Our Team

OUR TEAM

Chris Bates - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

Chris Bates

CEO

THINKS: Our purpose as an agency is to be of service.  We are here to use our God-given talents to serve our team members, those we work with, and most importantly our clients and the lives they impact.

BACKGROUND: I attended the University of Alabama, completing my B.A.in Psychology with a minor in Business at Belhaven University in 1994.  I was a nonprofit executive for 10 years and then owned the Mean Mallard, a large outdoor sporting goods store, for nearly a decade.  In 2009, I decided to use my career experiences to guide other business operators toward achieving their goals by founding Agora Company.  The future is exciting with Agora Company and The Eversole Group having now merged to become AgoraEversole.  I serve in several volunteer leadership roles and board of director positions, and present marketing seminars, webinars and training workshops frequently for banking associations and other trade groups.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: It’s about the strategy!  We strive for real partnership, and when we discover their goals and then implement marketing for them via multiple marketing platforms, it works!

ALSO: My wife, Stacy, and I have four young adult children between us.  We are all about family, and we also love time with friends and time spent traveling.  Some published Columns: MS Christian Living Magazine – Outside In; Podcasts: Digital Agency Show: Find Success by Niching with Chris Bates; YouTube/Podcast Interviews: Operation Agency Freedom: Chris Bates: Advice on Systems, Hiring, and Scaling from the CEO of Agora Eversole and Digital Agency Insider: Developing Strategies & Striving for Real Partnerships with Clients

Laura Beth Bond - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

Laura Beth Bond

GETSocial Manager / Graphic Designer

THINKS: Any day at the beach is a good day.

BACKGROUND: I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Graphic Design from Delta State University, home of the Fighting Okra. (yes, you read that right!) Since the early days of The Eversole Group, I have been combining my love for design with the knowledge I gained from working in Customer Service at my hometown bank. In 2017, I expanded my role to include social media.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: I have enjoyed getting to know our clients and helping them discover the “look and feel” that best works for their bank. Meeting them in person is always the best treat!

ALSO: My husband, Harris, and I are two Mississippians who recently found ourselves living west of the Mississippi after 11 years in Sylacauga, Alabama. We, along with our three children, are church planting with the Presbyterian Church in America in Monroe, Louisiana.

JULIA BRYANT - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

JULIA BRYANT

Graphic Designer / Account Manager

THINKS: We are all a little weird…embrace it.

BACKGROUND: Originally from Fancy Farm, Kentucky, I have been living in Mississippi for almost 20 years. I started with a local magazine in Oxford before moving on to The Clarion-Ledger, and finally found the best of all worlds with agency work for the past 13 years.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: I pride myself in excellent customer service and quick turnaround. There’s no better feeling than taking a client’s idea and exceeding their expectations. I’m always up for the challenge.

ALSO: My creativeness doesn’t stop when I leave the office. I also own a children’s boutique named after my two daughters. If I’m not sewing, I’m probably watching SEC football, and come October you’ll find me glued to the TV watching UK basketball. You can take the girl out of KY, but I still bleed blue come March.

Jeff Childress - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

Jeff Childress

Digital Services Manager - Reztech

THINKS: “The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” I love working in Digital Marketing because there’s always something new to learn & opportunities to try new things for our clients.

BACKGROUND: I graduated from ITT Tech with a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science and have worked in Sales & Marketing since 2005. The marketing agency world has been a great fit because I enjoy staying on top of the latest Digital Marketing trends and helping our clients reach their goals.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: As the Director of Digital Services, I get to be involved with many aspects of our clients campaigns and marketing strategies from SEO to Digital Advertising and everything in between. At the end of the day, what matters most is the RESULTS.

ALSO: I enjoy being outdoors and traveling with my family, coaching my kids sports and spending an afternoon at Dudy Noble Field in Starkville watching MSU baseball.

MISTY DUNN - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

MISTY DUNN

Director of Operations

THINKS: I’ve never been on a vacation I didn’t like.

BACKGROUND: I graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, with an emphasis in graphic design. I’ve been part of our team since 2006.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: One of my favorite parts of the job is getting to know my clients on a personal level. It’s fun to hear stories and see pictures of their families, flower gardens, vacations, etc. I also love getting to see what my clients actually look like, because 99% of the time what I’ve envisioned is totally wrong!

ALSO: I value faith, family, and friends. I’m a lover of the outdoors, music, and travel. Put me on a cruise ship and I’m a happy girl. You just can’t beat seeing so many places in one trip and being pampered along the way! I’m equally as happy to sit outside amongst family or friends and enjoy great conversation and a cup of coffee.

JULIA BRYANT - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

ALAN GORMAN

Graphic Designer

THINKS: Everything will work out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, it’s not the end.

BACKGROUND: I was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta. I graduated from Delta State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. After school, I worked in New Orleans, Louisiana and have since moved to Jackson, Mississippi. My work experience spans across multiple mediums, including print, digital, and web design. Outside of work, my hobbies include woodworking, painting, and spending time with friends and family.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: As a designer, I enjoy creating meaningful experiences that influence how people interact with their physical surroundings.

ALSO: One of my favorite things to do is travel and try new things.

CHERI MAGEE - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

LATRICE LAWSON

Graphic Designer / Client Service Specialist

THINKS: Growth is crucial, and complacency is scary.

BACKGROUND:
I’m a Jackson, MS, native who values community connections, creativity, and philosophy. I’m a graduate of THEE Jackson State University, where I received a bachelor’s degree in Art with an emphasis in graphic design. I’ve worked in design and nonprofits for over a decade, and I deeply value work that impacts communities directly, especially with art or music.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: I aspire to make meaningful connections with those I’m fortunate to work with. I ensure clients feel understood throughout the design process and deliver what has been requested. The goal is always to exceed expectations and create designs that leave lasting impressions.

ALSO: I’m Christian, so giving back and extending love to others has become second nature and necessary for my peace. I aspire to be the sort of person my cat (and the rest of my family) can be proud of, so I do everything with intention. I like to stay busy, so I regularly volunteer at a few nonprofits and work on creative projects in my spare time.

Taylor Donald - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

MAKENZIE MILEY

Senior Marketing Strategist

THINKS: “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.”  – Princess Diana

BACKGROUND:Born and raised in Madison, MS, I graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor’s in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Business Administration. I have spent the past few years in the agency world, which I believe is the sweet spot of marketing. I love crafting campaign strategies, data collecting/ROI, and staying up to date on the everchanging marketing world. In my free time, you’ll likely find me cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels, trying to keep up with my Great Danes, Molli & Maggie, running my flower business, Making Miley, or jetting off on a new weekend adventure with my husband.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: Who, Why, What, and How are the most important questions you can ask in marketing. How can one truly market someone and their company without knowing their passions, driving force, and motivations?

ALSO: I spent every college summer abroad in some capacity and fully believe it’s never too late to book a plane ticket & plan a trip!

JULIA BRYANT - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

SARA SULLIVAN

Senior Marketing Manager

THINKS: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton

BACKGROUND: I graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a BA in Communications and a MA in English. My career in marketing began in commercial radio, where, for over a decade, I was an on-air DJ, voice artist, copywriter, and producer. I have since worked in various industries including higher education, hospitality, and most recently, non-profit victim services. I am an instinctively creative person and spend most of my free time making art and music. On weekends, you will likely find me at an estate sale or at the park with my husband and our fur-babies.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: My goal is to become an extension of our client’s vision for their business. I love helping clients utilize Social Media platforms to accomplish their business goals in a way that is intentional and authentic.

ALSO: I have a not-so-secret personal goal of becoming a backup singer for Trisha Yearwood. If you know someone, hit me up!

CRAIG EVERSOLE, SR - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

ERIK WILLINGHAM

Graphic Designer / Client Service Specialist

THINKS: In a world where I feel so small, I can’t stop thinking big.”

BACKGROUND: My journey in media began as a production artist and writer/reporter for a small-town newspaper, for which I had also worked as paperboy when I was a kid. I would go on to earn my BA in Journalism with a minor in Graphic Design/Desktop Publishing before building a career through several publishers, radio stations and creative agencies, and eventually making the leap into digital media and video production. This tapestry of experience has graced me with an expansive skillset that I can employ to meet the varying needs of the businesses we serve.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: I have always strived to step up to any challenge presented to me, whether it’s working tirelessly on a project until it meets a client’s specific vision, or refining and expanding my own skills in order to help others to achieve something beyond their expectations.

ALSO: One of my many passions is flying unmanned aerial vehicles: I have been an FAA-licensed commercial drone operator since 2019. I also enjoy quality time with my beautiful wife, my three amazing children, and a small menagerie of pets.

JULIA BRYANT - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

NICK WILSON

Marketing Coordinator

THINKS: “When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

BACKGROUND: I grew up in Taylorsville, MS, and I’ve lived in Mississippi my whole life. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021, I moved to Jackson to begin my marketing career at The Hightower Advertising Agency. I then began working at Agora Eversole in March, 2023.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: I believe that communication is the key to executing goals and building stronger bonds with our clients. Everything begins with an idea, and discussing ideas with clients until they become real is especially rewarding.

ALSO: I pride myself on being a jack of all trades. I really enjoy learning new skills just to prove to myself that I can do them, which means I cycle through new hobbies all the time. Although I’m usually playing music or painting in my free time, I’ve recently begun dabbling in juggling, rock climbing, and bread baking.

CRAIG EVERSOLE, SR - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

PENELOPE PENDLETON

Office Manager

THINKS: The more we seek to show grace to our neighbor, the more grace seeks to find us. 

BACKGROUND: For as long as I can remember, I have always appreciated small businesses. Due to my interests, I graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2017 with a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. I continued my education at Mississippi College and completed my Master of Business Administration shortly after.

One fun fact about me is that I am a turtle mom. I have two pet turtles with more personality than some people! They are both nearly 20 years old.ole.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: Excellence truly is a habit! We strive daily for a spirit of excellence here in our business, and we fashion our services to ensure that your business exudes that same excellence.

ALSO: I have played the clarinet for nearly 17 years, and it is an ultimate dream of mine to play “Maid With The Flaxen Hair” by Richard Stoltzman accompanied by an amazing string orchestra.

JULIA BRYANT - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

JILL WILLIAMS

Bank Monitor / Social Media Compliance Specialist

THINKS: Every morning, I wake up grateful for the gift of a new day.  While God doesn’t promise us tomorrow, He has blessed me with this one.

BACKGROUND: I am a southern girl from Louisiana. I started my career in banking in 1995 in Human Resources but followed my heart to the excitement of Retail Banking and Marketing. With the introduction of social media, my passion grew, and I became laser-focused on the compliance aspect of this new and exciting way to promote my bank. With no vendor solutions to the monstrous task of complying with the FFIEC Social Media Risk Management Guidelines, I dedicated myself to developing a solution to accomplish this task. Bank Monitor was born the only solution in its class. My commitment to the industry led me to transition from full-time banking to focus on providing white-glove service to help other banks navigate the stringent FFIEC guidelines.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: Because of the immense pressure and time constraints that social media compliance places on banks, my mission is to alleviate these burdens and empower our clients to focus on what matters most: building relationships and achieving their marketing goals.

ALSO: I’m blissfully married to the man of my dreams, and together, we’ve been blessed with four incredible children who are all now adults. Being outside truly refreshes my soul. If I can’t go outside to put my feet in the grass (or dirt) or enjoy the sunshine or rain for more than a day or so, I get pretty grumpy! 

CRAIG EVERSOLE, SR - Marketing Agency Jackson MS

CRAIG EVERSOLE, SR

Chairman Emeritus

THINKS: In all aspects of life, glorifying God is why we’re here. Do we always succeed? No…but let’s keep trying.

BACKGROUND: A native of Louisville, Kentucky, I have resided in Mississippi since 1979. I worked for a local agency for 11 years developing a program for community banks and, in 2000, founded The Eversole Group.  I have taught at the Graduate School of Banking, conducted at LSU as well as marketing courses for the CBA of Georgia, held at Kennesaw State University. In addition, I have taught numerous seminars for the CBA of Georgia and the Alabama Bankers Association.  Over the last 20 years, we have worked with more than 100 independent banks across the nation, now greatly enhancing our capabilities to provide comprehensive marketing solutions through our merger with Agora Company, now forming AgoraEversole.

FOR OUR CLIENTS: Results. There is great satisfaction in knowing our work and our understanding of community banking produces results. I also enjoy winding up a work day knowing we have given every client our very best effort, provided exceptional value and enhanced our working relationship with them. I always appreciate hearing from those clients that I understand their goals.

ALSO: There’s a lot of joy in watching grandchildren grow, and to enjoying a great fall Saturday at Ole Miss watching the Rebels play. Faith. Family. Football.

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