Jackson Free Press

Debra McGee, senior vice president and director of minority business development at BankPlus, recently received the Small Business Association's Financial Services award as part of the 2013 Small Business Week. McGee has had a career in banking for more than 30 years, 13 of which have been at BankPlus.

At BankPlus, McGee is responsible for developing and implementing programs, products and initiatives geared toward minority businesses in all the communities BankPlus services. She has held the senior VP position for 10 years, and her favorite part of her job is being able help communities and the people in them.

"I enjoy working with people," McGee said. "I enjoyed my time working in lending and how my customers felt when I was able to help them finance a home or a business. Fulfilling a person's dream and knowing I was a part of that has always been great."

McGee, 52, was born in Hattiesburg. She attended Petal High School in Hattiesburg and went on to attend college at the William Carey University School of Business, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. She also holds certificates of banking from the American Institute of Banking and the University of Mississippi School of Banking. McGee is a graduate of Leadership Hattiesburg and Leadership Jackson programs.

Working with Nissan North America to implement services and products for BankPlus, McGee has served as a Nissan project manager. She also serves as a board member for a variety of organizations, including Dress for Success Metro Jackson, Jackson State University Development Foundation Board, Leadership Jackson, Mississippi Food Network and the Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

In 2004, McGee was one of the top 50 leading businesswomen in the state. She served as president of the West Jackson Rotary Club in 2007, an organization she helped found.

"I'm excited and honored to receive this award," McGee said. "I really didn't feel like I was worthy of the award, but I believe in giving back to the community and serving others, and it's nice to be recognized for that. Without the support of BankPlus, there's no way I would be able to accept the award. They helped me to help people and start projects. That speaks volumes on what BankPlus believes in. I want to thank Bankplus for the support and community; the SBA for the award; and the Minority Business Association, who nominated me for the award."

McGee is married to Vincent McGee, owner and operator of S&T Heating and Cooling. They have five children: Tanesha, Justin, Shanta, Taylor and Tosh.