THE COMMISSION
Local Leadership Making Lasting Regional Impact
About
CREATE Foundation has a distinguished history of highly effective community engagement as the leading regional community development organization in northeast Mississippi. Capitalizing on those strengths, in 1995, CREATE formed the Commission on the Future of Northeast Mississippi to strengthen regional unity and cooperation. The purpose of the Commission is to strengthen regional cooperation and unity by engaging in regional community development.
Through regional representation, Commission members mobilize their communities on key issues related to economic, educational, and health initiatives which leads to robust community development in the region.
Commission Members
Alcorn
- John Mercier
- Brandon Quinn
- Lane Williams Yoder
Benton
- Jack Gadd
- Carol Green Orman
Calhoun
- Sheila Freely
- Rita Talford
Chickasaw
- Kirby Dendy
- Patsy Gregory
Clay
- Kevin Flurry
- Eddie Longstreet
- Kenny Dill
Itawamba
- Dr. Jay Allen
- B.J. Canup
Lafayette
- Kurt Brummett
- Mary Martha Crowe
- Dr. Gloria Kellum
- Judge Tiffany Kilpatrick
- Randy Leister
- William Nicholas
- Bradley Roberson
Lee
- Dr. Lindsay Brett
- Kim Jeffares
- Paul Mize, Jr.
- Eddie Prather
- Tommy Scott
- Kenneth Wheeler
Lowndes
- Matt Bogue
- Rita Felton
- Katie McCrary – Vice Chair
- Rob Winklepleck
Marshall
- Dr. Gemma Beckley
- Justin Hall
- Tim Liddy
Monroe
- Kelly Martin
- Jim Edwards
- Marilyn Sumerford
Oktibbeha
- Julie Jordan
- Nicole Thomas
- Lee Ann Turner
- Chuck Ware
Pontotoc
- Gary Golden
- Phyllis Ford High
- Shelly Johnstone
Prentiss
- Dr. Ricky Ford
- Ronny Rowland
Tishomingo
- Beth Davis
- Harold Lomenick
Tippah
- Chris Lewellen
- Dr. Barbara McMillin
- Kyle Smith – Chair
Union
- Marquel Conner
- Matt Thompson
University
- Julie Jordan
- William Nicholas
At Large
- Dr. Barbara McMillin
- Eddie Prather
- Bradley Roberson
- Bill Stone
Emeritus
- Kenny Dill
- Dr. Gloria Kellum
- Denotee Martin
- Guy Mitchell III
- Bill Renick
- Sandy Williams
- Hassell Franklin (1935-2023)
- Bobby Martin (1933-2020)
- Jack Reed, Sr. (1924-2016)
Community of Excellence
The Commission for Northeast Mississippi brings together leaders from 17 counties across the region to strengthen regional unity and cooperation through community development. By identifying shared challenges, aligning priorities, and advancing long-term strategies, The Commission works to build stronger economies, a skilled workforce, quality schools, and thriving communities across Northeast Mississippi.
learn moreStories of Impact
State of the Region
Each year, the Commission hosts the State of the Region event, bringing together business, education, community, and civic leaders from across Northeast Mississippi for a look at the region’s progress and future. This dynamic event highlights the people, partnerships, and ideas driving growth across our communities. Attendees gain valuable insights into key economic and educational trends, celebrate regional successes, and connect with others who are shaping what’s next for Northeast Mississippi.
Strategic Partnership
The Commission creates meaningful partnerships that matter and increase opportunities in our communities across the region.
Partnerships can involve collaborating with existing partners to share resources, such as with Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the Appalachian Regional Commission’s support of Communities of Excellence.
Strategic partnerships can also look like finding needs and gathering the right people together to tackle these issues across our region and state. We are proud to work with, the Aspire Initiative, through the Mississippi Development Authority, promote Megapop Digital Innovation conference which explores the latest advancement in digital transformation, technology solutions and emerging trends shaping the future.Through the Press Forward initiative local news is strengthened so communities stay informed, connected and engaged. Partnerships with Junior Achievement and YMCA bolster access to financial literacy, career preparation, and high-quality programming for students across our area. Leadership development is also at the core of what we do. The Community Development Foundation and CREATE have partnered to lead the National Civics Bee for Mississippi empowering students with civic knowledge and skills.
