JACKSON, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Trustmark Corporation (NASDAQ: TRMK) and its subsidiary, Trustmark National Bank (collectively, “Trustmark”), announced today that R. Michael Summerford has been elected to succeed Daniel A. Grafton as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Trustmark effective January 1, 2017.
Mr. Summerford succeeds Daniel A. Grafton, who plans to retire from Trustmark’s Boards of Directors at the 2017 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. Mr. Grafton, who retired in 2007 as President of L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, a leading aviation and aerospace services provider, has been affiliated with Trustmark since 2006 and has served as its Chairman since 2011. “Under Dan’s guidance and leadership as Chairman, Trustmark has experienced significant growth and expanded into new markets, well-positioning us for continued success. We greatly appreciate Dan’s many contributions to Trustmark,” said Gerard R. Host, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trustmark.
Mr. Summerford has been a member of Trustmark’s Board of Directors since 2005. Prior to his retirement in 2002, Mr. Summerford was President and Chief Operating Officer of ChemFirst, Inc., a publicly traded manufacturer of electronic and specialty chemicals, which was sold to DuPont in 2002. Previously, he had served as Chief Financial Officer of ChemFirst as well as Controller of the Cotton Division of Cook Industries, Inc., an agricultural commodity merchandiser. Mr. Summerford also served as Senior Auditor with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co./KPMG. As an independent Director, Mr. Summerford is currently serving as Chairman of Trustmark’s Audit and Finance Committee and is also a member of the Executive, Human Resources and Nominating Committees.
“We are fortunate to have Mike serve in this leadership position on our Board,” said Host. “He is well-known and respected in the community and has a firm commitment to upholding the interests of Trustmark and our shareholders. Mike will do an exemplary job in guiding our Board as we continue to build our diverse financial services franchise.”
Michael Summerford commented, “I look forward to the opportunity to serve as Chairman of Trustmark and continuing to work with our Board to lead a strong regional banking organization committed to providing value for its customers, shareholders, communities and associates. Trustmark is well-positioned for continued success, thanks in part to Dan Grafton’s solid leadership and wise counsel as Chairman.”
Daniel Grafton commented, “My time with Trustmark has been both professionally satisfying and stimulating. The Board and bank leadership are highly engaged and among the best in the business, which gives me great confidence in the future success of Trustmark. The election of Mike Summerford as Chairman is the right person for the right time. I have served with Mike for the last ten years and found him to be an extremely bright, hardworking professional with excellent leadership acumen. The Host/Summerford team ensures continuity of leadership that benefits our communities, associates, customers and shareholders.”
About Trustmark
Trustmark Corporation is a financial services company providing banking and financial solutions through 194 offices in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
