Coastal Mississippi Announces New Hires in Communications & Engagement and Destination Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pattye Meagher
Director of Communications & Engagement
228-388-3634
pattye@coastalmississippi.com

Coastal Mississippi Announces
Two New Hires in Communications and Engagement,
Appoints New Destination Services Executive from Within

Coastal Mississippi, August 7, 2022 – Coastal Mississippi, the destination marketing organization for the tri-county region, is pleased to announce the addition of Brooke Gibson as Public & Media Relations Executive and Lauren Skelton as Digital Content Executive in the Department of Communications & Engagement, and the internal promotion of Jessica Martin to Destination Services Executive in the Sales Department.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brooke and Lauren to the Communications team at Coastal Mississippi,” said Pattye Meagher, Director of Communications & Engagement. “Their enthusiasm, insights, and creative energy will be huge drivers as we pursue our mission to bring new visitors and large-scale events to Coastal Mississippi.  

A Gulfport native, Gibson previously served in legislative and constituent services in the office of U.S. Representative Steven Palazzo (MS-4). She graduated from Mississippi State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, and Public Policy. In her new role, Gibson will serve Coastal Mississippi as liaison to local and national news media and will work with the entire Coastal Mississippi team to advance the visibility and mission of the organization as a premier destination for recreational tourism and event planners.

“I’m honored and excited to be part of this incredible Coastal Mississippi team,” said Gibson. “By sharing what I know and love about the Mississippi Gulf Coast with travel writers worldwide, I hope to inspire future travelers to come here and discover their favorite restaurants, attractions, and things to love on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

Skelton is a native of Biloxi and a 2022 graduate of Mississippi State University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in French. While at MSU, she worked for the College of Architecture, Art, and Design, primarily focusing on producing news articles for the college’s website and other communication-related duties. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from the University of Mississippi. As Coastal Mississippi’s Digital Content Executive, Lauren is responsible for content across all Coastal Mississippi social media platforms and will work closely with the Coastal Mississippi team to liaise with attractions, restaurants, festival and event planners, and marketing partners across the region to showcase all that The Secret Coast has to offer.

“When you grow up on the Coast, there’s a tendency to take for granted the incredible number of things there are to do here. There can be multiple festivals and concerts to attend every weekend, or you can take in a pottery class, catch a dolphin cruise, or spend a lazy day on your favorite beach. There’s just no end to the experiences you can have, and that’s before you try to pick from the hundreds of fabulous restaurants we offer,” said Skelton. “I hope to not only engage new audiences to want to come to Coastal Mississippi, but I also want to engage locals to rediscover the wonder of The Secret Coast in their backyard.”

Martin is a North Mississippi native and graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where she received her bachelor’s degree in marine biology. A lover of nature, Martin served as Stewardship Assistant for the Audubon Coastal Bird Stewardship Program, a division of the National Audubon Society, before joining Coastal Mississippi earlier this year in an administrative role. In her new position as Convention Services Executive, she will assist large groups, festivals, conventions, and others visiting the tri-county region to provide expert guidance and resources to ensure their Coastal Mississippi experience is seamless.

“Since her first day at Coastal Mississippi, Jessica demonstrated a hospitable personality and ease in dealing with visitors. When we began looking for someone to fill this position, we knew that she was the right person for the job,” said Zachary Holifield, Director of Sales and Development. “In just a few short weeks, she has hit the ground running, and I know she will be a huge asset for our organization in this very public-facing role.”

For additional information, please contact Pattye Meagher, Director of Communications & Engagement, at 228.388.3634, or pattye@coastalmississippi.com.

###