On February 18, the Gulf Coast Business Council Research Foundation officially launched the 2026 Masters Leadership Class at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Harrison County STEM Building.
Now in its 19th year, the Masters Leadership Program convenes a new class of leaders annually to serve as a regional think tank — challenging assumptions, examining data, and developing policy-driven ideas aimed at making the Mississippi Gulf Coast the most livable region in the United States.
An Orientation with Purpose
The opening session began with welcome remarks and an overview from GCBC President & CEO Jamie Miller and Vice President Ben Hunter. Participants introduced themselves, sharing not only their professional roles, but what brings them joy outside of work — reinforcing the program’s belief that leadership is stronger when grounded in personal connection.
Shannon Campbell then introduced the 2026 topic: Can the Mississippi Gulf Coast strengthen its overall economy by adopting a regional “Plan of Plans”?
Understanding the “Plan of Plans”
Across the three coastal counties — Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson — municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and economic development entities operate under a variety of master plans, comprehensive plans, and strategic plans.
Each serves a purpose:
- Master Plans focus on physical and spatial development.
- Comprehensive Plans guide broad community growth and policy.
- Strategic Plans shape organizational priorities and measurable goals.
The 2026 Masters Class will examine whether aligning these plans under a coordinated, regional framework could unlock greater economic strength, funding alignment, and measurable outcomes for the Coast.
Introducing Artificial Intelligence into Civic Leadership
Dr. Kollin Napier provided the class with foundational training on the history and evolution of Artificial Intelligence, followed by a hands-on workshop introducing ChatGPT as a research and collaboration tool.
Participants were divided into teams and tasked with:
- Reviewing existing Jackson County plans
- Assessing timeframes, key focus areas, and recommendations
- Creating shared AI-powered project folders
- Using ChatGPT to research real-world examples of strategic success
- Engaging in a creative visualization exercise to reimagine planning frameworks
The session emphasized not just understanding AI — but learning how to use it responsibly to enhance research, collaboration, and strategic analysis.
A Think Tank in Action
The Masters Leadership Program is designed to:
- Conduct research
- Generate ideas
- Influence policy
- Inform the public
- Facilitate dialogue
- Provide expertise
Over the next nine months, the 2026 class will progress through sessions focused on regional overview, stakeholder engagement, needs assessment, benchmarking model regions, building political will, and producing final deliverables — including a formal white paper in October.
The question guiding this year’s work remains both practical and visionary: Can AI help the Mississippi Gulf Coast develop a widely accepted, economically strengthening “Plan of Plans”?
If so, the impact could extend far beyond a single class year — shaping regional alignment for decades to come.
