Panola Partnership’s Executive Board President, Leonard Morris, announced that Blair Jernigan has been named as the new Chief Executive Officer.
Jernigan comes to the Partnership with significant experience in finance, economic development, public relations and project management.
He gained his experience while working with companies such as Merrill Lynch, Mississippi Research and Development Center, Deposit Guaranty Bank, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Entergy.
Most recently, Jernigan directed a project for the U.S. Air Force. The giant C-17 project represents a $1.9 billion investment by the Air Force and Air National Guard in the state.
Jernigan is no stranger to Panola County. He grew up in Memphis spending a great deal of his weekends at Sardis Lake.
"We liked this area so much that my mother and father built a home at Lespedeza Point on the lake. By joining the Partnership, and moving to Batesville I have returned home to Panola County."
The new CEO attended undergraduate school at Ole Miss and later received his masters degree in business from Mississippi College. He also attended the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and is recognized by the National Development Council as a Financial Professional.
When asked about the opportunities for Panola County he stated that in the next five years he sees tremendous potential for growth in this area.
He believes the greatest resource is people and their commitment to maintain the quality of life that exists.
Jernigan is a very patriotic individual who believes in a commitment to serve his country.
Brigadier General Jernigan is a member of the Mississippi National Guard. He and his wife Dale have two sons, Brian 24 and Eric, 19.
