Gulf Coast Leaders to Master AI in New Executive Academy

The Gulf Coast Business Council (GCBC) and The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) have launched a groundbreaking Executive Leadership Academy focused on artificial intelligence (AI). This nine-month program aims to equip senior leaders with the skills to govern, deploy, and lead in an AI-driven world, addressing the growing need for executive-level AI expertise in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The academy, set to begin in March 2026, will bring together up to 25 executives from various industries for monthly in-person sessions at USM’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, Mississippi. The curriculum combines executive-level briefings, peer-to-peer dialogue, and applied organizational work, culminating in a capstone project where participants will develop a multi-year strategic roadmap for their organizations.

The Shift in AI Leadership Responsibility

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into business operations, the responsibility for its ethical and strategic oversight is shifting to executive leaders. The GCBC–USM Academy is designed to ensure that executives remain at the forefront of this transformation, equipped with the tools to govern AI responsibly while driving innovation and performance.

"AI is no longer an IT issue. It is a board-level and executive-level responsibility," said Greg Bradley, PhD, Executive Director of Executive Education at USM. "This Academy is designed to give leaders the strategic clarity, governance fluency, and leadership judgment they need to manage AI responsibly while accelerating innovation and performance."

A Focus on Strategic AI Governance

The program emphasizes the importance of strategic authority, accountability, and ethical oversight in AI leadership. Participants will produce executive-ready deliverables, including AI governance frameworks, innovation roadmaps, workforce transformation plans, and data-driven decision models, all of which can be immediately implemented within their organizations.

"This program is about leadership, not technology," said Jamie Miller, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Business Council. "Artificial intelligence is already shaping how decisions are made, how risk is assessed, and how resources are allocated. If our leaders are not prepared to govern it, they risk losing control of the very systems that determine their organization’s future."

The academy is open to senior executives and decision-makers from industries such as energy, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, professional services, and the public sector. Enrollment is limited to ensure a high-caliber, peer-driven cohort and meaningful executive-level dialogue. Registration is now open, with a deadline of February 28, 2026.

For more information and registration details, visit The University of Southern Mississippi Executive Education website.