MSPB is pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of Mississippi LEAD (Leadership Excellence and Development) has completed the two-year program. Thirty participants representing 23 agencies completed the program in December 2025 and were recently recognized by the Mississippi Legislature from the chamber floors.
Launched in 2024, Mississippi LEAD is a two-year virtual leadership development program administered by the Mississippi State Personnel Board. The program prepares senior leaders across state government to strengthen organizational performance, manage public resources responsibly, and support effective service delivery to the citizens of Mississippi.
Inaugural graduates include:
Bridgette Bell, Department of Child Protective Services
Tracy Buchanan, Division of Medicaid
Brian Daniel, Mississippi Development Authority
Michael Dehaan, Department of Revenue
Veronica Dunning, Mississippi Community College Board
Cindy Gardner, Department of Archives and History
Tylvester Goss, Department of Human Services
James “Caleb” Hammons, Office of State Aid Road Construction
Kameron Harris, Department of Human Services
Joe Hawkins, Board of Contractors
Jennifer Head, Department of Banking and Consumer Finance
Stephanie Hedgepeth, Department of Information Technology Services
Daniel Jordan, Office of the Secretary of State
Jennifer Lena, Mississippi Library Commission
Patrick Levine, Department of Marine Resources
Dr. Jo Ann Malone, Department of Education
Erin Meyer, Department of Education
Douglas Miracle, Office of the Attorney General
Samandra Murphy, Department of Rehabilitation Services
Brian Perry, Department of Agriculture and Commerce
Kellye Rhodes, Department of Revenue
Patrick Roberts, Mississippi Development Authority
Melvin Robinson, Department of Rehabilitation Services
Nirmala Sahoo, Department of Environmental Quality
Crystal Secoy, Office of the Attorney General
Bobby Sterling, Jr., Ellisville State School
Crystal Thompson, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
Jason Thompson, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
Elisa Wells, Department of Revenue
Alon Wood, Mississippi State Personnel Board
In 2026, MSPB launched the third cohort of Mississippi LEAD. To learn more about Mississippi LEAD or to view a comprehensive list of all cohort participants, click here.