Mississippi Main Street Announces new Hire; Prather will serve as Director of Community Development
09.18.2019
Mississippi Main Street Announces new Hire
Prather will serve as Director of Community Development
JACKSON, Miss. (Sept. 16, 2019) - The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) has hired Jennifer Prather of Starkville, Miss. as the new Director of Community Development for the statewide organization.
Prather has served as the Director of Main Street and Tourism for The Greater Starkville Development Partnership since 2017 and has also served as the interim Chief Executive Officer for the past year. As director, Prather has focused on the development and implementation of programs and campaigns to establish and promote Starkville as a premier destination in the state of Mississippi.
Prather will serve as Director of Community Development
JACKSON, Miss. (Sept. 16, 2019) - The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) has hired Jennifer Prather of Starkville, Miss. as the new Director of Community Development for the statewide organization.
Prather has served as the Director of Main Street and Tourism for The Greater Starkville Development Partnership since 2017 and has also served as the interim Chief Executive Officer for the past year. As director, Prather has focused on the development and implementation of programs and campaigns to establish and promote Starkville as a premier destination in the state of Mississippi.
As the MMSA Director of Community Development, Prather will serve as the direct liaison between MMSA and 53 member communities, coordinating and supervising all Main Street member organizations and working with each community on their program service needs.
"Jennifer was well-qualified and from our own MMSA community, which we felt was very important for this role," said Kevin Stafford, MMSA Board President. "We look forward to getting her on board and tapping in to the energy and new perspectives she brings to the MMSA table."
"The state board is confident that Jennifer will add to the dynamic MMSA Team and help make our Mississippi downtowns the best in the nation!" Stafford added.
An Olive Branch, Miss. native, Prather attended Mississippi State University (MSU) and began her career with the Partnership in 2005. After later working in the MSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships, and then the Global Leadership Continuum at MSU, Prather ventured back to the Partnership as the Special Events and Projects Coordinator in 2013.
An Olive Branch, Miss. native, Prather attended Mississippi State University (MSU) and began her career with the Partnership in 2005. After later working in the MSU Office of Admissions and Scholarships, and then the Global Leadership Continuum at MSU, Prather ventured back to the Partnership as the Special Events and Projects Coordinator in 2013.
Prather's wealth of event planning and coordination experience stems from establishing and overseeing multiple university and city projects, including the growth and expansion of the previously volunteer-run Starkville Community Market and several other special events. Prather has served on the executive boards of both Starkville Young Professionals and the Starkville chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi.
Prather currently serves on the board of directors for the Mississippi Tourism Association and was named a “Rising Star Under 35” professional in 2018 by the Starkville Daily News.
Prather will be based in Starkville but traveling the entire state with her new position. She will begin her duties with MMSA on Oct. 1.
For more information and updates about MMSA, go to www.msmainstreet.com.
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Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) has been improving the quality of life in Mississippi for 35 years by developing Mississippi's downtowns. Main Street is an economic development program based in historic preservation. The mission of the Mississippi Main Street Association is to provide visionary leadership, guidance and counsel to Mississippi Main Street communities through organization, promotion, design and economic development to make our cities and towns better places to work, live and play. Since its inception, MMSA has provided more than $5 billion in public and private re-investment into Mississippi Main Street communities.
Prather will be based in Starkville but traveling the entire state with her new position. She will begin her duties with MMSA on Oct. 1.
For more information and updates about MMSA, go to www.msmainstreet.com.
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Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) has been improving the quality of life in Mississippi for 35 years by developing Mississippi's downtowns. Main Street is an economic development program based in historic preservation. The mission of the Mississippi Main Street Association is to provide visionary leadership, guidance and counsel to Mississippi Main Street communities through organization, promotion, design and economic development to make our cities and towns better places to work, live and play. Since its inception, MMSA has provided more than $5 billion in public and private re-investment into Mississippi Main Street communities.
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