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 visionary founder and executive director of the Higher Purpose Hub, a nonprofit driving economic opportunity in the Mississippi Delta through education, storytelling, and grantmaking. He also leads Lampkin Studios, a creative agency focused on elevating authentic narratives through film and media. A nationally recognized social entrepreneur and lifelong learner, Lampkin is a proud HBCU graduate from Mississippi Valley State University, holds a doctorate in education from the University of Arkansas, is Mississippi’s first Ashoka lifetime social impact fellow, and serves on several influential Mississippi boards of directors.
“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.
