GCBC, Southern Miss Launch Executive AI Leadership Academy with Inaugural Gulf Coast Cohort

Mon,
03/16/2026 – 09:58am | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The Gulf Coast Business Council (GCBC), in partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), launched
the inaugural Executive Leadership Academy: Executives and Artificial Intelligence on Friday at the USM Gulf Park Campus with 28 participants.

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…

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