Leadership Mississippi Congratulates Alumni Selected Among 50 Leading Business Women
The Mississippi Business Journal recently named its 2013 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi. Among the 50 were three Leadership Mississippi Alumni – Liz Brister (Class of 2012), Portia Ballard Espy (Class of 2010) and Pat Thomasson (Class of 2007).
Liz Brister is a graduate of the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2012. She serves as manager, low-income initiatives, civic & social responsibility at Entergy Corporation. Brister has become an effective lobbyist for Entergy at the State Capitol and was responsible for the “Mississippi Makeover Competition” for cities in Entergy’s service area. She also created Books, Bibles and Basketball, a program for teenage boys to play, learn and grow at her church.
Portia Ballard Espy is a member of the Leadership Mississippi Class of 2010. She is the chief administrative officer for the Children’s Defense Fund. Espy has over 30 years experience in community relations, civic engagement and government relations. She has previously partnered with Feed the Children, Habitat for Humanity and the Mississippi Association of Community Action Agencies. She served from 2005-2008 as the governor-appointed commissioner with the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service.
Pat Thomasson graduated from Leadership Mississippi as a member of the Class of 2007. She is the CEO of the Thomasson Company. Thomasson is an active member of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South, and is a strong advocate for other women in business. She is founder and director of the Neshoba County Rebel Club and is a proud alumnus of the University of Mississippi.
The contributions made by women who are leaders within the business community throughout Mississippi have brought about positive change in our state’s economic competitiveness, educational achievement and quality of life. The Mississippi Economic Council and Leadership Mississippi would like to congratulate our alumni and all of the 2013 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi on this distinguished honor.