Jim Ridling was born, raised, and educated in Arkansas. He has a long and distinguished history of leadership in the insurance and banking fields. He is past president and CEO of Southern Guaranty, and is one of the founders of River Bank & Trust, where he currently serves as Vice-Chairman on the Board of Directors. He is active in many charitable and non-profit institutions. He was Chairman of the 2004 River Region United Way campaign. He is currently Chairman of the Board at Jackson Hospital and Clinic, as well as Chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce's Military Council. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, and is on the Executive Committee of the Montgomery Air Force Association. He is also a member of the Montgomery Area Committee of 100.