promoted from teller to assistant head teller. A graduate of South Jones High School and Jones College, she joined First State Bank in 2024 after building leadership experience in office administration and prior management and customer service roles.
“Jones County continues to experience strong entrepreneurial and economic growth, and First State Bank is committed to being well positioned to meet the evolving needs of our communities,” said Darron Dodd, Chief Retail Officer. “These leadership promotions reflect our investment in talented employees and our commitment to developing leaders from within. By expanding our lending expertise and strengthening our branch leadership, we’re investing not just in our team, but in the future of this community. We look forward to continuing to help Laurel and Jones County grow for years to come.”
Founded in 1934, First State Bank remains committed to meeting the financial needs of area individuals and businesses, all while providing dedicated customer service as an Equal Housing Lender and a member of the FDIC. Headquartered in Waynesboro, Miss., the organization has locations in Buckatunna, Clara, Ellisville, Laurel, Leakesville, Lucedale, Gluckstadt, Meridian, Quitman and State Line.
August 2026