A Women’s History Month salute to HOPE’s Pearl Wicks

JANS – Pearl Wicks received special recognition at HOPE’s annual membership meeting Saturday, March 21, 2026. With visible tears, CEO Bill Bynum presented his trusted teammate with a signature watch and model 18-wheeler truck in honor of her father’s profession because she credits him for instilling in her a love of community. 

The recent retiree, whose actual maiden name is Credit, served in numerous positions at the financial institution over a stellar 19-year career, ending as Executive Vice President, Chief Retail Officer. In 2025, she was inducted into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame.

Wicks was responsible for all HOPE consumer and mortgage financing and program activities. Prior to joining HOPE in 2007, she worked as a Retail Area Sales Manager for Regions Bank covering the Central Mississippi area and as a Deposit Operations Specialist with First Tennessee Bank in Morristown, TN. Wicks has worked in the financial services and community development industry for 30 years. She joined HOPE and helped to establish operations on the Gulf Coast after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. 

Through this work, HOPE provided financial counseling and recovery planning to 10,000 Mississippi residents. She played a key role in the continued expansion of the credit union, which advances the priorities of serving vulnerable communities in the Deep South States of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia. 

A graduate of Jackson State University and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Wicks has served as a Board Member for Parents for Public Schools and Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.