What is Leadership Mississippi?
Statewide leadership development since 1974
Leadership Mississippi is an annual leadership development experience that brings together a cohort of professionals from across the state. A program of the Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation and presented by Community Bank, participants engage in a series of sessions that blend individual study, group learning, and project work that applies leadership skills to Mississippi's most important issues.
Established in 1974, Leadership Mississippi is the second oldest statewide leadership program in the nation and has graduated more than 1,400 alumni who are active in Mississippi business, government, and community leadership. The program is supported by endowment funds provided by the late J.C. and Annie Redd.
Mission
Building a network committed to Mississippi's quality of life
The program's mission is to develop and sustain a statewide network of leaders dedicated to strengthening Mississippi's quality of life.
- Identify Mississippians with demonstrated leadership potential.
- Sharpen leadership skills through practical, issue-based learning.
- Motivate participants by increasing awareness of community and state challenges.
- Connect leaders across regions and sectors to collaborate on solutions.
Who Should Apply
Leaders and emerging leaders across Mississippi
Ideal candidates include corporate-level leaders, executives, emerging leaders, community leaders, and professionals who are new to Mississippi and want to understand the issues shaping our state. If you've completed a local leadership program, Leadership Mississippi expands that perspective to the statewide level.
Selection Overview
Competitive admission based on demonstrated engagement
Admission is competitive and based on a comprehensive review of each application, with emphasis on community involvement and interest in continued service to Mississippi. Preference is generally given to candidates who demonstrate:
- Reliability and sustained follow-through.
- Career progression toward leadership or management.
- Significant achievement in career or community service.
- Position, scope of responsibility, or influence within an organization.
- Experience indicating engagement in business, community, civic, or governmental service.
Additional consideration may be given to senior-level leaders and graduates of local leadership programs.
Class Composition
Diverse perspectives from across the state
Each cohort aims to reflect Mississippi's diversity - including geography, profession, background, ethnicity, age, and gender - to enrich learning and build a broad, collaborative network of leaders.
Application dates and tuition will be announced on the MSBA site.
2026 Schedule
Session dates and locations
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.
- 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)
Read the full announcement and participant list in the Newsroom.
