Pat Fontaine serves as Executive Director of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association. He has worked for the MHRA directly, and indirectly, since 2004. Fontaine has an extensive family history in the hospitality industry in Mississippi. His grandparent's operated Allison's Wells Resort in Way, MS, near Canton, from the 1930s until it was destroyed by fire in 1963. Famed for hot sulfur baths and good food, it was the original home of the Mississippi Art Colony. Pat grew up on the property of the La Font Inn, in Pascagoula, MS, which his family operated from 1963 until 1999. Pat graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1990. He also maintains his license as an independent insurance agent and is a member of the Mississippi Insurance Alliance.