Regions Foundation Announces Winter Storm Disaster-Recovery Grants
Winter Storm Fern knocked out power across North Mississippi, but the icy weather was no match for Regions associates and their care for each other and their neighbors.
The historic storm — which placed more U.S. counties under a Winter Storm Warning than any in history — hit Oxford, home to Ole Miss, especially hard. Ice-laden trees fell across the city, blocking roads, damaging homes, downing utility lines and prompting a shelter‑in‑place order.
Even Courthouse Square saw major damage, and one downtown business caught fire when a downed line hit its roof.
‘We’re One Team’
The Oxford branch reopened Jan. 28, serving neighbors who — like the team — still lacked water and power. On Jan. 29-30, Southeast Mississippi Retail Operations Manager Callie Crain and several bankers drove two hours from Tupelo to step in so the Oxford team could focus on their own homes.
The Tupelo bankers kept Oxford’s doors open for teammates and customers who needed cash and essential services despite limited power.
At Regions, we’re known for how well we work together for our customers. We’re one team — and that’s what makes us special. Otis Billups, Southeast Mississippi Consumer Banking Manager
“At Regions, we’re known for how well we work together for our customers,” said Southeast Mississippi Consumer Banking Manager Otis Billups. “We’re one team — and that’s what makes us special. When one location is in need, we step in and deliver the same extraordinary service no matter the city or the challenge.”
Alongside Branch Manager Sharion Houston, Westside Tupelo banker Star Wood was among those who helped in Oxford. “When asked, there was no hesitation,” she said. “If I were in need, I’d want someone to help me too.”
“Supporting Oxford let me live out our Regions’ ‘Put People First’ value, which is one of the five core values that guide our company,” Houston added. “We’re one family helping those in need, and our commitment shines brightest when conditions are toughest.”
Relationship Banker Bri Clark also drove down from Tupelo. “When my teammates needed assistance, there was no hesitation. We’re all in this together.”
Supporting Oxford let me live out our Regions’ ‘Put People First’ value, which is one of the five core values that guide our company. Sharion Houston, Branch Manager
The Tupelo bankers just didn’t fill in for their Oxford teammates. Soon, MidSouth Consumer Banking Executive Rudy Walker and Senior Retail Operations Manager Hunter Linnell arrived from Memphis, Tennessee, with cars loaded full of supplies for the Oxford branch team — paper goods, cleaning and sanitizing wipes, phone charger cords, water, batteries, snacks and more.
About 65 miles away, North Mississippi Market Retail Operations Manager Rebecca Smith, her daughter, Maggie, and her fiancée Ray Slaughter, who owns a wrecker and work truck, also stepped in despite facing downed trees and no power at home.
They cleared debris, opened roadways, delivered supplies, and Rebecca even prepared food for volunteers. “Her selflessness reflects the heart of who we are as a hometown bank,” Linnell said.
Smith said the experience reminded her of how difficult moments often reveal unexpected blessings.
“Slowing down, unplugging, and checking on others brought a sense of perspective that’s easy to lose in the rush of everyday life and made me realize again how important family, friends and community really are,” she said.
“I’m grateful for the reminder that even in the storm, there’s still light to be found in how we show up for one another.”
Delivering Comfort in Louisiana
In West Monroe, Louisiana, North Louisiana Consumer Banking Manager Stephanie Richard and her family — without power themselves — used a four‑wheeler to deliver fuel for generators as hotels filled up. Her daughters collected firewood for neighbors, and her fiancé and father repaired storm‑damaged roofs.
“As Stephanie worked to reopen branches, her family continued assisting neighbors with whatever they needed,” said Lisa Phillips, Consumer Banking Executive for Arkansas and Louisiana. “That’s who we are as Regions.”
