Cleveland Branch Promotions

Cleveland, MS – Planters Bank is announcing the retirement of Mark Hargett, a dedicated leader who has served the bank and Cleveland community for 28 years. Mark, who opened the first Planters Bank location in Cleveland alongside Judy Baldwin, has played an instrumental role in the bank's growth, which now includes two locations in the community.

Mark's commitment to exceptional banking services and community involvement have been the cornerstone of Planters Bank's success. Under his leadership, the bank has fostered strong relationships and upheld its promise to provide personalized banking solutions tailored to the needs of its customers.

"I am especially pleased with what has been accomplished over the past twenty-eight years,” said Hargett. "It has been an honor to serve the Cleveland community and to work alongside such dedicated staff. I have full confidence that Planters Bank is in excellent hands moving forward."

As Mark retires, Andrew Whalen will take over as President of Planters Bank, effective 2025, and will lead the bank’s lending and customer relationship efforts in the Cleveland and Ruleville markets. Whalen, who joined the bank ten years ago as a loan officer, has a proven track record and a deep understanding of the industry. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Mississippi State University and is a graduate of both the Mississippi School of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

In addition to his professional qualifications, Andrew has actively contributed to the banking community, serving on the Executive Council of the Mississippi Young Bankers as the Scholarship Committee Chairman and the Banker In Every Classroom Committee Chairman. He also holds a position on the Government Relations Committee for the Mississippi Bankers Association.

"Mark's leadership has been invaluable, and I am honored to succeed him," said Whalen. "I look forward to building on the foundation he has established and continuing to serve our customers and the Cleveland and Ruleville communities with the same dedication and integrity."

Andrew resides in Cleveland with his wife, Emily, and their two children, Molly Cate (6) and Thomas (2). They are active members of First Baptist Church and are committed to supporting local initiatives.

Alongside Whalen's promotion, Zach Pinkerton will assume the role of Vice President at Planters Bank. Zach is a graduate of Delta State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He has accumulated eight years of experience in banking and agricultural lending, with the last five years dedicated to his role at Planters Bank. Zach is married to his wife, Calli, and together, they have two children: a son named Will (5) and a daughter named Harper Lane (1). The family is actively involved in their community as members of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland. In addition to his professional work, Zach gives back by volunteering with Zoe Ministries as a Board Member and is also a valued member of the Exchange Club. He currently serves as the President of Delta State University's Bolivar County Alumni Chapter