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Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce announces 2026 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 his second term as the President of the Board of Directors.
Jakavious Pickett: President, Ingalls ShipbuildingJakavious 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 12,000 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, are the founders of The Place of Grace Biloxi, 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.
2026 Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors:
Eric Chambless: Immediate Past President, Community Bank
Ryan Goldin: President Elect, Florence Gardens
Christen Duhe': Treasurer, Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Angelyn Zerinque: Membership Chair, SouthGroup Insurance
Heather Smith: Attorney (non voting), Butler Snow
Chief Executive Officer (non voting), MS Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce
Courtney Jacobs: Chair, Biloxi Chamber, IRD Agency
Butch Simpson: Chair, Gulfport Chamber, Negrotto's Frame + Art
Tanner Montella: Chair, Long Beach Chamber, Coast Roast
Suzanne Gibson: Chair, Pass Christian Chamber, Chemours
Carrie Fish: Chair, Leadership Gulf Coast, Coldwell Banker Commercial Alfonso Realty
Grace Russell: Chair, Coast Young Professionals, CMG Home Loans
April Sanderson: Chair, Military One Coast, Change Your Legacy
Bryan Jacobs: Board of Directors, State Farm
Melissa Schnoor: Board of Directors, Singing River Health System
Lauren McCrory: Board of Directors, Phelps Dunbar
Cindy Lamb: Board of Directors, Eley Guild Hardy
Arlana Okyere: Board of Directors, Careplus Realty
DeAnn Alewine: Board of Directors, Oceans Behavioral Healthcare
Keva Scott: Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast
Emily Burke: Board of Directors, Beau Rivage
David Blackwell: Board of Directors, Biloxi Shuckers
Mark Loughman: Board of Directors, MS Power
Lauren Santa Cruz: Board of Directors, Hancock Whitney
Ric Williams: Chair, MGCCC Foundation, Ex-Officio, Renasant Bank
Brent Fairley: Chair, Investment Committee - Ex-Officio, Hancock Whitney
Annette Szobar: Chair, Chamber Champs - Ex Officio, LegalShield
Keva Scott: Chair, Diversity Council - Ex-Officio, Boys and Girls Club of the Gulf Coast
For more information regarding the 2026 Board of Directors of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, visit mscoastchamber.com or call 228-604-0014.
