Rankin418-web

Hometown Rankin
READER
SPOTLIGHT
Alana
MILES
How long have you worked in
Rankin County?
I’ve had the privilege and joy of working at
Rivertrust Federal Credit Union in Pearl for
eight years as the marketing director. It’s a
great company to work for, in a great location,
providing great products and services to our
members and community.
Tell us about your family.
Three years ago, I married the love of my life,
Robert Miles. We met at Hinds Community
College (Rankin Campus) while we were both
students there and dated all the way through
college. We have a tiny toy poodle named Prissy,
several bonus pets that visit us from time to time,
and a bunch of cows.
What is your favorite memory of
living in Rankin County?
My favorite memory of living in Rankin County
would have to be the tremendous honor of being
crowned Miss Rankin County 2004 and then
going on to represent my home at the Miss
Mississippi Pageant.
Where are your three favorite places
to eat in Rankin County?
There are so many wonderful places to eat in
Rankin County. But if I had to just choose three,
I’d say (in no particular order) Yoko Japanese
Steak House, Fernando’s Mexican Grill, and
Jerry’s Fish House.
What are some fun things to do in
Rankin County on the weekends?
From going to see one of the productions at
Black Rose Theatre or listening to a concert at
City Hall Live, to running one of the many 5K
road races or enjoying a cup of coffee with a
friend at Cups Espresso Cafe, there’s always
something fun going on in Rankin County!
Share some things you enjoy doing
in your spare time.
I love to travel – I always say I wish I had
unlimited vacation time and money so that
I could travel all the time. I also love to paint and
run – both are great therapy. And I very much
enjoy spending time with my husband – he
makes everything fun!
Who is someone you admire and why?
My mentor and a Rankin County resident, Mary
Libby Payne, has been such an inspiration to me.
She was assigned to me as my mentor while I was
in school at Mississippi University for Women.
She’s a judge, author, speaker, and her strong
Christian faith is evident in all that she does. It is
an honor to know her and call her my friend.
What is your favorite childhood
memory?
When I was a senior in high school in Denver,
Colorado, my dad and I had a daddy/daughter
date. First, we pigged out at Tony Roma’s and
then we went to see “Ever After”. It was such a
special and fun night and I’ll always cherish that
time with my precious father.
If you could give us one encouraging
quote, what would it be?
My favorite quote is also my favorite scripture
because it serves as a reminder that it’s important
to keep everything in perspective –
“I consider that our present sufferings are not
worth comparing with the glory that will be
revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
What is your favorite thing about
Hometown Magazines?
The magazines are the perfect complement to the
areas that they feature. They do an awesome job
of showcasing the fun events and the interesting
people in the communities. They’re top notch in
quality and content and they’re fun to read! n
Hometown Rankin • 117