Mississippi Business Journal Honors 25 Influential Women Leaders

Mississippi Business Journal Honors 25 Women Leaders Across State

The Mississippi Business Journal recognized 25 women from across the state whose titles include CEO, vice president, and mayor, WLBT reported. The publication selected the honorees after narrowing down a list of more than 200 nominations.

Scott Coopwood, owner of the Mississippi Business Journal, explained that the selection criteria went beyond standard financial metrics. “We’re saluting women around the state that not only done well in business or management… but also giving back to their community and volunteerism,” Coopwood said.

Balancing Leadership and Family

Among the recognized leaders is Sarah Ozbun, CEO of Delta Lodging Group, who manages 13 hotels.

“And that’s really important to me as a leader is to demonstrate the balance between being a mom and contributing to our workforce and just taking a different approach to that balance because when you go home at the end of the day, your next job begins,” Ozbun said.

Navigating Community Crisis

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill, another honoree, reflected on a challenging year for her municipality. Tannehill noted that a winter storm strained city infrastructure.

“The winter storm really just took our feet out from under us… more than 80,000 dump truck loads of debris were removed… but I stand here today so proud of how it brought our community together,” Tannehill said.

Representation for the Next Generation

“I believe there are little girls and young women who are looking at us going, if she can be a CEO or a CFO or a mayor or create her own company, I can too. I think that’s pretty cool,” Hays said.