MEDC Announces 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellows
Jackson, Mississippi – The Mississippi Economic Development Council (MEDC) is pleased to announce the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellows. Seven emerging economic development professionals have been accepted into the Emerging Leaders Fellows Program, a year-long leadership and professional development initiative that includes statewide regional training sessions and immersive learning experiences.
MEDC proudly announces the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellows:
Riley Adock, City of Flowood
Patrick Besselievre, Mississippi Development Authority
Collin Caranna, Harrison County Development Commission
Grant Krag, Jones Walker
Sam Portera, Mississippi Development Authority
April Stennett, Greene County
Valour Taylor, Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation
Launched in 2019, the MEDC Emerging Leaders Fellows Program was established to build leadership capacity and strengthen professional skills among new economic development professionals. Through a structured, year-long curriculum, Fellows visit economic development organizations across Mississippi, learn from experienced practitioners, and develop a strong statewide network of peers.
To learn more about the Emerging Leaders Fellows Program, visit https://medc.ms/emerging-leaders-fellows.
Collin Caranna, Director of Marketing and Government Affairs at Harrison County Development Commission, has been accepted into MEDC’s 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellows Program.
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The Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc. (MEDC) is a professional association of economic development, chambers and associated stakeholders who work together to advance the profession and to advance economic development efforts in Mississippi through advocacy, collaboration, education and by providing resources to its members. MEDC is the voice of the economic development profession in the state.
Contact: To learn more about the MEDC Emerging Leaders Fellows Program, please contact:
Gwen Howard, Executive Director
Mississippi Economic Development Council, Inc.
P.O. Box 1637
Jackson, MS 39215
ghoward@medc.ms
Phone: (601) 352-1909
