Brenda Lathan

Brenda, a senior consultant for VisionFirst Advisors, is a certified economic developer specializing in rural and regional economic development. Her passion and dedication for making a difference for our clients combined with her more than 20 years’ experience brings instant value to projects. Brenda focuses on improving community competitiveness through her commitment to meeting customer and project demands.

Before joining VisionFirst Advisors and forming her own consulting company, Brenda served as Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Golden Triangle Development Link, where she managed Lowndes County’s Golden Triangle Industrial Park and its three TVA certified megasites. During Lathan’s tenure with the LINK, the community experienced investments of over $6 billion and the creation of 5,000+ jobs. Lathan currently serves as chairperson of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Commission, which oversees all environmental activity in the state. She also serves on the Governor’s Gulf Coast Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations for the use of funds received from the BP oil spill.

Active in the community, Brenda was recognized by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Businesswomen and she has served on the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Economic Development Council as well as the International Council of Shopping Centers. She is also passionate about mentoring and motivational speaking, with an inspiring dedication to encouraging young women to work in economic development.

A graduate of the Mississippi University for Women, Brenda is also extremely passionate about mentoring and motivational speaking, with an inspiring dedication to encouraging young women to work in economic development.

Outside of work, Brenda loves spending time with her close-knit family. She has two daughters, three sons, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She also enjoys cooking, tending to her flower garden and playing cards.