Lovett Selected

April 3, 2025

Lovett Selected

Chosen for MEC leadership program

By Jack Criss, The Bolivar Bullet

In mid-February, the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) announced its Leadership Mississippi Class of 2025, marking the program’s 51st year of developing and connecting the state’s top talent in a variety of fields. Forty-five distinguished professionals representing Mississippi’s diverse business, government, and nonprofit sectors were chosen this year.

Among those individuals selected for this prestigious designation was Summer Lovett, Director of Business Development for the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce since November, 2023.

“I applied last October and was notified via email in December that I was accepted in the program,” said Lovett. “It is such an honor and I couldn’t be more excited to be included among such a wonderful and accomplished group of fellow inductees. The first thing I did when I found out was call (Chamber President) Hannah Aguzzi to let her know the news — it was thrilling.”

Judged by a number of criteria, among the level of community involvement and professional growth, Lovett said the official total class announcement of those who made the cut was made in February. An alumni committee of past Leadership Mississippi members make the decision as to who gets accepted every year.

“It’s a very distinguished and impressive group of people and I’m really looking forward to not only learning from my fellow classmates, but then networking with them in the future,” said Lovett.

Lovett said she believed her acceptance is due in large part to being associated with such a talented and committee team at the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce.

“Everything we do here adds up as a whole, through the piecing together of a variety of things we aim to do to improve our community and economy in Cleveland and Bolivar County,” she said. “And the group we have here now on staff is amazing. I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made and all of us are on the same page.”

“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 MEC. “The Class of 2025 represents the remarkable diversity of talent and expertise that drives our state’s growth and success.”

Selected through an in-depth and comprehensive application process by a committee of program alumni, participants will engage in a comprehensive nine-month leadership development experience. A program combining intensive skill-building workshops, collaborative projects, and firsthand exploration of Mississippi’s economic drivers and challenges will be given.

The Class of 2025’s participation in this program will start with an opening session/workshop in downtown Jackson on April 14-16 at The Westin hotel and will continue with immersive experiences across the state, including visits to the Delta, Starkville, and the Gulf Coast. These locations showcase Mississippi’s diverse economic landscape, from advanced manufacturing and aerospace to tourism and agriculture, according to MEC’s website.

Established in 1974 and conducted by the M.B. Swayze Foundation, Leadership Mississippi 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 and be sustained 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.

“I hope to grow my network through participation in the program and bring back a new set of skills to my current position,” said Lovett. “I also want to learn how other areas in the state are working and progressing firsthand through the individuals I’ll be interacting with in the class.”

The Mississippi Economic Council has been the voice of Mississippi business since 1949. MEC deals with broad business issues through advocacy, research, resources and leadership and has more than 11,000 members from 1,100 firms in 2,400 locations throughout Mississippi.