2020 Leadership Gulf Coast graduates reflect on time in program
Leadership Gulf Coast has graduated its latest class, the class of 2020.
Leadership Gulf Coast (LGC) is a program geared to teach present and emerging leaders an understanding of real problems and opportunities in South Mississippi and to create a communication network dedicated to the improvement of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
It is a nine-month program where a variety of topics will be discussed in seven one-day monthly sessions, concluding with a one-day retreat. The one-day sessions include Military, Government, Human Needs & Health Services, Economic Structure of the Coast, Culture & Heritage, Education and Quality of Life.
One of the most important goals of Leadership Gulf Coast is creating a continuing flow of strong, community-committed alumni.
Here are the reflections of the graduates:
Roy Anderson, IV, AnderCorp
Leadership Gulf Coast has opened my eyes to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I was born & raised in Gulfport, MS, and have never fully been exposed to what drives our local community until participating in this program. I have learned there are several volunteer programs that directly involve you in community efforts that I was unaware of prior to joining the leadership program. My wife was so inspired by the information I learned during my CASA visit that she immediately signed up to be a CASA volunteer. The newfound knowledge you will learn about the MS Gulf Coast and the relationships you develop with your classmates are extremely awarding.
Michael Ashworth, Chemours
As a recent transplant to the Mississippi Gulf Coast it was obvious that it was a place full of local charm. I can remember my first drive along Highway 90 and how beautiful the beach was not to mention how gorgeous the homes were. Of course, that was just the beginning. As I settled into my role at Chemours and started to interact with the 500 plus employees at the site, I realized there was a lot more to life on the Gulf Coast. It did not take long to realize that our employees were committed to the long-term success of the community. As I started thinking on ways to improve our relationship, I found that most of my ideas had already been executed and were in place. Some of my coworkers suggested Leadership Gulf Coast as a way to get me engaged and off to a quick start in connecting with the Gulf Coast. It really was an eye-opening experience at our opening retreat. I got a chance to participate firsthand with community leaders on how we could tackle some of the problems that every community faces. The most obvious fact was that a single individual can’t get much done. It really took the efforts of a diverse team to make things happen. As my LGC Class started getting out on our “field trips”, it even became more obvious. Every trip was a dynamic new experience and just continued to reinforce how important it was for all of us to work together. We saw examples of large industries, small businesses, non-profits, military, local government, law enforcement, and educational teams all working together to make the Mississippi Gulf Coast a great place to live. Then in mid-March everything seemed to change, as our community did pull to stop a potential outbreak of COVID-19. All of the work we did in a group suddenly became impossible to do face to face. Everyone on the coast was impacted with this and it really change the focus of our day to day activities. As I look at it today, I can feel things moving closer to normal, and that is bringing a great deal of hope with it. I really am looking for this event to get us to look at how we work and interact with each other to help us improve productivity and strengthen the local economy. In the short term it’s going to create some struggles, but in the long run our strong leadership team will be given a chance to make some significant changes that can help us in the future. As a I look forward, I can truly say that my expectations of the LGC Class of 2020 are going to be that we will use our newly created network of leaders to take advantage of this time of change to show why our Gulf Coast is so special, and give us a chance to grow and be successful for many years to come.
Becky Bennett, AGJ Systems & Networks
I had heard from LGC alumni that participating in Leadership Gulf Coast would be a great experience… and it’s true! I never thought I would ask as many questions and learn as much as I was able to learn over several months. The Leadership Gulf Coast classroom is real life experience. We make our own memories and gain insight from the perspectives of others. I am still so thankful that I was selected, and I want to thank all the LGC Board members and Chamber staff for the incredible amount of work they contributed to develop us – the class of 2020! LGC empowered me to make a difference in a meaningful way for Coastal Mississippi.
Hope Blankenship, To the Rescue Bookkeeping
Wow! What an experience Leadership Gulf Coast has been! From the opening retreat, to the leadership days each month, there was so much I learned about our Coast and the businesses around us. I cannot express how awesome this experience was! I made great business relationships. In addition to business relationships I have gained friendships as we all got to know each other throughout the year. I have gained some lifelong friendships through this class. I feel so much more equipped to help my clients and my fellow coast citizens after learning all the different businesses, non-profits and state agencies here on the coast. What a blessing it is to live here and what a blessing it is to have the Chamber and all those involved in making this program a success. Thank you for all you guys do to make this program a success!
Fatina Brave, Ingalls Shipbuilding
It didn’t end like we’d planned, but this was a great class. The friendships that were formed will last a lifetime and I will be forever grateful to the LGC Class of 2020.
Paige Bromen, Pass Christian Public School District
Leadership Gulf Coast enabled me to understand the history of the coast to better serve the coast and our state in the future. The experience has been tremendously rewarding and I have made both personal and professional connections that will last for years to come. The program opened my eyes to the strengths and the challenges the coast faces in the coming years.
Derek Bullock, Harrison County Utility Authority
The Leadership Gulf Coast program has developed some of the finest local leaders the coast has to offer. I am proud to be a part of the 30th annual class and will value the connections made through this process. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has more to offer than most of us realize, even as a lifelong resident. This class enables future leaders to broaden their knowledge of what drives the coast historically, economically, and legislatively.
Rachael Butler, Coastal Family Health Center, Inc.
Leadership Gulf Coast has afforded me the opportunity to experience the Gulf Coast in ways that have truly been impactful and has expanded my knowledge of what makes the coast so unique. I have gained experiences that range from learning about the influences that make up the culture of the coast to the economic diversity from which it thrives. LGC demonstrates the proven resiliency of the coast and community and highlights the vast resources that it has to offer. To be a part of a class of such engaged, successful, and rising leaders was truly a blessing. My participation has certainly been valuable and I am thankful to have been chosen to represent my company.
Jordan Church, Piltz, Williams, LaRosa & Co.
Leadership Gulf Coast is an amazing program that provides participants with the opportunity to obtain and utilize the skills needed to become future leaders and assist in the growth of our great Mississippi Gulf Coast. As a participant in the program, not only are you taught the techniques to be a great leader, but you build connections with your classmates that will be with you for the duration of your life. Leadership Gulf Coast has and will continue to help me grow as a professional and allow me to help those around me grow professionally and as stewards of the Gulf Coast.
Antje Desilets, IP Casino Resort Spa
Being part of Leadership Gulf Coast has broadened my horizon of the great potential this region has to offer. As an individual who moved here from another country a few years ago and had limited connections, through this program I have found new friends, formed new valuable and professional relationships, and it brought the Mississippi Gulf Coast closer to my heart. I want to thank the Mississippi Chamber of Commerce for this unique opportunity and encourage every professional on the Coast to apply and become part of this great program!
Steven Dick, Mississippi Power
I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Leadership Gulf Coast. Like other Coast natives, I have always taken great pride in calling this place home and with that would have said I knew a great deal about our region. LGC offers the chance to gain new perspectives and enhance existing perspectives like no other when it comes to the uniqueness and opportunities that exist on the Coast. I can attest to the value that going through this program provides. It has better equipped me to promote our amazing Coast as well as better understand the necessary fundamentals for community leaders and helped me identify areas where I can make a more positive impact. In addition to the wealth of knowledge gained about our Coast, it has also presented the opportunity to truly get to know and build relationships and a diverse network with other leaders from across the Coast. I want to personally thank Mississippi Power for the opportunity to represent our company in this program and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber for the opportunity to participate.
Cecilia Dobbs Walton, City of Biloxi
I am honored to have been chosen to be part of Leadership Gulf Coast and grateful to have experienced the journey with the leaders in this group. Participation in the program has given me first-hand awareness of what different sectors provide and need for communities and economies to be successful. It has administered my insight of what directions are needed to be taken by those who choose to lead through various avenues. As Ronald Reagan said, “There are no great limits to growth because there are no limits of human intelligence, imagination, and wonder.”
Briana Dubaz, Eley Guild Hardy Architects
The Leadership Gulf Coast experience has helped open my eyes to a myriad of personal and professional opportunities that best support our community and its trajectory to excellence. This program has allotted me an in-depth view of a community I have inhabited for my entire life, yet never truly comprehended in depth. Leadership Gulf Coast provided not only a new coastal perspective but an expansive toolset that will continually allow me to enhance my leadership skills and promote a pathway to success. This program is truly unlike any professional development experience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
John Watson Galloway, Roy Anderson Corp.
In life sometimes, people get tunnel vision and just focus on what is in front of them. Leadership Gulf Coast (LGC) was a unique experience that gave me the opportunity to see what I was missing. There are so many great people and organizations where we live that you would never know about unless you made the effort to seek them out. LGC provides a way to meet those people and see what they are doing to make this area one of the best places to live in the country.
Amanda Griffin, MS Gulf Coast Community College
Participating in Leadership Gulf Coast has been an eye-opening experience for me because it made me realize that the Gulf Coast has so much to offer its residents and visitors. One huge takeaway for me is embracing my “community”. I have learned so much more about not only the hardships and challenges my community faces but also the potential for growth and amazing progress we have made despite these challenges. Together, as a community, we can overcome anything and I am so grateful that I now have my Leadership classmates as part of my “community”.
Daniel Hamburg, Eley Guild Hardy Architects
Leadership Gulf Coast is a behind the scenes tour of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Through the program, you’ll gain insight into the inner workings of the vast network of the people who make our community run and have fun while doing it. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the history, geography, and people of the Coast. And you’ll make a multitude of new connections and a few new friends along the way. As a concept, “leadership” is often creative problem solving in the face of adversity. As a program, Leadership Gulf Coast introduces participants to a multiple of problem solvers from all aspects of the Coast community that are working to make their corner of the Coast a better place.
Alesia Haynes, William Carey University Tradition
Leadership Gulf Coast has been an amazing experience for me – building a network of new friendships with so many. It has been more than I imagined with the most incredible classmates. The program opened my eyes to understanding how much of a gem our Mississippi Gulf Coast really is. LGC taught me what it truly means to be #OneCoast, collectively; further affirming in me to continue to be a servant leader in our communities along the MS Gulf Coast.
Tiffiny Hoyett, The Real Estate MarketPlace
The experience with Leadership Gulf Coast was more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned more about the Gulf Coast in the past 9 months than I have in the 7 years of living on the coast. This program has shown me the rich history of the coast, the valuable resources that we have available, the excitement of the coast culture, and most importantly, the long-lasting relationships that were built with my classmates. This program will always be highly recommended and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the 2019-2020 class of Leadership Gulf Coast.
Christy Ireland, The Peoples Bank
Leadership Gulf Coast not only opened my eyes to the unknown beauties and history of our coast, but the presenters, including numerous graduates of this program, also shared a wealth of knowledge, commitment, and love of our home that left a lasting impression. I look forward to pursuing the mysteries of our “secret coast” with the lifelong friends that I have met in this program. Thank you to all the individuals and organizations that allowed us such an unforgettable opportunity!
LaWanda Jones, American Cancer Society
Leadership Gulf Coast allowed me the opportunity to see the Gulf Coast in a different perspective. It is a diverse group of rising business leaders that are given an opportunity to take a deep dive into the industries, businesses and communities that make the Coast successful. To have the opportunity to meet with top business leaders and learn from them how to be impactful in our community is priceless. I am thankful that I was selected to be a member of this great program.
Johanna King, C Spire
My experience in Leadership Gulf Coast has been nothing short of exceptional. LGC has been such a unique and captivating opportunity and I am honored to have been included in this class. During this experience, I have had the opportunity to see the Gulf Coast from a different perspective, further develop my leadership skills and make life-long connections with some truly amazing leaders. I will forever cherish the memories, friendships and knowledge I have gained in this program!
Nita Kuhner, Hancock Whitney Bank
I learned more about the Gulf Coast community this year through Leadership Gulf Coast than I ever knew before, and it reinforced what I already knew, that this is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise my children. While the current COVID-19 situation has affected so many of us in different ways, I’ve learned through Leadership Gulf Coast that the resilience and determination of our Gulf Coast community will ensure that we emerge from this stronger than before.
Phillippe Michel, Coast Electric Power Assoc.
Leadership Gulf Coast has given me a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes to see what our coast has to offer and also see what drives the Mississippi Gulf Coast economy. This class allowed me to meet and build a network with many other leaders across the coast. The Leadership class gives you the tools you need to make a difference and I look forward to building a better future on the coast with these wonderful members of the class of 2020.
Nick Moody, Machado-Patano, PLLC
Being a life-long resident of the Gulf Coast I have always treasured this community we call home but experiencing the coast through LGC has deepened my love and appreciation for this community. LGC has allowed me to see the coast through unique perspectives and build new relationships along the way that will be invaluable for the rest of my life. It has been a privilege and honor to take part in such a great program.
Nacol Olson Palmer, Keesler Federal Credit Union
Leadership Gulf Coast has been a rewarding experience. Being a resident of the Gulf Coast for 25 years, I have learned so much more about the Gulf Coast in the past year. I have made friendships and connections that will last a lifetime. The Gulf Coast is unique; we have a gumbo pot of residence and visitors that feed into a growing economy and make up a wonderful place to live and work.
Craig Petersen, Gulfport Police Dept.
The Leadership Gulf Coast Program was rewarding and enlightening. The Mississippi Gulf Coast has many innovative programs and incredible resources. Leadership Gulf Coast provided us a behind the scenes look at many of those programs. Leadership Gulf Coast also provided an opportunity to meet some talented leaders and make some great friendships. Leadership Gulf Coast 2020 is comprised of some phenomenal leaders and the future of the Mississippi Gulf Coast is in great hands. I am honored that I was selected to be part of this program made up of such remarkable people.
Kimberly Phillips, Coast Electric Power Assoc.
Leadership Gulf Coast has been an eye-opening experience for myself. Born and raised in Hancock County, I had no idea what the MS Gulf Coast truly offered their residence and tourist. I have gained business relations and friendships from the members of my class that will last lifetime. I would like to thank the Gulf Coast Chamber for selecting me to participate, my employer, Coast Electric Power Association, for sponsoring me and giving me opportunity to become more knowledgeable within the community.
Kimberly Rasmussen, MS Department of Marine Resources
The opportunity to learn more about my One Coast home while developing new networks and friendships has been an experience like no other. Leadership Gulf Coast has become an indispensable element to my professional growth and definitely something that I will cherish. I encourage everyone to apply for this one-of-a-kind program and I am beyond proud to be a member of the LGC Class of 2019– 2020.
Randy Richardson, Power Mark Properties
As a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast I have learned so much about our area through Leadership Gulf Coast. We were given insights into the local economy, industries, governments, tourism and military in our area that we would have not gotten otherwise. The chance to participate in the Leadership Gulf Coast Program, was truly highlight of the year for me and I will relish getting the experience to see the Coast from the Leadership Gulf Coast perspective and the friends made during our time together as the 2019-2020 class.
Stacey RIley, Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence
I have truly appreciated every aspect of my participation in Leadership Gulf Coast. The program allowed me to step outside my usual box and experience this community in new ways. In addition to the valuable learning experience and meeting lots of interesting folks, I was also able to gain a new Board member for the Center for Nonviolence. I have and will continue to apply my learning experiences to my work in the nonprofit sector.
Gabrielle Rose, MS Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Leadership Gulf Coast has truly opened my eyes to the many unique and amazing facets that shape the Gulf Coast. I am blown away by the leadership that I have seen in my classmates and within all of the industries we were able to interact with from local governments, military, healthcare, education and beyond. This experience has given me new leadership skills, life-long friends and mentors, and a deeper appreciation for the place I now call home. I highly encourage anyone to apply to this wonderful program!
Thomas Schmidt, AVL Wealthcare LLC
Besides being an LGC year that will not be forgotten, my year and my experience will certainly not be forgotten. I considered myself a long shot to be accepted for several reasons. One of the biggest reasons was that while I born and raised here I had been away so long that I did not see myself in a group referred to as future leaders of the Gulf Coast. Sort of figured that my time was past. That could not have been more misguided. Everything that I wanted to do is all available to me in ways and places that I did not either anticipate or even know existed before my return home.I am hard pressed to put a single LGC Day as being head and shoulders above the rest. I certainly enjoyed some more than others and others may have been more to my interest and skills; however, everyone of them was educational and eye opening as to what my home has to offer. Clearly the Coast has much to offer in so many aspects of life and yet so many opportunities to be even. I look forward to experiencing what the Coast is and to be a part of it becoming so much more. The class being of so much diversity of interest, careers and contribution made the experience that much richer. Friendships, a new network and opportunity to teach and to learn was abundant as we traversed our year and will continue until we reach our graduation, whenever that might be. Rest assured that the quality leadership that got us started will get us through with same precision, dedication and passion. I look forward to continued friendships as well as helping and working side by side to build a better Mississippi Gulf Coast community and economy. Whatever purpose I can serve to make the happen is what I feel my participation in the program was all about.
Shay Smith, Harrah’s Gulf Coast
I moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast more than six years ago, and since then, Leadership Gulf Coast has been a goal and dream. I knew that in order to be an agent of change and an advocate for South Mississippi, I needed to learn more about my community, understand it, and be exposed to its rich history and current state. This program has delivered and far exceeded my expectations. Not only do I have a robust knowledge of our coastal community and the industries and people that make it thrive and vibrant, but I now know what obstacles still stand in its way. The leaders that joined me in this class have become friends and I have so much respect for them; I look forward to working alongside them to enhance and improve our region, and being part of its fabric. Of one thing I am certain: we live in a dynamic and unique region, and I am proud to call it home. Thank you, Leadership Gulf Coast! I am forever grateful to our Chamber, its staff, and the many businesses and leaders that helped shape our program of learning this year.
Nick Strayham, Lamey Electric Inc.
LGC has opened my eyes to the many facets of what makes our Gulf Coast the best place to live, work, & visit in Mississippi. There are many engines that work in harmony; economic, government, education, tourism, health, human services, & industry to name a few. LGC has educated me on the importance of these engines working together with a common goal of improving the quality of life in our area. This experience has been invaluable to my professional and personal development as a leader.
Cassi Thompson, City of D’Iberville
I am so honored that I was chosen to participate in the LGC class of 2020. I definitely came out of this class with a brand-new perspective. It has sparked a desire within me to make a difference in our Gulf Coast. I am so humbled by this experience and I will take this knowledge and do my best to contribute to initiating positive changes within our beautiful one of a kind Mississippi Gulf Coast. I will also forever be grateful for my wonderful LGC classmates as well as the LGC Alumni and future LGC classmates. To be grouped with such like-minded leaders who have the same desires to make change, gives me hope that our Coast will always sustain and overcome any challenges.
Katie Widdows, Hancock Whitney Bank
Leadership Gulf Coast has afforded me more than I ever expected! I learned so much about our amazing Mississippi Gulf Coast - it’s phenomenal resources, its best kept secrets, its genuine people, its real struggles, and its unwavering resilience. I have also been able to connect with other leaders across the coast and create a bond unlike any other. This program shined a light on the opportunities and challenges that we as leaders and future leaders of the Mississippi Gulf Coast have a responsibility to tackle and strengthened our networks to leverage as we strive to leave the Mississippi Gulf Coast just a little better than we found it. I’m proud to have been a part of this wonderful program, and I strongly encourage those interested in growing as leaders, connecting with others, and learning more about the Mississippi Gulf Coast to apply.
Keith Williams, Jr., Community Bank
The program continues to be successful in bringing a diverse group of leaders together who are committed to making the MS Gulf Coast the best place it can possibly be. The experience shows the best of the Coast and the positives we have to offer. It also focuses on the challenges, the improvements we need to make and the opportunities we have to improve and continue to grow. I will always appreciate the program for the experience, knowledge, insights, and the contacts it afforded me and the others that have been fortunate enough to participate.
Regina Wood, BancorpSouth Bank
Being chosen to participate in Leadership Gulf Coast has been a very gratifying experience. Whether you are a life-long resident or are new to the coast, the program is instrumental in strengthening the foundation of leaders in our coastal community. I am appreciative of the opportunity to build relationships with other LGC participants and for the current leaders who positively impacted our experience!
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 3:23 PM.