Making a difference. It’s not always marked by big events such as ribbon cuttings. Instead, it’s sometimes the quiet work that entails sweat and daily commitment. Just ask Denny Moton, Regions Market Executive for Shreveport. He became an avid runner for a deeply personal reason: to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
The motivation originated when Moton’s daughter, Eva, was a patient at St. Jude. As any parent would, Moton wanted to give back in the most meaningful way he could. For him, that meant running.
“I was cheering my wife, Meagan, in a half‑marathon and decided I wanted to do it,” Moton said. “She couldn’t run the following year so I signed up for the half‑marathon to raise money. I began training and hated every step of the way. I only continued out of pure pride.”
But then something shifted deep inside. What began as determination ignited into a deeper, lasting passion.
“Somewhere about three‑fourths of the way through the training, the bug hit me and never let go,” Moton recalled. “And I’ve had a love of running ever since.”
Moton thanking the United Way after receiving the Clyde Fant Memorial Award, with Paige Lasyone, SBA Small Dollar Originator for Regions Bank.
Recognizing a Leader Who Shows Up
That dedication — steady and unwavering — hasn’t been limited to running. This year, Moton was honored by the United Way of Northwest Louisiana with its Clyde Fant Memorial Award, recognizing his long-standing commitment to service in the region.
The award was presented during Tales and Ales on March 20, the United Way’s annual fundraising dinner and celebration of community champions.
“Denny leads with consistency, generosity, and a genuine commitment to this community,” said LaToria W. Thomas, President and CEO of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. “Whether he’s showing up for Day of Caring, championing our annual campaign, or encouraging his team at Regions Bank to get involved, his leadership truly reflects that United is the Way. The Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award recognizes individuals who turn commitment into action, and Denny has done exactly that for years.”
Education is important to Regions Bank. Moton and Kay Goke, Regions Digital Experience Researcher, discuss financial literacy in an area school.
A Calling to Serve
Moton’s contributions go far beyond a single organization. In addition to supporting St. Jude and the United Way, he is active in local community baseball leagues, helping strengthen community ties through youth sports.
“For me, service was not always on my radar,” he said. “But because I’ve worked at Regions, service has been instilled in me as important value. As I became involved in various service organizations in the community, I’ve been exposed to the need. In my spiritual walk, I began to feel called to serve. Now that I know, I can’t not do it. I didn’t know what the need looked like, but now I can’t not respond to the call.”
Through the years, Moton has grown especially passionate about community and economic development.
“I really like the different community development and economic development missions because if you can grow the tide, you can help a lot of people,” he said. “I also like helping people help themselves, which is what I like about the United Way.”
I really like the different community development and economic development missions because if you can grow the tide, you can help a lot of people.
Denny Moton, Regions Market Executive
A Family Committed to Giving Back
Service — like running — has become a shared journey in Moton’s life. He and his wife, Meagan, have celebrated a long and happy marriage and are raising two children: Alex (18) and Eva (16). Family time often means water sports, fishing, wakeboarding, surfing, and weekends at the lake.
“The lake is our happy place,” Moton said.
The spirit of giving is a family affair, too. Meagan chairs Miracles on the Red, an annual charity dinner supporting St. Jude’s mission of ensuring families never receive a bill — no matter how long treatment lasts or how complex a child’s care becomes. Her leadership complements Moton’s efforts, forming a shared commitment to making life better for families across the region.
On Pace for a Better Future
And through it all, Moton keeps running. This year, his aim is a new milestone: completing the St. Jude Marathon on December 5. Training is already underway.
The road ahead will be long. But Moton knows that every mile matters. Because each step forward — whether on the pavement or in the community — is his personal journey to create a better world.