WHERE BUSINESS &
COMMUNITY UNITE

Vanessa Henson serves as the Communications and Events Director for the Area Development Partnership. She is responsible for the implementation of all Chamber marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities along with overseeing the planning and coordination of the organization’s monthly and signature events. Vanessa is a native of Prentiss, MS and grew up in Hattiesburg. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi and received a B.A. in Communication. She began her career working with both national and local non-profits. Vanessa served as the Community Relations Director for Christian Services, Inc. where she designed and implemented all marketing and communications efforts. While there, she also managed, THRIVE a program that connected the undeserved population with access to pro bono legal counseling and financial education. Passionate about connecting people and resources, Vanessa values the opportunity to serve members through her time with the Chamber!

Stancey Davis serves as the Communications and Events Manager as part of the Chamber of Commerce division at the Area Development Partnership. In this role, Stancey is responsible for coordinating logistics and executing all events for the organization as well as assisting in communication efforts. Stancey previously worked as a Marketing Associate for Jones Companies and YAK ACCESS. She received her B.S.B.A in Healthcare Marketing from The University of Southern Mississippi and was an active member of Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity where she served as the Public Relations Chair. She is from Columbia, MS.

Ann Scott Mathis currently serves as Membership Director for the Area Development Partnership’s Chamber of Commerce division. She is responsible for all membership recruitment activities as well as maintaining relationships with existing members. As the Membership Director, she is dedicated to bring a better quality of life and build a better community for the Greater Hattiesburg area by uniting individuals and businesses. Ann Scott attended The University of Mississippi and received her B.P.S in Legal Studies and Political Science. Ann Scott began her career working as a Paralegal in the Hattiesburg area. She then changed career paths and became a Marketing Representative for Grace Healthcare, a medical equipment company. Ann Scott and her husband, John, live in Hattiesburg with their children Charley and John Miles.

Jessica is a proud graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in University Studies with an emphasis in Public Relations. Before attending USM, she began her academic journey at Pearl River Community College.

Before joining the ADP, Jessica worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines, where her passion for communication and service took her around the world and exposed her to a variety of cultures. She later brought that same energy and commitment to the statewide nonprofit Extra Table, helping feed people differently across Mississippi through fundraising, digital outreach, and community events.

Jessica is an active Kappa Delta alumna and serves as a Chapter Advisor for the Beta Sigma Chapter at USM. In her free time, you can find her enjoying all that Hattiesburg has to offer or cheering on the Golden Eagles at a USM athletic event.