Kelle Barfield elected president of MMSA board

JACKSON, Miss. (VDN) — The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) announced a new executive committee, two at-large board members, and a directors’ representative for its 2025-2026 Board of Directors. Among those elected is Dr. Kelle Barfield of Vicksburg, who will serve as MMSA Board President.

Barfield, a prominent civic leader and business owner, brings deep experience in downtown revitalization and community development. She owns Delta Warren Properties, which focuses on preserving and restoring historic buildings in downtown Vicksburg, and Lorelei Books, an independent bookstore. She also serves as president of the Warren County Board of Supervisors and is a nuclear communications adviser to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“As president of the Mississippi Main Street Association, I believe in the power of community,” Barfield said. “Together, we revitalize our downtowns, preserve our rich history, and create vibrant spaces that inspire community pride and progress for generations to come.”

Barfield’s election highlights Vicksburg’s ongoing commitment to Main Street principles and downtown economic growth. Her local involvement includes service on the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Foundation, and the Warren and Claiborne Counties Energy Academy Partnership. She is also president of the Warren County Forestry Association and a former commission member of the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation.

Other Elected Executive Officers

Other newly elected executive officers include Vice President Chance McDavid, project director at the John C. Stennis Institute of Government & Community Development in Starkville; Treasurer Mandy Hegwood, engineer manager and vice president at Neel-Schaffer, Inc. in Laurel; and Past President Chris Hinton of Metro Booming Training Academy, Inc. in Jackson.

New at-large board members are Beth Hamilton with Capitol Resources in Jackson and Sherri Carr Smith with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport. Caroline Burks of Laurel Main Street was elected as the new Directors’ Representative for District 1. She joins District 2 Representative Lisa Klutts of the West Point Clay County Community Growth Alliance and District 3 Representative Billye Jean Stroud of New Albany Main Street.

Board members continuing their service include Tomeka Durr-Wiley, Brent Fairley, Brad Reeves, Jean Kelly, Mayor Chip Johnson, Steve Kelly (emeritus), Ken P’Pool (emeritus), Meredith Massey, Leah Kemp, and Tim Climer.

The MMSA Board of Directors provides strategic leadership for the statewide organization, which supports economic revitalization and historic preservation in Mississippi’s downtowns and traditional business districts.