Ms. Cassie Hicks is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi with a Master's of Science in Economic Development and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. She completed several continuing education courses in banking offered by the Mississippi Bankers Association and she graduated from the Tennessee School of Banking at Vanderbilt University. She gained experience and knowledge that allowed her to be successful in management positions at local banks.    

Ms. Hicks was employed by the University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) UCEED in February 2001 to work with the Home of Your Own program. In her current role as Director of Housing she supervises housing staff to administer several federal, state and locally funded programs to assist persons in Mississippi communities obtain affordable housing, with a special emphasis on families with special needs that's seeking community inclusion advocacy.

She works with non-profit agencies, disability organizations, local lenders and realtors, state and federal entities, and for profit groups in the housing industry. Ms. Hicks currently serves on HUD's Housing Counseling Federal Advisory Committee, Bancorpsouth Bank's Corporate Community Advisory Council, Mississippi Home Corporation's state Advisory Team and served on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Advisory Council for six years. She has several industry certifications under Neighborworks of America and the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling (NCHEC).