As First State Bank’s Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager, Stephanie Hurd is not only happy to be home but also looks forward to working with local customers and making a positive difference.
Hurd graduated from Quitman High School in 1994. She attended Mississippi Community College for one year before attending Pearl River Community College, where she earned associate degrees in medical office technology and business management.
She continued her education at Belhaven University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, graduating magna cum laude.
Hurd began her banking career as a teller at Magnolia State Bank in September 2006. In 2015, she was promoted to assistant branch manager and, in 2016, to branch manager. She remained with Magnolia State Bank until December 2025, when she began working at First State Bank in Quitman as assistant vice president and branch manager.
Returning to Quitman has given Hurd the opportunity to reconnect with people she has known throughout the years while also meeting new members of the community.
“I’ve really enjoyed working here because, for one, I’m home,” Hurd proclaims. “It gives me the opportunity to see so many people that I haven’t seen in a long time, and it also allows me to meet many new people.”
Hurd says her career in banking allows her to help customers reach their financial goals while continuing her own professional development.
“Working in banking gives me the opportunity to help customers achieve their financial goals while continuing to grow and learn professionally,” she describes. “I appreciate being a part of a team that values service, teamwork, and making a positive difference in the community.”
Hurd says her career has also allowed her to be part of changes she has witnessed in the banking industry.
“Growing up, I always saw males as bank officers and presidents,” she states. “Somewhere in the early 2000s there was a shift and women started being promoted to officers and managers. I am so glad to be part of the result of that shift.”
Hurd expresses that women in leadership positions face challenges but continue to make an impact in their communities and workplaces.
“As a woman, we must sometimes work harder to maintain our position and be respected,” she says. “I love what I do because every day is a new day to make a difference.”
Her colleagues at First State Bank also recognized Hurd’s leadership and impact since she joined the bank.
Nancey Chandler, a 28-year employee at First State Bank, describes how Hurd has made an impact on the bank and community since joining the staff in January.
“Stephanie has only been with us since January, but in such a short time has made a remarkable impact on our bank and our community,” Chandler declares. “Since she joined our branch, Ms. Hurd has brought a different level of leadership and positivity to our workplace. She genuinely cares about the people she works with and makes sure everyone feels heard, respected and valued.”
Brandy Stanwood, a customer representative at First State Bank, expresses how Hurd’s leadership extends to those around her.
“Stephanie is a great woman. She doesn’t just lead from the front, she lifts the people up around her as she rises,” Stanwood proclaims. “She leads with strength, compassion, confidence and purpose, proving that true leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice in the room, but about making others feel heard and capable.”
Stanwood says she is inspired by Hurd’s leadership and confidence and is grateful to work with someone who leads by example.
“I am grateful to work for a woman who inspires through her example,” Stanwood describes. “She shows you that you can be strong without losing your kindness, confident without making others feel small, and successful while still reaching back to help others grow.”
Bank teller Lia Domazet also shared her thoughts on Hurd being selected as a 2026 Women in Clarke honoree.
“I just want to take a moment to appreciate my amazing manager,” Domazet states. “Stephanie Hurd, working with you has been such a blessing. You are not only a wonderful manager, but you’re kind, understanding, supportive and genuinely caring. You make work feel so much easier and enjoyable, and I truly appreciate the way you treat everyone with such kindness. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with you, and I honestly love working with you.”
Congratulations to Stephanie Hurd, a 2026 honoree for Women in Clarke.
