The board of managers will set the vision and direction for DE Fastlink, LLC and create further separation from Dixie Electric, meeting the Mississippi’s Broadband Enabling Act requirements.
Robert Smith – Chairman
Robert Smith of the Shelton Community in Jones County has served on the board of directors for Dixie Electric for more than 13 years and is currently the president. He represents District 3 for Jones, Covington and Forrest counties. He is married to Vicki Smith; they have three children and 11 grandchildren. Robert is retired from the Jones County Board of Supervisors.
Allen Sledge – Vice Chairman
Allen Sledge brought years of utility experience to Dixie Electric’s board of directors, having worked for Bellsouth, now AT&T, for most of his career. Allen has served on Dixie Electric’s board since 2009. He has been married to Patsy Baylis for more than 55 years, and they have three children and seven grandchildren. He is a member of Petal Harvey Baptist Church and volunteers weekly with the Petal Children’s Task Force.
Faye Bonner – Secretary
Faye Bonner lives in the Whistler Community in Wayne County. Faye joined the board in 2015 and represents District 6, serving Clarke and Wayne counties. Faye is employed at the accounting firm of Bonner and Associates. She is married to Redell Bonner, and they have one child and three grandchildren. She is an active member of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro.
Trey Bryant
Trey Bryant lives in east Jones County. He is employed with BancorpSouth Bank as a First Vice President and has worked with the bank for more than 15 years. Trey is married to Cory Mansell Bryant, and they have two daughters. The family attends Journey Church. Trey is an active member of the Rotary Club of Laurel.
Jennifer Lowery
Serving as the supervising principal of Northeast Jones High School, Jennifer Lowery, Ph.D., is an educator with 25 years of experience. She and her husband, David Lowery, Ph.D., have two sons and are from the Glade Community. The family attends Mt. Vernon Methodist Church. Jennifer enjoys traveling in her spare time.
Alicia Walker
Alicia Walker has worked with Sanderson Farms for more than 15 years and currently serves as a quality control auditor. She is a Jones County Chamber of Commerce board member, volunteers with the Salvation Army, and is an active member of the Laurel Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Alicia is the wife of Jimmy Walker, they have two daughters. They are members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Mark Waller
Mark Waller is the senior vice president of commercial and corporate lending with First State Bank of Waynesboro. He is married to Tara and has three children. He is an active member of First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. Mark is active on several boards, including the United Way of the Pine Belt Region, Waynesboro Lions Club, Cattlemen’s Association, Wayne County Crimestoppers and the Southeast Central University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association.