TUPELO, Miss. -- April 13, 2022 – Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) (formerly BancorpSouth Bank) announced today a $100,000 contribution by the Cadence Bank Foundation (formerly BancorpSouth Bank Foundation) to support the Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding efforts.

The contribution will assist the organization with its affordable housing initiatives, including purchasing building materials for its Women Build 2022 program.

“We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity and its work to provide homeownership opportunities to families in need and help our communities prosper,” said Gary Sparkman, president - Tupelo, Mississippi, community bank for BancorpSouth, a division of Cadence Bank. “Ketra Ruff, our bank’s retail manager for Tupelo, Mississippi, has served on the Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity’s board of directors since 2017 and will become its president in July. We are committed to supporting our teammates and the causes they’re passionate about. We look forward to continuing to work with Habitat to make a difference for our neighbors and our communities.”

During a check presentation this morning, the amount of the donation was revealed to the Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity’s representatives and the bank’s Tupelo, Mississippi banking leaders.

“I’m overjoyed about this donation,” Ruff said. “I had no idea the dollar amount would be so significant. This shows our company’s commitment to the communities it serves. I’m honored  to work for a company that values its teammates' commitments.”

The Habitat for Humanity Women Build program recruits, educates and encourages women to build and advocate for decent and affordable houses in their communities. The Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity will build five homes this year as part of the program.

“We’re deeply moved by Cadence’s generosity and tangible support of our work,” said Mary Ann Plasencia, executive director of the Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity. “Cadence understands that it’s not just about building affordable and safe homes but, more importantly, it’s about giving families control over their future and stability that can last for generations. We cannot wait to put this investment to wise use!”

Charlie White, current board president of Northeast Mississippi Habitat for Humanity added, “To say that we’re shocked would be an understatement. We’re so grateful for the support of Cadence Bank. It is because of relationships like these that we’re able to make life-altering changes to valuable members of our community.”

Cadence’s support of Habitat for Humanity underscores its commitment to partner with community organizations that help its communities thrive. In addition to financial contributions, Cadence’s teammates volunteer with local Habitat for Humanity organizations through serving on boards and committees or participating in build days.

About Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) is a leading regional banking franchise with approximately $50 billion in assets and more than 400 branch locations across the South, Midwest and Texas. Cadence provides consumers, businesses and corporations with a full range of innovative banking and financial solutions. Services and products include consumer banking, consumer loans, mortgages, home equity lines and loans, credit cards, commercial and business banking, treasury management, specialized lending, asset-based lending, commercial real estate, equipment financing, correspondent banking, SBA lending, foreign exchange, wealth management, investment and trust services, financial planning, retirement plan management, and personal and business insurance. Cadence is committed to a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion in both its workplace and communities. Cadence Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Media Contacts:

Antrenise Robinson   
(662) 680-2038 direct | (662) 213-9592 mobile
[email protected]

Sheena Cochran
(713) 871-4072 direct | (281) 740-4366 mobile 
[email protected]