Washington County Economic Alliance Announces New Chamber Director
Jul 24, 2023
Contact: Hillary Boggs
Email: hboggs@wceams.com
PRESS RELEASE
Washington County Economic Alliance Announces New Chamber Director
Greenville, MS, July 25, 2023: A Coalition of local employers and organizations are pleased to announce Mary Catherine Brooks as the new chamber director of the Washington County Economic Alliance. Brooks is a community and economic developer who for the last seven years has served as an Extension Associate III for Mississippi State University, Delta Research and Extension Center and Delta Council. Brooks received her B.F.A. from Mississippi State University, her M.F.A from Louisiana Tech University, and was a 2020 graduate of the Economic Development Institute from the University of Oklahoma.
“When I took on this role, I promised Washington County the very best because they deserve the very best. Mary Catherine’s hiring is a commitment to that promise, and I very much look forward to the capacity and momentum she will bring to our business community,” said Justin Burch, CEO of the WCEA.
Prior to joining Mississippi State University, Delta Research and Extension Center and Delta Council, Brooks was the executive director of the Greenville Arts Council and E.E. Bass Educational and Development Foundation, Inc., where she worked to promote the rich cultural heritage of the region and stimulate cultural and arts activities. Mary Catherine brings a substantial skill set to her new position, including expertise in graphic design, web design, photography, videography, branding/logo design, content creation, as well as writing/editing for periodicals.
Brooks has won numerous awards for her efforts in economic development to include the Extension Spirit of Excellence Award provided by Mississippi State University, the Rosalind and Rodney Foil Teamwork Award provided by Mississippi State University, the United Way Peter Watzek Volunteer of the Year Award, the Ray and Jimmy Heidel Economic Development Leadership Award, and many more. Mary Catherine’s passion for the region has led her to volunteer and serve with a multitude of community outreach organizations and boards, including the Junior Auxiliary of Greenville, Leland Deer Creek Garden Club, Delta Cotton Belles, the Greenville Arts Council, Christmas on Deer Creek, and the Mississippi Economic Development Council.
Brooks says of her new position, “It is an honor and privilege to serve the Washington County community through the position of Chamber Director. I look forward to working with our business and community leaders in the area to continue growing the Chamber and its programming under the WCEA alongside Justin and the other talented staff members. Washington County has been my home for nearly a decade, and I am dedicated to achieving success in my new role and for our Washington County communities."
WCEA Board Chairman, Parker England, adds, “We are extremely excited to get someone the caliber of Mary Catherine to fill our Chamber Director position at the WCEA. Mary Catherine’s background in business and economic development as well as her prior and current involvement in the Washington County community make her an excellent choice. We look forward to having Mary Catherine on board and seeing all the future success she will bring not only to the Chamber but also to all the local businesses in our community she will be working alongside.”
Mary Catherine Brooks will begin her new role on August 1, 2023. She is married to Nolan Brooks and has a daughter, Whitley, and a stepson, Colby, and she looks forward to building a stronger Washington County.
The Washington County Economic Alliance is a member-driven nonprofit organization that drives regional economic prosperity by creating a vibrant, innovative ecosystem for the entire Washington County region. If you are interested in becoming a chamber member, please view our Membership Application link at https://wceams.com/chamber/become-a-member/.