Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce announces 2025 Board and President, Jakavious Pickett

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is delighted to announce that Jakavious Pickett of Ingalls Shipbuilding, will be serving as the President of the Board of Directors for the year 2025.
 

Jakavious Pickett, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, has made a lasting impact on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, a region he has proudly called home since being stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in 2002. Following his distinguished military career, Jakavious transitioned into leadership roles within the community, showcasing his passion for service and dedication to empowering others.

Currently, Jakavious serves as the Manager of Shipbuilder Engagement at Ingalls Shipbuilding. In this role, he oversees initiatives that enhance employee engagement for over 11,000 shipbuilders, contributing to the success and well-being of the company’s workforce. His commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment has been a hallmark of his leadership.

Jakavious is also a devoted spiritual leader. He and his wife, Natasha Pickett, founded Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Church in Biloxi, MS, in January 2015, where he serves as the Lead Pastor. 

Beyond his professional and pastoral duties, Jakavious is invested in the Mississippi Gulf Coast community. He has served on numerous boards and has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the One Coast Community Leader Award, Top 10 Under 40, and the Coast Young Professionals Forever Young Award and the CYP Hall of Fame. A two-time recipient of the Biloxi NAACP Dorothy Ashley Award, Jakavious has also received the Bishop Paul S. Morton Award for Pastoral Excellence.

He and Natasha are proud parents to their two children, Shae and Jaquille.
 

Others serving on the 2025 Board of Directors are:

Jennifer Lee: President-Elect, Shular Properties 
Eric Chambless: Immediate Past President, Community Bank
Heather Smith: Attorney, Butler Snow
Frank Dawson: Treasurer, Mississippi Power 
Ryan Goldin: Membership Chair, Florence Gardens
Jessica Gazzo: Biloxi Chamber Chair, Dukes, Keating, Hatten, McRaney, Blum, P.A.
Chris Estrade: Gulfport Chamber Chair, Hancock Whitney
Pam Sanders: Long Beach Chamber Chair, Bacchus Wine & Liquor
Jolan Wedgeworth: Pass Christian Chamber Chair, Prosper Realty
Keith Williams Jr.: Leadership Gulf Coast Chair, Community Bank
Gardner Hewes: Coast Young Professionals Chair, Cadence Bank
DeAnn Alewine: Military One Coast Chair, Oceans Behavioral Hospital Biloxi
Bryan Jacobs: Board of Directors, Bryan Jacobs - State Farm Agency
Melissa Schnoor: Board of Directors, Singing River Health System
Angelyn Zeringue: Board of Directors, SouthGroup Insurance
David Duhe': Board of Directors, Balch & Bingham
Leslie Kelley: Board of Directors, Community Bank
Cindy Lamb: Board of Directors, Eley Guild Hardy
Arlana Hargrave: Board of Directors, Careplus Realty
Ric Williams: MGCCC Foundation Chair, The First, A National Banking Association
Brent Fairley: Investment Committee Chair, Hancock Whitney
David Blackwell: Chamber Champs Chair, Biloxi Shuckers
Kyle Widdows: President Appointment, Penn Entertainment
Keva Scott: Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast
Hope Blankenship: Board of Directors, To the Rescue Bookeeping, LLC
Emily Burke: Board of Directors, Beau Rivage
Kimberly Rasmussen: Board of Directors, Pugh's Florist
Christen Duhe': Board of Directors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Lauren Santa Cruz: Board of Directors, Hancock Whitney
 
For more information regarding the 2025 Board of Directors of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, visit mscoastchamber.com or call 228-604-0014.