Carol S. Harris
Carol Harris
MS Development Authority
Carol S. Harris is a native of Brandon, Mississippi, and serves as Director of the Minority and Small Business Development Division at the Mississippi Development Authority. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from The University of Southern Mississippi and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Jackson State University. Her career spans banking, housing development, and state economic development, beginning as a Loan Officer with Trustmark National Bank and later serving as a Housing Development Officer with the Mississippi Home Corporation, where she supported the development of over 1,200 homes annually for low- to moderate-income families. Since joining the Mississippi Development Authority in 2002, she has held multiple leadership roles, including Program/Bureau Manager for the MS APEX Accelerator, where she led statewide procurement efforts connecting small, minority, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses to government contracting opportunities, helping secure millions in contracts. As Director, she leads efforts to expand economic opportunity and business participation across the state. She holds multiple professional certifications and serves on numerous boards supporting economic and small business development.
Nelson Haskin
Nelson Haskin
Restaurateur/Entrepreneur
Nelson Haskin, Jr. is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, who has called Hattiesburg home since 1983. He is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi and a retired veteran of the Mississippi Army National Guard, where he served for 20 years before retiring in 2020. He is a successful entrepreneur and restaurateur, owning several establishments including Blu Jazz Café, Southbound Bagel and Coffee Shop, Nellie’s Chicken and Daiquiris, Hattiesburgers and Blues, and Bourbon on Front. Since opening Blu Jazz Café in 2017 with his wife, Felicia Haskin, he has played a key role in the revitalization of downtown Hattiesburg. His businesses have received multiple recognitions, including Best New Restaurant in the Pine Belt and Best Hamburger awards. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Downtown Association and the Economic Vitality Committee, and is passionate about supporting local growth and culture. He and his wife have two sons, Jalen and Joshua.
Dr. Tee McCovey
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Dr. Tee McCovey
United Way - Jackson, George & Greene Counties
Tee McCovey serves as President and CEO of United Way for Jackson, George, and Greene Counties and is also the owner of TeeMac Global Solutions, LLC, and Pastor of Ambassadors for Christ Church. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arkansas College and a Master’s degree in Ministry from Newburgh College, with additional graduate work toward an MBA from Golden Gate University and doctoral studies in ministry. A retired Regional Director with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, he previously oversaw operations across 24 counties. He is a Certified Public Manager, Workforce Development Master, and certified instructor in leadership programs from the Franklin Covey Institute, and has completed training with the Walt Disney Institute. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he has a distinguished athletic background as a three-time Hall of Fame basketball player and former member of the United States Air Force basketball team, where he played internationally and was named Most Valuable Player. He has also coached youth basketball, leading teams to multiple championships, reflecting his ongoing commitment to mentorship and community development.
Tiffany Stewart-Moses
Tiffany Moses
Cadence Bank
Tiffany Stewart-Moses is a Mississippi Gulf Coast native based in Moss Point who currently serves as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager III at Cadence Bank in Pascagoula. A graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting Information Systems, she brings more than two decades of banking experience. She began her career at Community Bank of Mississippi in 2001 as an Accounts Payable Clerk and advanced through numerous leadership roles including Security Officer, Account Service Manager, Branch Operations Officer, Loan Assistant, and Loan Officer. Her experience spans operations, lending, compliance, financial reporting, and team leadership, with a strong focus on driving growth, developing client relationships, and enhancing customer experience. She also holds a Mississippi School of Banking Certificate and is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Jackson County, supporting youth development and community engagement.
Willie E. Watson, III
Willie E. Watson, III
Hope Federal Credit Union
Willie E. Watson, III is originally from Miami, Florida, and serves as Vice President and Regional Business Commercial/Small Business Loan Sales Manager for Hope Federal Credit Union, where he oversees commercial and small business lending strategy across Georgia, Alabama, Southern Mississippi, and Louisiana. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Alabama State University and brings more than 25 years of experience in banking and financial services. He began his career with First Tuskegee Bank and later held leadership roles with Wells Fargo Bank, where he completed the Credit Training Program and served as a Commercial Lending Officer across multiple states, as well as PNC Bank, where he further developed expertise in commercial banking operations, risk management, and team development. Known for structuring effective financing solutions including commercial loans and lines of credit, he is committed to expanding access to capital and supporting small business growth. He is actively engaged in community and economic development, including work with the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, Alabama State University’s Small Business Incubator, and the Rapides Station Foundation, where he serves as Finance Chairman.