ELLISVILLE – Among the list of the Mississippi Economic Council’s (MEC) newest Leadership Mississippi Class is Jones College’s Executive Vice President, Chief Governmental Affairs, Technology Services and Marketing Officer, Dr. Finée Ruffin. The 2025 MEC Leadership Mississippi Class consists of 45 professionals representing Mississippi’s diverse business, government and nonprofit sectors.
“Each year, Leadership Mississippi brings together the brightest minds from across our state to forge connections and develop the skills needed to shape Mississippi’s future,” said Scott Waller, President and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council. “The Class of 2025 represents the remarkable diversity of talent and expertise that drives our state’s growth and success.”
Ruffin brings a varied and diverse background to the 2025 Class with experience in sales and marketing in the hospitality and residential leasing industry, to teaching marketing and entrepreneurship at Jones College. Furthermore, she offers an education focused management experience, and she has served in various leadership positions in local philanthropic organizations.
The Soso native was selected in 2012 to be the Marketing Director at Jones College and has been promoted to V.P. and Executive V.P. of Marketing, Recruiting, and Technology and Administrative Services over the last 10 years, to her current role which she has served in over the last two years. Being selected for the prestigious statewide leadership program, Ruffin said will impact her both personally and professionally.
“This opportunity with the MEC represents not only a personal milestone, but it is also a chance to collaborate with extraordinary leaders across our great state who are all dedicated to driving economic growth and strengthening our communities. As a passionate advocate for community colleges, I firmly believe that workforce development, education, and economic prosperity are deeply connected,” shared Ruffin.
The MEC describes the selection process for its Leadership Mississippi Class as a rigorous application process by a committee of program alumni. Participants engage in a comprehensive nine-month leadership development journey, combining intensive skill-building workshops, collaborative projects, and firsthand exploration of Mississippi’s economic drivers and challenges.
Ruffin said she is eager to embark on this new journey of impact and innovation alongside her fellow leaders who share a commitment to the state’s success. She is also filled with gratitude for the Mississippi Economic Council giving her the opportunity to serve the state in this capacity. Ruffin explained that she hopes to be able to take what she learns through this experience to help strengthen the role of education and economic success in the state.
“Through Leadership Mississippi, I look forward to learning, contributing, and championing initiatives that reinforce the vital role of education in building a stronger, more vibrant Mississippi for generations to come,” said Ruffin. “Our institutions serve as the bridge between talent and opportunity, equipping students with the skills needed to fuel Mississippi’s industries and shape the future of our economy. I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the state to champion education and innovation, strengthening Mississippi’s future.”
The Class of 2025’s journey begins with an opening session in Jackson in April and continues with immersive experiences across the state, including visits to the Mississippi Delta, Starkville, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. These locations showcase Mississippi’s diverse economic landscape, from advanced manufacturing and aerospace to tourism and agriculture, according to the MEC.
Leadership Mississippi, established in 1974 and conducted by the M.B. Swayze Foundation, stands as the nation’s second-oldest statewide leadership program. The program has cultivated a network of more than 1,400 alumni who actively shape Mississippi’s business environment and public policy. The program continues to thrive through the endowment established by the late J.C. and Annie Redd, with J.C. Redd serving as MEC Chairman during the program’s founding year. For more information about Leadership Mississippi and the Mississippi Economic Council, visit mec.ms.