GCBC, Southern Miss Launch Executive AI Leadership Academy with Inaugural Gulf Coast Cohort
Mon, 03/16/2026 - 09:58am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The nine-month, executive-level academy is designed for senior leaders responsible for integrating artificial intelligence into their organization’s strategy and decision-making. As AI rapidly transforms industries ranging from health care and shipbuilding to finance and government, the academy equips executives with the knowledge and leadership frameworks needed to guide responsible adoption while strengthening regional competitiveness.
During the opening session, executives explored the strategic implications of artificial intelligence, including organizational readiness, governance frameworks and responsible implementation. The program emphasizes how leaders can harness AI to improve decision-making, drive innovation and manage emerging risks.
Jamie Miller, president and CEO of the GCBC, said the academy represents a strategic investment in regional leadership and long-term economic competitiveness.
“Through this academy, GCBC is helping equip Gulf Coast executives with the insight, tools and peer network they need to lead confidently, responsibly and strategically as AI reshapes our business landscape. This partnership with Southern Miss reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional competitiveness and preparing our business community for what’s next,” said Miller.
Dr. Greg Bradley, executive director of Executive Education at Southern Miss, said the program reflects a strong partnership between academic research and regional business leadership.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry, but technology alone does not create transformation; leadership does. Through this academy, The University of Southern Mississippi and the Gulf Coast Business Council are bringing together forward-thinking executives to ensure our region is not simply reacting to the AI revolution but helping lead it,” said Bradley.
Participants will meet monthly for full-day executive sessions exploring key AI topics, including governance, infrastructure, innovation, workforce transformation and strategic implementation.
Organizations represented in the inaugural cohort include:
- AnderCorp
- Bass Tactix Outdoors Ministries
- Coastal Mississippi
- Hancock Whitney Bank
- Humane Society of South Mississippi
- Ingalls Shipbuilding
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
- Memorial Health System
- Mississippi Department of Marine Resources
- Mississippi Power
- MS-AVCRAD - Mississippi Army National Guard
- Office of U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
- Scarlet Pearl Casino
- Southeast Commercial Real Estate
- Singing River Health System
- To The Rescue Bookkeeping LLC
- Treasure Bay
- William Carey University
Executives who complete the academy will develop practical frameworks for evaluating AI opportunities, leading responsible implementation and making strategic decisions about emerging technologies. The program also strengthens collaboration among senior leaders across the Gulf Coast region.