GCBC and Southern Miss Launch Executive Leadership Academy Focused on Executive Governance of AI
The Gulf Coast Business Council (GCBC), in partnership with The University of Southern Mississippi (USM), has launched the GCBC - USM Executive Leadership Academy: Executives and Artificial Intelligence. This nine-month, executive-level program prepares senior leaders to govern, deploy, and lead with AI-so accountability and strategic control stay with the C-suite.
The Academy convenes a select cohort of up to 25 executives for once-monthly, in-person sessions at USM's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, Mississippi. The first session is March 13, 2026, with the program concluding in November 2026.
What makes this different
This is a leadership program first, not a technical bootcamp. The focus is on decision rights, risk oversight, and value creation with AI embedded across operations, data, and strategy.
Jamie Miller, President and CEO of GCBC, underscored the stakes: AI now influences decisions, risk assessment, and resource allocation. Leaders who don't set the rules risk losing control of the systems that drive their organization's future.
Greg Bradley, PhD, Executive Director of Executive Education at USM, reinforced that AI is a board- and executive-level responsibility. The Academy develops strategic clarity, governance fluency, and leadership judgment to manage AI responsibly while driving performance.
Program structure and deliverables
- Nine monthly, in-person executive sessions (March-November 2026)
- Peer-to-peer dialogue with a high-caliber, limited cohort
- Executive-ready outputs each month that can be implemented immediately
Participants will produce:
- AI governance frameworks and decision-rights charters
- Innovation roadmaps linked to measurable business outcomes
- Workforce transformation plans (roles, skills, policies)
- Data-driven decision models aligned to risk and compliance
Capstone and recognition
Each executive completes a capstone leadership project: a multi-year AI strategic roadmap for their organization. Graduates receive formal recognition from USM, including a Certificate of Completion and a digital executive credential indicating advanced capability in AI strategy, governance, and organizational leadership.
Who should apply
Senior executives and key decision-makers in strategy, governance, innovation, workforce leadership, and performance management. Ideal for leaders in energy, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, professional services, and the public sector.
Why this matters for the C-suite
- Reclaim decision rights: Keep strategic authority with leadership, not just IT or vendors
- Reduce risk: Build controls aligned with standards like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and emerging governance models (e.g., ISO/IEC 42001)
- Create value: Tie AI initiatives to P&L impact, service quality, and operating efficiency
- Prepare the workforce: Clarify roles, reskill plans, and policy guardrails
Key dates and logistics
- Cohort size: Up to 25 executives
- Format: In-person, once monthly
- Location: USM Gulf Park campus, Long Beach, Mississippi
- Start: March 13, 2026
- Application deadline: February 28, 2026
Registration is now open. For details and enrollment, visit The University of Southern Mississippi Executive Education website.
Practical next steps for executives
- Assign an executive sponsor and cross-functional working group before the first session
- Inventory current AI use cases, data assets, and third-party tools
- Define initial risk thresholds and escalation paths for AI-enabled decisions
- Set baseline metrics (cost, speed, quality, compliance) to quantify AI impact
About the Gulf Coast Business Council
The Gulf Coast Business Council is a member-based organization of business, industry, and community leaders dedicated to strengthening economic competitiveness and quality of life in Coastal Mississippi. GCBC coordinates cross-sector initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and regional resilience.
If your team wants additional executive-focused AI training and certifications, explore curated options here: AI courses by job function.
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