Lee Moss, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Ben Weatherford, President, of MIDSOUTH BANK (In Organization), Murfreesboro, have announced that Matt B. Murfree III has been named to the board of directors of the bank.

       Murfree is a senior partner of Murfree, Cope, Hudson & Scarlett, attorneys at law. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree and Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Vanderbilt University.

       He has formerly served as acting County Executive for Rutherford County; Chairman of the Rutherford County Commission; and for many years, was a County Commissioner. Murfree has served as a hearing examiner for the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility for the Tennessee legal profession. He has served as President of Rutherford County Bar Association and on the National Alumni Board of Vanderbilt Law School.

       While serving in many legal capacities, Murfree has found time to devote to his community. Currently he serves on the Board of The Christy-Houston Foundation, Inc. and was formerly Chairman of its Board. He presently is on the Board of Directors of Middle Tennessee Medical Center where he serves as secretary of the Board and as a member of its Executive Committee. He serves as a member of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Council.

       Murfree is a past President of Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce; past Vice-Chairman of Main Street Urban Development; and has served on the boards of UGF, American Cancer Society; Girl Scouts of America; Rutherford County 20/20; and The Webb School.

       While serving as Chairman of the Rutherford County Commission, Murfree was a representative for the county on the negotiating team which resulted in the location of Nissan Motor Manufacturing in Smyrna, Tennessee. As a Commissioner, he served as Chairman of the Health, Education and Welfare Committee and was instrumental in the establishment of the Rutherford County Ambulance Service.

       He and wife, the former Katherine Davis, attend St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. They have two sons, Bricke, a third year law student at Vanderbilt University; and Davis, who recently graduated from Vanderbilt University, now living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

       "I have known Matt for many years, having served with him on another bank board, and feel that his professional expertise will be a genuine asset," stated Lee Moss, Chairman & CEO. "He is a life-long resident of Rutherford County and has served his community in many capacities through the years," he continued. "We are very fortunate to have someone of Matt’s leadership qualities and interest in our community as a member of our board."

       In early January, 2003, Jack Weatherford, Senior Chairman; Lee Moss, Chairman and CEO; and Ben Weatherford, President, of MIDSOUTH BANK (In Organization) announced their intention of founding the new Bank. It will be headquartered in Murfreesboro and will likely be capitalized with at least $20 million raised by organizers from residents in Middle Tennessee. The initial plans for the new Bank include offices in Murfreesboro and in the Smyrna/LaVergne area, but site locations have yet to be announced. The organization has an office to handle inquiries about the bank at 1138 Dow Street in Murfreesboro and can be reached at 494-4949. Stock subscriptions are currently being accepted at that location. Additional information may be accessed from the bank’s website at www.midsouthbanking.com.

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