Jackson, Miss. (July 15, 2025)—Innovate Mississippi is proud to announce the addition of four distinguished leaders to its board of directors. Joining the board are Jamie Miller, Rebekah Staples, Ryan Miller, and Dr. Tim Lampkin. Each brings a unique blend of experience in economic development, public policy, regional know-how and community innovation to support the organization’s mission of growing Mississippi’s innovation economy.
Jamie Miller is President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Business Council and has a long track record in public service and economic leadership, including key roles at the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. His strategic insight into state and regional development will help guide Innovate Mississippi’s work across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Rebekah Staples is the founder and president of Free State Strategies, a consulting firm focused on public policy and strategic communications. She also serves as chair of the Capital Complex Improvement District Advisory Board, which supports infrastructure improvements in the City of Jackson. Staples’ policy strategy and stakeholder engagement expertise make her a valuable addition to the Innovate Mississippi board.
Ryan Miller is the CEO of the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation and formerly led the Mississippi Office of Workforce Development (AccelerateMS). With a law and international studies background, Miller brings a future-focused approach to workforce alignment and talent development in the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Dr. Timothy Lampkin is the founder and CEO of Higher Purpose Hub, a nonprofit working to build community wealth with Black business owners across Mississippi. With more than a decade of experience in community development and entrepreneurship, Dr. Lampkin’s leadership will help strengthen Innovate Mississippi’s focus on inclusive innovation and equitable economic growth.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these outstanding leaders to our board,” said Gerard Gibert, chairman of Innovate Mississippi’s board of directors. “Their combined expertise and deep commitment to Mississippi’s future will be instrumental in advancing our efforts to support high-growth startups and drive technology-based economic development statewide.”
Innovate Mississippi is a nonprofit organization that drives innovation and technology-based economic development for the State of Mississippi. Learn more about Innovate Mississippi at innovate.ms.
