The Gazebo Gazette

GULFPORT (GG) — The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has announced the 35th class of local business and community leaders selected to participate in its Leadership Gulf Coast program.

“Leadership Gulf Coast is one of the most impactful ways we invest in the future of our region. By bringing together emerging and established leaders from across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the program creates meaningful connections, provides a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our communities, and equips participants to become more engaged leaders.” said Dr. Ben Weldon, Chief Executive Office of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce.  “At the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, we are proud to host a program that not only develops individuals but strengthens the network of leaders who will help shape the Coast for years to come.”

Selected for the 2026-2027 Leadership Gulf Coast Class are:

  • Kari Bailen – EGH Architect, PA
  • Mandy Beard – Barnes, Bailey, Janoush & Dick PA
  • Chassity Bilbo – City of Gautier
  • Aaron Broussard – Coca-Cola Bottling Co. United, Inc
  • Jessica Bush – The Peoples Bank
  • Joseph Cook – The Peoples Bank
  • Michelle Eubank – WXXV
  • Amanda Fenger – Rain Residential/Rain Travel Collection
  • Brent French – Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, Inc.
  • Jennifer Glenn – Renasant Bank
  • Kimberly  Jones – Gulf Coast Community Foundation
  • Etta McCray – Navigator Federal Credit Union
  • Shantel McKay – Biloxi Housing Authority
  • Emma Miller – MS Gulf Coast Community College
  • John O’Neal – OakTrust Insurance Group
  • Anna Claire Perronne – Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce
  • Lauren Ray – Hancock Whitney Bank
  • Mandalyn Ros – Singing River Health System
  • Cory Rouse – Roy Anderson Corp
  • Amy Rowell – Ingalls Shipbuilding
  • Rachel Ryan – Catholic Diocese of Biloxi
  • Pam Sanders – Bacchus Wine & Liquor
  • Chris Sexton – Harrison County Sheriff’s Office
  • Molly Shea – Coast Transit Authority
  • Jeff Shepard – Mississippi Power
  • Kerry Stoddard – The Prime Time Agency
  • Kimberly Stringer – IDR Agency
  • Andrea Thames – Little Blessings Learning Center
  • Andy Westfall – ECORESTORE, LLC
  • Amand Williams – The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Taylor Wilson – Hancock Whitney Bank

Leadership Gulf Coast, a division of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc., is a program designed to prepare the area’s current and potential leaders for the future.  The program’s goal is to understand real problems and opportunities in the local community, and to create a communication network between present and emerging leaders dedicated to the improvement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

More than 1,000 leaders have graduated from the program since its inception in 1990.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.’s mission is to CONNECT, INFORM, ADVOCATE and DEVELOP. The mission is accomplished through a partnership with the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Pass Christian Chamber of Commerce. Additional divisions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc., include Coast Young Professionals, Leadership Gulf Coast, Coast Centurion Association, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

(Photo submitted by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.)