The Gulf Coast Business Council (GCBC), in partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), officially launched the Executive Leadership Academy: Executives and Artificial Intelligence on Friday, March 13th at the USM Gulf Park Campus. The inaugural Gulf Coast cohort includes 28 senior leaders representing organizations across industries including health care, banking, shipbuilding, tourism, government and nonprofit leadership.
The nine-month executive-level academy is designed for senior leaders responsible for integrating artificial intelligence into their organization’s strategy and decision-making. As AI continues to reshape industries and redefine how organizations operate, the academy provides executives with the frameworks, knowledge and peer collaboration needed to guide responsible implementation while strengthening regional competitiveness.
During the opening session, participants explored the strategic implications of artificial intelligence, including how organizations can assess readiness, develop governance frameworks and manage emerging opportunities and risks. Throughout the program, executives will examine how AI can enhance decision-making, drive innovation and support long-term organizational strategy.
Jamie Miller, president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Business Council, said the academy represents a strategic investment in the region’s leadership and future economic growth.
“Through this academy, GCBC is helping equip Gulf Coast executives with the insight, tools and peer network they need to lead confidently, responsibly and strategically as AI reshapes our business landscape,” said Miller. “This partnership with Southern Miss reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional competitiveness and preparing our business community for what’s next.”
The program is a collaboration between GCBC and Southern Miss Executive Education, bringing together academic expertise and regional business leadership to address one of the most transformative technologies of the modern economy.
Dr. Greg Bradley, executive director of Executive Education at The University of Southern Mississippi, said the academy focuses not only on technology, but on leadership.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry, but technology alone does not create transformation; leadership does,” said Bradley. “Through this academy, The University of Southern Mississippi and the Gulf Coast Business Council are bringing together forward-thinking executives to ensure our region is not simply reacting to the AI revolution but helping lead it.”
Participants will meet monthly for full-day executive sessions throughout the nine-month program. Topics will include AI governance, infrastructure, workforce transformation, innovation and strategic implementation. The academy is designed to give executives practical tools to evaluate AI opportunities, guide responsible adoption and make informed decisions about emerging technologies.
Organizations represented in the inaugural cohort include:
- AnderCorp
- Bass Tactix Outdoors Ministries
- Coastal Mississippi
- Hancock Whitney Bank
- Humane Society of South Mississippi
- Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
- Memorial Health System
- Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
- Mississippi Power
- MS-AVCRAD – Mississippi Army National Guard
- Office of U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
- Scarlet Pearl Casino
- Southeast Commercial Real Estate
- Singing River Health System
- To The Rescue Bookkeeping LLC
- Treasure Bay
- William Carey University
By bringing together leaders from across sectors, the academy also strengthens collaboration among executives working to shape the future of the Gulf Coast economy.
