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Hancock Co., Miss. – Feb. 1, 2024 – The Hancock Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2024 Board of Directors:

President:  Heather Ladner Smith, Butler Snow

Vice President:  Jeremy Compretta, Community Bank

Treasurer:  Rea Montjoy, Select Administrative Services

Secretary/Executive Director:  Tish Williams, Hancock Chamber

Past President:  Regan Kane, John McDonald Realty

Officer:  Bailey Braswell, Edward Jones

Board of Directors:  John Brdecka, Hancock County Library System; Jason Chiniche, Chiniche Engineering & Surveying; John Ferrucci, Silver Slipper Casino Hotel; Ryan Forcier, Tyonek; Blaine LaFontaine, Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission; Barry Regula, Hollywood Casino; Teri Wyly, La Terre Farms; Dr. Raymunda Barnes, Pearl River Community College; Janice Guido, Bay Life Gifts, Marcus Ladner, Farm Bureau; Nikki Moon, Sandy Feet Retreat; Meg Payment, Mississippi Power; Angelyn Zeringue, SouthGroup Insurance Gulf Coast; Erin Lee, Hancock Whitney; Janel Nolan, Coast Electric; Melanie Hotard, Ochsner Medical Center Hancock

Outgoing Board President Regan Kane said, “Heather is a dynamic leader with great ideas. I’m sure she will move the Chamber forward during her term. I’d also like to thank those rolling off the Board, Leo Seal III, Jeff Edge, Noel Grafe and Ted Longo for their years of service.”

About Heather Ladner Smith

Heather Ladner Smith is an esteemed attorney with Butler Snow LLP. With a focus on governmental entities, Heather’s legal expertise extends to clients such as the City of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Coast Transit Authority, Hancock County Utility Authority, Pearl River County Utility Authority, and Gulfport School District.

Heather’s commitment to community service is exemplary. She pioneered the Touch-A-Truck concept in Hancock County for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), chairing the event since 2017 and attracting over a thousand children in the latest edition. Her fundraising efforts for Make-A-Wish Mississippi reached new heights, securing over $28,000 to grant a Kiln child’s wish. Heather’s pro bono legal counsel to CASA of Hancock County includes statute interpretation, contract review, and employee issues, showcasing her dedication to supporting the community.

Beyond her legal practice, Heather is deeply involved in various civic organizations, including the Bay St. Louis Rotary Club, St. Rose de Lima Parish, Krewe of Nereids, Coastal Conservation Association, and Make-A-Wish. Her role as Board Attorney for multiple entities, including the City of Bay St. Louis and Pearl River County Utility Authority, reflects her proficiency in municipal law, public utilities, and administrative law.

Heather’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, earning her distinctions such as being named among the Best Lawyers in America for Municipal Law (2023-2024), recognized as one of Gulf Coast Woman Magazine’s 9 Self-Made Women (2022) named a One Coast Top 10 Under 40 (2023) and one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 50 Under 40 and Top 10 Finalist (2019). Her commitment to the community was acknowledged by the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, which honored her as a Top 10 Outstanding Citizen in 2023.

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