Gulfport Chamber of Commerce announces 2026 Board and Chair, Butch Simpson

The Gulf Chamber is proud to announce Butch Simpson as the 2026 Chair of the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce.

Butch moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1999 from Panama City, Panama, spending the final four years of his Army career as an instructor at the Seabee Base. Even before retiring, he was deeply involved in community volunteer work.

A father of five active sons, Butch was no stranger to lending a helping hand. After retiring in 2003, he had the opportunity to purchase Negrotto's Frame+Art, which he has owned and operated since January 2004. Through faith and determination, the gallery has remained open and thriving, even through challenging times.

Butch has been an engaged and enthusiastic Chamber member since 2006. He has served in numerous leadership roles, participated on multiple boards, and contributed to more committees than he can count. He believes that staying actively involved in the Chamber has been a key reason for his business’s continued success.

2026 Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Chris Estrade: Hancock Whitney (Immediate Past Chair)
Butch Simpson: Negrotto's Frame + Art (2026 Chair)
Thomas Allen: Eley Guild Hardy Architects (Chair Elect)
Emily Sham: Two Men and a Truck / American Red Cross
Katie Ellis-Parker: Ace Data Storage Inc.
Kaila Moran Griffith: Mississippi Power 
Ashley Butsch: Singing River Health System 
Gabrielle Rose: Coast Social Co.
Stacey Wynne: Singing River Health System
Austin Coomer: Gulf Coast Restaurant Group
Tami Foto: WXXV
Dr. Erin Riggins: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Brittany Beavers: Hope Credit Union
Kara Adkins: AGJ Systems & Networks, Inc
Daniel Keating: Hancock Whitney
Beth Wilson: Alpha-Lit MS Gulf Coast
Dylan Wade: Gulf States Engineering
Candace Ruland: Berkshire Hathaway
Janell Nolan: Coast Electric

Ex Officio
Jovi Prevot: Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport
Jason DuCre': City of Gulfport – Police Department
Eric Valles: City of Gulfport – Fire Department
Kristen Garriga: Gulfport Main Street Association
Beth Wilson: Gulfport School District
Ravin Nettles: City of Gulfport – Mayor's Office
Reannon Capuria: Combat Readiness Training Center
Avery McClellon: Harrison County Sheriff's Office

For more information regarding the 2026 Gulfport Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, visit mscoastchamber.com or call 228-604-0014.