Laura Hipp serves as deputy executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. She also has served as chief marketing officer, managing the marketing and communications for economic development and tourism. Hipp has extensive experience shaping communications and public policy strategy. She was director of communications for Gov. Tate Reeves when he served as lieutenant governor, working with elected officials and the private sector. She previously served as director of communications for former Gov. Haley Barbour. Additionally, she worked for 10 years as an award-winning reporter in Mississippi and Texas at several publications, including The Clarion Ledger and Austin Business Journal.