KATHY C. ATKINS graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1981 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. After graduation, she worked in New Orleans with a regional accounting firm, before moving back home to Clarksdale. She has worked for Barnes Pettey Financial Advisors since 1987.

Kathy is married to Randy, who owns and manages Atkins Office Supply. They have two sons, three daughters, and a growing group of grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, walking and hiking with her husband, reading, traveling, and working in her yard.