Leadership Mississippi, a program of the Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation and presented by Community Bank, is pleased to introduce its 2026 class, a diverse group of leaders representing business, government, healthcare, education, and civic organizations across the state.
"Strong leadership drives strong communities and a strong economy," said MSBA President & CEO John McKay. "The 2026 Leadership Mississippi class embodies the caliber of leadership that makes our state competitive on a regional, national, and international stage."
The 2026 class will participate in a year-long immersive experience designed to deepen understanding of Mississippi's economic drivers, public policy landscape, cultural assets, and regional opportunities. Through site visits, issue briefings, and dialogue with thought leaders, participants gain firsthand exposure to the challenges and innovations shaping Mississippi's future.
"As a graduate of Leadership Mississippi, I've seen firsthand the lasting impact this program has on those who participate," said Community Bank President & CEO Justin Martin. "Community Bank is proud to support Leadership Mississippi and invest in the next generation of leaders who will shape our state's future."
With more than 1,400 alumni serving across Mississippi, MSBA Foundation President and MSBA Executive Vice President Scott Waller emphasized the program's lasting impact statewide.
"Leadership Mississippi continues to bring together leaders who are deeply committed to the future of our state," he said. "The 2026 class reflects the talent, diversity, and innovation that define Mississippi."
Leadership Mississippi 2026 Class Participants
- Kelly Ahern — Fisher Phillips, LLP
- William Barton — National Guard Association of Mississippi
- Nicholas Bosco — Cadence Bank
- Brandon Boyd — Mississippi Export Railroad
- Gus Brand – Community Bank
- Fatina Brave — Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Candace Coleman — Entergy Mississippi
- Jermaine Cooley — Ergon
- Jordan Coopwood — Ten One Strategies
- Brandi Donohoe — William Carey University
- Matthew Fall — Mississippi Power Company
- Brian Ferguson — Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
- Daniela Griffin — Get2College of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation
- James Hazard — BankFirst
- Kiyo Holmes — Delta Health System
- Ralph Jackson — BankPlus
- Nicole Johns — AGJ Systems & Networks, Inc.
- Ashley Jones – Independent Contractor
- Christopher Jurney — MS National Guard
- Jordan Kiker — Continental Tire the Americas LLC
- Debbie King — Southaven Chamber of Commerce
- Jay Lindsey — HII Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Kyle McCoy — BankFirst Financial Services
- Wade Meena — C Spire
- Elisha Morris — Hol-Mac Corporation
- Camp Murphy — Capitol Resources, LLC
- Kollin Napier — Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
- Shamena Newell — 1st MS Federal Credit Union
- Betsy Nicholson — American Red Cross
- Shamira Parker — Magnolia Health Plan
- Bronwyn Robertson — Mississippi Community College Board
- Tonyalle Rush — Northwest Mississippi Community College
- Paul Rushing — Atmos Energy
- Melissa Schnoor — Singing River Health System
- Ashley Sheils — Children's Foundation of Mississippi
- Christen Sibley — Newton County School District
- Mary Smith — Mississippi State University
- Timothy Sterling — MS Plans, LLC
- Bo Summerford — RW Reed Company, Inc.
- Whitley Thomas — WT Consultants
- Bradley Vance — Cooperative Energy
- Jeannie Waller Zieren — Mississippi Main Street Association
- Clarence Webster — Jones Walker LLP
- Kewanza Williams — Teach For America
- Jennifer Wittmann — Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
- Kelly Wright — Cornerstone Government Affairs
The 2026 program schedule includes
- Orientation — Jackson, MS: April 15–17, 2026
- Virtual Session: May 19, 2026
- Oxford, MS: July 23–24, 2026
- Virtual Session: August 19, 2026
- Pine Belt: October 1–2, 2026
- Graduation — Mississippi Gulf Coast: November 30 – December 2, 2026
Founded in 1974, Leadership Mississippi is the second oldest statewide leadership program in the nation, and it equips participants with the insight, relationships, and shared experiences needed to lead effectively and collaboratively in Mississippi. With more than 1,400 alumni serving in Mississippi business, government, education, healthcare, and civic leadership, the program remains a cornerstone of leadership development in the state.