HCDC’s Collin Caranna Graduates from the Gulf Coast Business Council’s Master’s Leadership Program
New regional defense initiative “Mission 3” emerges from class project
GULFPORT, Miss. (October 31, 2025) - Collin Caranna, Director of Marketing and Government Affairs for the Harrison County Development Commission (HCDC), has graduated from the Gulf Coast Business Council’s (GCBC) Masters Leadership Program. The seven-month-long program brought together leaders from across the coastal counties to strengthen collaboration, encourage regional thinking and inspire solutions to community challenges.
Collin and her classmates received an assignment to "create a South Mississippi Defense and Military Affairs Council." This organization would connect the various military installations and community leaders in coastal region: Keesler Air Force Base, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Camp Shelby JFTC, Trent Lott Combat Readiness Training Center, Stennis Space Center and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Throughout the duration of the program, the class studied national models, met with local base commanders, and visited model communities in Georgia: The Alliance in Augusta and 21st Century Partnership in Warner Robins.
At GCBC’s October General Membership Meeting, the Masters Leadership Class presented their project which advocates for a unified regional approach to supporting the Coast’s military installations. Their recommendation was put into action later that day when Governor Reeves announced Mission 3 at the Mississippi Aerospace & Defense Symposium in Biloxi.
Mission 3 aims to unify military, business and community efforts under a single initiative. The organization will advocate for federal and state investment, workforce development, and quality-of-life initiatives that strengthen the region’s defense economy with retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Paul Drake leading the charge as Executive Director.
“It has been a privilege to connect and collaborate with leaders from across the Coast,” said Collin. “Mission 3 represents the power of regional collaboration by bringing together our defense community, industries, and public partners to make a lasting impact and I am honored to have been a part of its establishment.”
