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BRIAN “HOOTY” ADAM
Brian “Hooty” Adam has dedicated over 40 years to serving the people of Hancock County, with more than 20 years as the Director of the Emergency Management Agency. A calm and steady presence in times of crisis, Hooty has played a vital role in leading the county through some of its most challenging moments. After Katrina, he emerged as a pivotal leader. Just three years later, he rose to the challenge responding to the Gulf Oil Spill. He is a long-time supporter of youth sports with a legacy defined by dedication, leadership, and community service.

RICH CHASE
Rich Chase is the Director of Hotel Operations and Player Development at the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. A 2016 Leadership Hancock graduate, he has been a dedicated member of its Steering Committee for nearly a decade, leading the annual Small Business & Entrepreneurship sessions. He also chairs the Bud & Burgers in the Bay Competition, a popular fundraiser for local charities. Rich’s passion for service extends beyond the Gulf Coast, supporting Children in Crisis of Florida and Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi and in his home state of Kansas. As a long-standing member of the Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association and former MS Tourism Association ambassador, Rich remains deeply committed to hospitality and community impact.


GOLDIE FAIRCONNETUE
An avid pickle ball enthusiast Goldie was pivotal in the push for the city to establish courts at McDonald Park. She serves as President of the NAACP following in the footsteps of her father-in-law Albert. She learned how to serve from her mother, Alvina Nichols, and is a member of Nereids, the Youth Court committee and the Library Board. She a volunteer with St. Rose serving on the Environmental Committee, and as a Eucharistic minister and altar server. She is a member of St Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court #6 Meritorious 4th Degree Lady of Grace St. Theresa Chapter 20. Goldie also serves as a member of the Women’s Democratic Association and worked the polls for over 40 years. A Friend of Gulfside Assembly, she chairs the St. Rose Annual Reindeer Fun Run Walk.


MONICA LADNER
For the past two years, Monica has served as president of the Hancock County Republican Women’s Club and a committee member of the Hancock Republican Executive Committee. She owns Dixie Signs and holds licenses in special education and real estate. Monica is an avid supporter of the Chamber and small businesses. A graduate of Leadership Hancock, she is defined by those who know her as a “go-getter”. If there is something to get done in Hancock County, she is there to spearhead the action! Some of her proudest moments are establishing a Safe Haven Baby Box for Hancock County, founding the Hawk Foundation/Blitzin on the Bayou, volunteering for Most Holy Trinity, serving in many leadership positions, and the 50/50 for Sacred Heart Church.

CHRIS LOTT

Chris Lott is the owner of Buoy’s Bar in Bay Saint Louis, and is a forensic accountant, CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and OIG (certified inspector general). Known for his leadership in both hospitality and finance, he brings energy to the local business community combining financial expertise with community involvement. He actively advocates for responsible growth and supports local jobs while enhancing the vibrant culture in Bay Saint Louis. With deep roots in the area, Chris is a driving force in giving back to the community by supporting charities and organizations like CASA of South Mississippi, Make A Wish and the Waveland Civic Association. He was recognized by CASA as a Beacon of Hope.

REA MONTJOY, CPA
Rea Montjoy, CPA, is the principal and president of Select Administrative Services, a managed care organization serving self-funded employers. Known for his dedication, integrity, and quiet generosity, Rea has volunteered for over 20 years as Treasurer for the Hancock Chamber of Commerce. He has supported many local groups, including the Republican Executive Committee and Coast Episcopal School, where he served as Board Chairman and Treasurer. Passionate about giving back, he quietly donates to those in need and supports local charities such as the Animal Shelter. Off the clock, Rea enjoys golf, a lifelong hobby that has brought him several tournament victories and lasting personal fulfillment.

BENNIS MOSS
Bennis is an avid supporter of youth in Hancock County. An accomplished businessman as owner of Moss Towing, he has been recognized as 2024 Businessman of the Year by his trade association and in 2021 he received the Wreckmaster Award for the Top Ten businesses. What he is most passionate about is helping young people through sponsorships for Bay High and Hancock High. He has served as President of the Bay Waveland Youth Football, Cheerleading League, and supports CASA and Children’s of MS Toy Drive. A Past President of MS Towing Association, he is passionate about helping those in need.

BARRY REGULA
Barry is the General Manager of Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast and Boomtown Casino Biloxi bringing three decades of experience back to the Coast. In three short years, he has put his vision to work transforming Hollywood Casino into a showcase of opportunities that do not stop at Hollywood’s front door—Azalea Spa, Palisades Lounge, Live entertainment, the new Gurka Lounge and coming soon Hollydeck. He focuses on how Hollywood can give back to the community by embracing small businesses and nonprofits in all they do. As a member of the Board of Directors for the Hancock Chamber and a Commissioner with Coastal Mississippi, Barry is making an impact to drive tourism throughout the Coast.

JON RITTEN
A Chicago native, Jon has proudly called Hancock County home for over 30 years. A trusted realtor and Chamber member since 1991, he’s helped 1,600+ families find homes. Jon served as President of Mississippi REALTORS in 2023 and twice led the Gulf Coast Association of Realtors. Named 2017 RE/MAX Broker/Owner of the Year in Mississippi, he’s also a Leadership Hancock graduate. He’s coached youth sports, supported children’s fundraisers, and served on multiple local boards as President of the Hancock County Community Development Foundation and as Commissioner for the Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission. As Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Coast Delta Realty, he leads with professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to both his clients and the greater Hancock County community.

JESSICA SEKINGER

Jessica Sekinger, Branch Manager for Renasant Bank in Bay St. Louis, makes many contributions to the community through her work as Vice President of Junior Auxiliary of Hancock County, leading one of the fundraising efforts to support children in need. She serves as Treasurer for the Rotary Club and received one of the highest honors for her volunteer service as Rotarian of the Year. A member of the Leadership Hancock Steering Committee, she puts her passion for the community to work as a Chamber Ambassador and Youth Minister for St. Matthews Church.

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