Shirley R. Tucker is a long-time resident of Jackson, Mississippi. She is an extension specialist and business counselor at the Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC) at University of MS and partners with the Mississippi Development Authority. At the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network, she helps to offer expert business consulting, training, and resources. She is also co-business owner of BATES Communication, LLC. Shirley had the recent awesome opportunity to serve as the Interim Chief Operating Officer at the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance, Inc. & the Women Business Center of MS, where she was responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation and refinement of approved programs to increase and enhance opportunities for minority business enterprises and women-owned businesses throughout the state of Mississippi. For nearly twenty-five years, Shirley worked at the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership (formerly Metro Jackson Commerce of Commerce), where she served as Senior Vice President of Leadership Development. During her stint at the Chamber, she worked with a host of diverse community and business leaders to improve the quality of life for all citizens and to grow our economy. Shirley also served in other roles at the Chamber which included human resources, employee training and public relations. Mrs. Tucker’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Marketing from Jackson State University and a Graduate of Chamber Institute at the University of San Diego in San Diego, California. She is also certified in project management and holds certifications in digital marketing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Currently, she serves on the Junior League of Jackson Sustainer Steering Committee and the Community Council, the St. Dominic Hospital Foundation Board, Jackson Leadership Foundation, The Redeemer School and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she served as the Mississippi Social Action Coordinator and Economic Development Chairman and a Lead Liaison in the Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter. Shirley is married to Ellis Tucker and they have three adult children: Bryston (FL), Austin (GA) and Taylor (GA). She and her husband are members of The Redeemer Church of Jackson, MS, where she is a part of the Women Teaching Ministry and the Pastors’ Wives Support Ministry. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family, attending community events and helping others pursue their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.