JACKSON, Miss. – HOPE CU has announced a series of new leadership hires and promotions.
Chloe Dotson, Executive Vice President - Chief Program & Strategy Officer
Chloe Dotson, formerly the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Jackson, has over 12 years of experience in urban and regional planning and development both domestically and internationally. With a strong foundation in high-level management, financing, and planning methodologies, she passionately collaborates with communities, governmental entities, and both public and private sectors. Her work focuses on uniting and strengthening these groups through holistic and data-driven strategies aimed at physical, social/cultural, economic, environmental, and institutional improvements. As an urban planner, real estate developer, critical thinker, and a vocal advocate for social and environmental causes, Chloe is committed to making meaningful contributions to the field.
Patrick Michaelson, Senior Vice President - Mortgage Business Development
As Sales Manager, he will manage all sales activities and personnel for HOPE’s Mortgage Sales Division. Michaelson has spent 20 years in mortgage sales and sales management. He was most recently the Vice President and Regional Sales Manager for the South-Central Region of Highland Residential Mortgage. Prior to Highland, he served in a similar capacity for Bank of England and Prime Lending. He has managed our core southern states with each of these firms, so he has an intimate knowledge of HOPE’s lending footprint. He also opened Countrywide's first branch in Jackson, MS, and spent several years with Wells Fargo. Patrick is a graduate of Mississippi State and resides in St. Francisville, LA.
Pam Rideout, Vice President - Human Resources
Pamela Rideout, JD, MA, serves as the Vice President of Human Assets at Hope, overseeing talent acquisition, payroll, HR technology, and associate relations. With a rich background as the former Chief People Officer at Meda, Minneapolis, MN, she has significantly impacted HR's role and culture, aligning it with business objectives and employee needs. Her tenure at Meda was marked by innovative lending initiatives and a drive towards diversity and expertise in the workforce. A seasoned professional with 25 years in executive management and HR across various industries, Rideout holds a J.D. with a focus on Employment and Labor Law, and a M.A. in Human Resource Development. She is an expert in DE&I, labor compliance, and organizational development, contributing significantly to MBA programs and serving on numerous business and community boards.
Brent Sute, Vice President - Mortgage Product Manager
Brent is a 30-year veteran of the Mortgage and Banking industry. He has originated over 1,000 home loans, many for first-time buyers or others needing affordable lending products. Brent has held several positions in mortgage and banking, including Senior Mortgage Originator, Market Sales Leader, Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, and Vice President of Retail Banking. Brent has published two books on affordable lending, including “Finding Your Way Home: A Story of Homeownership” (Lulu Publishing, 2010) and “The Affordable Housing Revolution: Mortgage Planning for a New Era of Homeownership.” (Lulu Publishing, 2024). Brent has conducted dozens of homebuyer workshops and has been the featured speaker and panelist in numerous mortgage industry events.
Javonna Brock, Vice President - Branch Manager
Javonna Brock is HOPE’s Vice President-Branch Manager of the New Orleans market. In this role, she is responsible for managing the operations of our HOPE branch locations and for local marketing and outreach efforts. Brock joined HOPE in December 2021 as a Branch Manager. In her 24-year banking career, she’s held various roles, including teller, multi-service banker, and various management roles. She’s received Management Excellence Awards and HOPE's 2023 Impact Award. Brock is a 2004 graduate of Delgado Community College and holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and a 2007 graduate of the University of Phoenix La-Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Jon Dietrick, Vice President - Controller
Jon Dietrick has been promoted to Vice President Controller at Hope, a culmination of nine dedicated years with the company. Achieving his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License in March 2015 was a pivotal moment in Jon's career, reflecting his commitment to excellence and professional growth.
Gehnee Hankins, Vice President - Controller
Gehnee Hankins is Vice President, Controller of Fiscal. In this role, Gehnee is responsible for the supervision and control of the general accounting area, the design of internal control systems, and financial statements and reporting. This includes the general ledger, payables, payroll, property, and budget reporting. Gehnee joined Hope in February 2004 as a Systems Accountant. She was then promoted to Staff Accountant in 2007, Assistant Controller in 2017, and VP Controller in 2024.
Vickie Jones, Vice President - Senior Credit Officer
Vickie is Vice President, Senior Credit Officer in the Commercial Lending Department at HOPE. Previously, she was a commercial underwriter. In addition to HOPE, Vickie has worked as a commercial underwriter/credit analyst at two other financial institutions. Vickie earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Commercial Banking, a Master of Business Administration from The University of Louisiana at Monroe, and an Accounting Certificate from Mississippi College.
James Freeman, Vice President - Collections
James (Jef) Freeman started working at Hope in June 2014, following a five-year tenure at Trustmark Bank in the Special Assets Department as a Collection & Foreclosure Manager. He attended Hinds Jr College in Raymond, Mississippi, where he received a scholarship for football and baseball. Freeman later transferred to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in May 1980.