TOP CFOs (formerly Finance & Investing) is pleased to announce The Top 25 CFOs of Mississippi for 2023. With the Mississippi Delta renowned for its fertile and productive region, agriculture has been a significant part of the state's economy. In addition, its abundant forests support businesses engaged in timber production, and over time, industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and energy have also played key roles in the state's prosperity.
As the financial leaders of organizations, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) in Mississippi navigate the complexities of the local economy, balancing fiscal responsibilities with strategic decision-making. The distinguished awardees on this list demonstrate expertise in financial planning, risk management, and investment decisions, which have a ripple effect on the state's stability and resilience. They play a pivotal role in steering businesses toward success and contributing to the overall well-being of their communities.
Among this year’s recipients, Jane Lennard Moss has dedicated 25 years to Viking Range and ascended through the ranks to become the CFO, earning recognition as one of Mississippi's Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders and Top 10 Businesswomen by the Mississippi Business Journal. Additionally, Max Bowman commands an impressive array of responsibilities, serving as VP, CFO, Treasurer, and Secretary at Cal-Maine Foods. We also have Clark Robinson, who plays a pivotal role in overseeing all financial aspects of Neel-Schaffer, one of the largest private, employee-owned engineering firms in the South, operating out of 37 offices across nine states.
We commend these individuals for their commitment to the organizations they serve. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 25 CFOs of Mississippi for 2023.
1. Sharon Nobles
Chief Financial Officer, North Mississippi Health Services
Sharon Nobles serves as Chief Financial Officer for North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS), a company dedicated to providing the best patient- and family-centered care. NMHS connects patients and their families with convenient access to care that is cost-efficient and of the highest quality. The company provides acute, diagnostic, therapeutic, and emergency services, with the sole trauma center (Level 2) in its service area through North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.
Before joining NMHS in 2017, Nobles worked with Baptist Health Care Corporation. She served as VP and CFO for Acute Care Services and led all aspects of financial operations for three acute care hospitals and two joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers. During her 23-year tenure with Baptist, she served in various financial leadership roles, including System CFO for two years. Nobles graduated from the University of West Florida. She is a CPA, designated as a certified treasury professional with the Association for Financial Professionals, and a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
2. Ben Pace
Chief Financial Officer, C Spire
Ben Pace joined C Spire in 2000, assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer. In this capacity, he oversees all accounting and financial control functions, directs capital financing, handles mergers and acquisitions, and actively contributes to the company's strategic planning. Prior to joining C Spire, Pace served as a Vice President with Regions Bank (formerly Deposit Guaranty Corp.) and worked as a staff accountant with a Big Four accounting firm.
Pace is a distinguished professional with a bachelor's and master's degree in professional accountancy from Mississippi State University. Holding credentials as a certified public accountant and a chartered global management accountant, he is an active member of several professional affiliations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants. Pace serves on the industry committee for the Mississippi Society.
In addition to his role at C Spire, Pace is actively involved in various advisory and board positions. He serves on the Mississippi State University School of Accountancy Advisory Board, the Mississippi Aquarium Board, and has contributed to the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership Board. Furthermore, he has dedicated his time to community service, volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, where he served as the advancement chairman for several years. Additionally, Pace has been engaged in youth sports and school committees over the years.
3. Sam Scott
Chief Financial Officer, St. Dominic Hospital
Sam Scott is the Chief Financial Officer of St. Dominic Hospital. The hospital entrusts some of the most advanced technology into the hands of highly skilled and caring physicians, surgeons, and healthcare professionals. St. Dominic's commitment to its patients is illustrated through consistently high patient satisfaction scores, ongoing clinical performance initiatives, excellent medical outcomes, and national designations and awards.
Scott first joined the company in 2016. Previously, he was a CFO at MEA Medical Clinics. Earlier in his career, he worked with Certified Public Account as a Senior Accountant. Scott earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Mississippi.
4. Michael Tolleson
Chief Financial Officer, Peoples Bank
Michael Tolleson is the Chief Financial Officer of Peoples Bank, a diversified financial services holding company that makes available a complete line of banking, trust and investment, insurance, premium financing, and equipment leasing solutions through its subsidiaries. Headquartered in Marietta, Ohio since 1902, Peoples had $8.9 billion in total assets and 150 locations as of September 30, 2023, including 132 full-service branches in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland.
Tolleson manages the financial strategies and controls of the bank. He oversees the bank’s activities as a Certified Development Financial Institution. He earned his bachelor's degree from Mississippi College and completed studies at the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. Tolleson began his career at Peoples Bank in 1995. He then worked for many years with Community Bank in commercial lending and credit administration. Following his time at Community Bank, he worked as a Director of Finance and Operations at a non-profit for five years before rejoining Peoples Bank in 2016 as a Community Development Officer in Mendenhall.
5. Jason McNeil
Chief Financial Officer, Singing River Health System
Jason McNeil is the Chief Financial Officer of Singing River Health System. As one of South Mississippi's largest employers, the company is committed to the highest quality standards and recruiting the best talent there is to offer. The health system provides a seamless approach to healthcare across its three hospitals, as well as their 10+ primary care clinics and 30+ specialties. Singing River prides itself on its Community Benefit and Outreach efforts, which offer charitable assistance and participation in numerous educational and community improvement programs.
McNeil first joined the company in 2016 as Director of Financial Reporting and Reimbursement. Previously, he was a Senior Manager at LaPorte CPAs and Business Advisors. Earlier in his career, he worked with the Office of Inspector General as a Senior Auditor. McNeil earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Mississippi State University.
6. Max Bowman
Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and Director, Cal-Maine Foods
Max Bowman has served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, and Director of Cal-Maine Foods since 2018 when he was elected to the Board. Cal-Maine Foods is the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the US. Bowman also serves as Treasurer and Secretary of the company. He joined in 2018 as VP of Finance. He is responsible for the company’s business line finance group, accounting and financial reporting, corporate development, financial planning and analysis, human capital, IT, investor relations, risk management, and sustainability functions.
Before joining Cal-Maine Foods, Bowman served as CFO of Southern States Utility Trailer Sales and H&P Leasing from 2014 to 2018. In 2003, he co-founded Tenax, a holding company for Tenax Aerospace, a special-mission aircraft-leasing company where he served as CEO, CFO, and President. From 1985 to 2002, Bowman served in progressive roles of responsibility at ChemFirst, a diversified global agricultural, intermediate, and fine chemical manufacturer and provider of electronic materials and chemicals to the semiconductor industry that was previously listed on the NYSE. Bowman was appointed CFO of ChemFirst in 1997 and served in this role until the company was sold to DuPont in 2002.
Bowman is a CPA with extensive experience leading corporate finance and accounting, financial reporting, risk management, and M&A efforts. Previously, he began working at Arthur Andersen & Company in 1982 and served as a senior auditor before leaving the firm in 1985. His earlier board service includes Tenax and WGS Systems. Bowman earned a BAcc from Mississippi State University.
7. Paul Pratt
Chief Financial Officer, Butler Snow
Paul Pratt is the Chief Financial Officer of Butler Snow. With over 400 attorneys in offices around the world, Butler Snow is a team of talented legal professionals who share a commitment to serve clients – from Fortune 1000 firms to emerging-technology start-ups. Surveys by respected national consultants consistently rank Butler Snow among the best nationwide in client service; in anticipating needs, in a commitment to help, in providing value, and in client satisfaction.
Pratt has 23 years of experience. Before joining the firm, he was a Senior Accountant at Haddox Reid Burkes & Calhoun. Pratt graduated from Mississippi State University with an MPA in accounting and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
8. Stephen East
Chief Financial Officer, Thibodaux Regional Health System
Stephen East is the Chief Financial Officer of Thibodaux Regional Health System, the healthcare provider of choice throughout the Bayou Region. Located in Lafourche Parish, it is recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for its quality care, cost efficiency, innovation, safety, and outstanding patient experience.
East first joined the company in 2023. He is a customer-oriented and results-driven executive with extensive financial, operational, and business development experience across industry lines. He has a proven ability to design, implement, and manage processes and teams to achieve strategic goals. Previously, East was a Director of BD at Gulfport Behavioral Health System and before that, President and CEO at Compt90 Services. Earlier in his career, he worked with River Parishes Hospital as a CFO and COO. East earned an undergraduate degree in professional accounting from Mississippi State University.
9. DeeDee Lowery
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The First Bank
DeeDee Lowery serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The First Bank. Founded in 1996, it was formed by a group of business leaders who had a vision for creating a bank that would support the communities it served and build sustainable long-term relationships with clients in those communities. Now, that dream has grown to an $8 billion asset, multi-state financial institution.
Lowery is a CPA. She is on the Advisory Board for the Business School at the University of Southern Mississippi. Lowery is a member of the MS Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and also a member of the Funds Distribution Committee of the United Way, the Rotary Club of Petal, and the Petal Children’s Task Force. She is also an active member of The Turning Pointe Church.
Before joining the company in 2005, Lowery was VP and Investment Portfolio Manager of Hancock Holding Company for four years. She began her career in 1988 with McArthur, Thames, Slay and Dews as a Staff Accountant until joining Lamar Capital in 1993. From 1993 until the merger in 2001 with Hancock Holding Company, Lowery held several positions, beginning with Internal Auditor for two years, Comptroller for three years, and then CFO and Treasurer for three years. Lowery graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on accounting.
10. Clark Robinson
Chief Financial Officer, Neel-Schaffer
Clark Robinson joined Neel-Schaffer in 2001 and has served as the firm’s Chief Financial Officer since 2007, overseeing all financial aspects of the growing firm. Neel-Schaffer is a multi-disciplined engineering, planning, and construction management firm founded in 1983. Today, it is one of the largest private, employee-owned engineering firms in the South, operating out of 37 offices across nine states. Robinson was the company controller for six years before his promotion to CFO. In addition to his role as CFO, he serves as Secretary on the firm’s BoD.
Robinson came to Neel-Schaffer after working in Memphis for EnSafe and Schering Plough Health Care Products. Before his work in Memphis, he spent seven years in Houston, working for Shell Oil Company. Robinson has extensive knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, financial analysis, financial reporting, audit compliance, internal controls, due diligence, and federal acquisition regulations. He earned a BAcc from the University of Mississippi and holds an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Houston Baptist University.
Robinson is a member of the ACEC/AASHTO Audit Committee and helps resolve disputes over the interpretation of the Federal Acquisition Regulations that govern most federally funded projects. He is also part of the advisory committee for the National Compensation Matrix. He has also assisted many Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms by offering his expertise in finance and on how to select software packages, trace project costs, and obtain bonding and financial assistance.
11. Jane Lennard Moss
Chief Financial Officer, Viking Range
Jane Lennard Moss has worked at Viking Range for the past 25 years. She started as an Accounting Manager in 1994 and worked her way up through the organization to her current position of Chief Financial Officer, which she assumed in 2013. Viking Range had less than 100 employees when Moss started working and grew to over 1500 employees by 2005. When it was purchased by The Middleby Corporation, Moss was immediately given additional responsibilities of leading several other departments, including HR, governmental relations, and IT. Today, the company is growing and achieving unprecedented financial performance due to improved product quality and greatly improved efficiencies under her leadership.
Moss was the first woman to serve on the Greenwood Country Club’s board of governors, as well as their first female president. She was President of the Rotary Club of Greenwood and a member of Mississippi State University’s Adkerson School of Accountancy Advisory Council in the past. In 2005, she was selected by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of their Top 40 Under 40 Mississippi Business Leaders. In 2018, she was selected by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi’s Top 10 Businesswomen.
Moss also currently serves on the President’s Circle advisory council for the Greenwood-Leflore County Chamber of Commerce. She attended Mississippi State University and Delta State University and received her BBA degree and Master’s of Professional Accountancy degree from Delta State.
12. Greg Bosarge
Chief Financial Officer, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort
Greg Bosarge is the Chief Financial Officer of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, a privately held company that opened in 2015. The casino resort features 300 hotel rooms, a miniature golf course, award-winning restaurants, and designer shopping. Scarlet Pearl Casino is also home to over 800 slot machines, including over 50 live video poker machines, 36 table games, and an award-winning sportsbook.
Bosarge has 31 years of experience. Before joining Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort, he was a VP and CFO at Hardrock Hotel and Casino and before that, a Property CFO at Casino Magic Resort Biloxi. Earlier in his career, he worked with President Casino Broadwater Resort as a GM and a CFO. Bosarge graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in business administration in financial accounting.
13. Henry Agent
Chief Financial Officer, Gravity Diagnostics
Henry Agent began his professional career 26 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Gravity Diagnostics, a state-of-the-art CAP Accredited and CLIA Certified laboratory licensed in all 50 states providing innovative laboratory testing in the areas of COVID-19, Upper Respiratory, Toxicology, Pharmacogenomics, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Blood. The company advocates for physicians, patients, and their communities, supporting them with unsurpassed integrity, regulatory compliance, and clinical expertise. Gravity currently serves over 1,000 customers, from small private practices to universities to Fortune 500 companies.
Agent is a seasoned and talented finance executive with experience in companies in stages ranging from start-up to exit. He has worked in various industries, but his primary focus is on healthcare organizations, including health services, pharmaceuticals, physician clinics, distribution, and medical laboratories. His experience has provided a solid base of knowledge of the healthcare industry landscape, which has led to the development of critical skills in the healthcare industry in the areas of billing and collections, payor and cash management, financial reporting, compliance, business strategy, and key metric tracking. Agent graduated from Mississippi State University.
14. Luke Yeatman
Chief Financial Officer, BankFirst Financial Services
Luke Yeatman is the Chief Financial Officer of BankFirst Financial Services. The company was founded in 1888 and is locally owned, controlled, and operated. Headquartered in Columbus, Mississippi, it has additional branch offices around Mississippi and Alabama.
Yeatman began his career in 2007. Before joining BankFirst Financial Services, he was a Staff Accountant at BKD CPAs & Advisors. He graduated from Mississippi State University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
15. Robert Lincoln
Chief Financial Officer, Chain Electric Company
Robert Lincoln is the Chief Financial Officer of Chain Electric Company, an electrical construction and maintenance company founded in 1955 with a proven history of providing excellent safety and reliable service for over 60 years. They specialize in overhead and underground distribution construction and maintenance, transmission construction and maintenance, marine utility construction, commercial, and storm restoration.
Lincoln first joined the company in 2014. Previously, he was an Operations Manager at Swag Cards and before that, a store manager at Rent-A-Center. Earlier in his career, he worked with Tobacco Shack as a store manager. Lincoln earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
16. John Putman
Chief Financial Officer, Puckett Machinery Company
John Putman is the Chief Financial Officer of Puckett Machinery Company. He first joined the company in 2012 as Assistant Controller. Puckett Machinery Company is the Caterpillar heavy equipment and engine dealer for central and southern Mississippi. They have six heavy equipment and engine facilities which are conveniently located throughout the southern half of the state.
Previously, Putman was a Director of Property Accounting at Parkway Properties. Earlier in his career, he worked with KPMG US as an Audit Associate. Putman earned a master’s in taxation and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Mississippi State University.
17. Sarah Lutz
Chief Financial Officer, First South Farm Credit
Sarah Lutz is the Chief Financial Officer of First South Farm Credit. For over 100 years, the company has been providing financial options as part of the National Farm Credit System. First South is a financial cooperative, which means they are owned by customers. When borrowing from First South, you become a stockholder and a member. Its members have the benefit of voting in the election of their BoD and may be eligible to share in their profits through patronage refunds.
Lutz began her career in 2008. Before joining First South, she was an assurance manager at HORNE, and before that, she was an assurance associate at Briggs & Veselka. Earlier in her career. she worked with Haddox Reid Eubank Betts as a Staff Accountant. Lutz graduated from Mississippi State University with a master’s in professional accountancy and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
18. Stewart Heard
Chief Financial Officer, Steel Service
Stewart Heard began his professional career 17 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Financial Officer of Steel Service, a steel contractor, fabricator, and service center that has completed thousands of major industrial and commercial projects both nationally and internationally. The company has a vast range of knowledge and experience in industrial and commercial construction projects. It provides and installs structural steel, miscellaneous metals, and other related construction products as directed by its clients.
Heard first got his start in 2006 as a Manager of Assurance Services at HORNE, his most recent position prior to joining Steel Service. He graduated from Mississippi College with an MBA and from the University of Southern Mississippi with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
19. Paul Brennan
Chief Financial Officer, Lindsay Precast
Paul Brennan is the Chief Financial Officer of Lindsay Precast, North America’s premier concrete manufacturer, specializing in precast concrete products for over 50 years. Since the mid-1990s, the company has sharpened its strategic focus to provide the experience and know-how to deliver even greater value to its customers, including state and municipal government entities, banks, utility companies, renewable energy companies, and our military. It is a family-owned, US-based concrete manufacturer with the most robust line of precast products in business today.
Brennan first got his start in 1991 as an Accountant at the Lockwood Group. From there, he went on to Boatmen's Bancshares, a Fortune 500 Company, before eventually rising to CFO at Banded Holdings, his most recent position prior to joining Lindsay Precast. Brennan graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
20. Candace Slawson
Chief Financial Officer, SouthGroup Insurance Services
Candace Slawson serves as the Chief Financial Officer at SouthGroup Insurance Services, overseeing all financial operations for this multimillion-dollar conglomerate. Responsible for managing 23 offices across Mississippi and 18 different entities within the company, she handles a substantial workload, processing 40,000 transactions monthly and leading a team of 200 employees. In her capacity, she directly supervises a six-person accounting team, expertly preparing annual budgets, pro forma income statements, and conducting M&A due diligence. Her strategic vision extends to developing and implementing systems for financial planning, internal controls, and accounting.
Slawson is a pivotal link to the board of directors, offering essential insights and strategic input for immediate and long-term business planning. SouthGroup, formed by a merger of 12 of Mississippi’s most venerable agencies in 2001, has a rich history of insuring businesses in Mississippi and the South for over 115 years. Prior to her role at SouthGroup, Slawson was a Principal at Slawson & Alford, PLLC, and previously served as Chief Financial Officer at Cooke Douglass Farr Lemons Architects & Engineers PA. She holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Mississippi College.
21. Casey Hill
Chief Financial Officer, Merchants & Marine Bank
Casey Hill currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Merchants & Marine Bank (MMB). Before joining the bank, he served as the Managing Director of the Agribusiness Lending Group, a national lending arm of Farm Credit Bank of Texas, one of the four wholesale funding banks of the Farm Credit system. At Farm Credit, he was responsible for a team of bankers and analysts that managed a multibillion-dollar commercial portfolio comprised of some of the largest production agriculture credit facilities in North America.
Before his stint at Farm Credit, Hill served as Chief Credit Officer at Summit Bank, a financial services organization consistently cited as one of the highest-performing banks in the country. He completed his undergraduate studies in banking and finance at Mississippi State University, thereafter matriculating to the Owen School of Management at Vanderbilt University, earning his MBA with highest honors.
While Hill has held senior and executive management roles in diverse markets across the country, he has his roots in Mississippi and Alabama commercial banks. He enjoyed a tenure at Brandon-based multibank holding company Community Bancshares, where he served as a corporate SVP and Director of Credit Quality and Credit Risk. Hill began his career working in credit administration at the Citizens Bank of Philadelphia and AuburnBank.
22. Kristie Davis
Chief Financial Officer, DMC Power
Kristie Davis is the Chief Financial Officer of DMC Power (formerly Deutsch Metal Components), a company founded over a half-century ago. From its humble beginnings as a machine shop, it has rapidly progressed to become a leading supplier of component parts for military aircraft during World War II. In later years, DMC expanded its customer base to include commercial and business aircraft, as well as spacecraft.
Davis joined the company in 2021. Previously, she was a Corporate Controller at Radians and Manager of Web Analytics at AutoZone. She also worked at BDO Seidman and Ernst & Young as an Auditor. She started her career in 1999 as a Realtor at Collier Realty. Davis graduated from the University of Mississippi with a master's and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
23. David Jenner
Chief Financial Officer, MMI Hospitality Group
David Jenner assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer at MMI Hospitality Group in December 2017, joining from Feltrim Resorts. MMI Dining Systems distinguishes itself among contract dining companies through a passionate commitment to personalized dining programs. With over six decades of industry experience, the company strives to create memorable dining experiences.
With an extensive background in hospitality, Jenner previously held positions such as SVP of Finance for Aqua-Aston Hospitality in Honolulu, HI, VP of Finance for Atlantis Resorts in the Bahamas, Air Jamaica Airlines, and Opryland Entertainment in Nashville. His journey in hospitality began at Interstate Hotels, where he served in various capacities, eventually becoming the Director of Finance.
Jenner’s educational background includes a BS in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Penn State University. He is affiliated with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.
24. Doug Hancock
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Roy Anderson
Doug Hancock serves as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Roy Anderson. Since its establishment in 1955, Roy Anderson Corp has consistently delivered construction services grounded in the principles of honesty and integrity. Upholding the values instilled by founder Roy Anderson, Jr. — a dedication to quality and unparalleled performance — the company has evolved from a single vision to become one of the most successful construction firms in the Southeast. In his current role, Hancock oversees the compliance of corporate financial, controls, and administrative policies.
Hancock initiated his career at Ernst & Young, where he held the position of Assurance and Advisory Business Services Manager for several years. Joining RAC in 2001 as Controller, he demonstrated leadership and management qualities, earning him a promotion to VP and CFO. He holds an MBA and an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi.
25. Michelle Parisi
Chief Financial Officer, Camgian
Michelle Parisi, the Chief Financial Officer at Camgian, leverages over ten years of financial management experience. In her role, Parisi oversees financial planning and reporting, manages contract administration, and leads recruiting and employee onboarding. A staunch advocate for Camgian’s culture and core values, she plays a key role in fostering a positive work environment.
Before joining Camgian, Parisi served as the Corporate Controller for SemiSouth Laboratories, a high-tech startup that experienced significant growth under her leadership, expanding from less than 50 employees to over 120 and securing over $60 million in investments. Prior to SemiSouth, she worked as a Plant Controller for Holcim Cement, one of the world’s largest cement manufacturers. In this role, she served as an advisor to plant management, championed financial integrity, and played a vital role in aligning plant operations with corporate objectives.
Parisi’s career began in accounting departments across diverse industries, including medical supply distribution, toy manufacturing, and telecommunications, providing her with a wealth of experience. A CPA, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Mississippi State University and an MBA from Mississippi College.
