Staff

Blaine LaFontaine was named Executive Director in January 2023.He joined HCPHC as Chief Operations Officer/Port Director in March 2021. In his role, LaFontaine is responsible for overseeing the organization's ongoing operations, procedures, and development at Port Bienville Industrial Park and Stennis International Airport.

LaFontaine has worked previously in economic development as Pearl River County's Chief Economic Developer for one year. Prior to his career in economic development, LaFontaine served a 4-year term as Board President on the Hancock County Board of Supervisors as well a 4- year term as a councilman for the City of Diamondhead.

LaFontaine received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering Technology and a Master of Science Degree in Economic Development from The University of Southern Mississippi.

In 2016, LaFontaine was recognized by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Awards as a winner of the prestigious Top 10 Under 40 award. In 2019, LaFontaine was recognized by the Mississippi Economic Council Awards as a winner of the prestigious Top 50 Under 40 award.

Shane Lafontaine is the Director of Port Bienville and Manager of Port Bienville Shortline Railroad. Shane started his career with the Commission in 2010 as a Conductor. Later he was promoted to Yard Master and Railroad Manager. As Railroad Manager, he oversees day to day operations, which also includes ensuring the Railroad meets all FRA and MDOT regulations and that all safety procedures are followed. Shane is certified as a Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, and Track Inspector.

Shane is currently serving his third term as Alderman Ward 3 in Waveland, MS.

Prior to working for the Commission, Shane was Co-Owner of Lafontaine Construction, LLC, in Waveland, MS.

Jerry Island is Director of Operations for Stennis International Airport. He previously served at Port Bienville Short Line Railroad as switchman, conductor, and as manager of the railroad car wash.

Island, who has spent his career and most of his life in Hancock County has seen HCPHC expand exponentially.

Madeline Walker joined the HCPHC staff as Chief Administrative Officer in January 2020.

Madeline previously served as an associate at Hilgers Graben PLLC on the e-discovery and commercial litigation team.  While there, she aided in numerous contract disputes, governmental investigations, and patent infringement cases. Prior to that, she served as In-house Counsel and Vice President of Treated Materials Inc., Co. Her primary focus was providing guidance on regulatory and compliance issues in the trucking and lumber industry.  Upon graduation from UM Law School, Madeline served as staff attorney for Chief United States District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. in the Southern District of Mississippi.

Madeline received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Mississippi in 2009, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2012. Madeline serves on the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET) board which stimulates new business, and attracts high-tech companies to the region by providing companies  crucial business and technology-related services.

Madeline and her husband, Fant, and their son live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and are active members of the community.

Tonya Ladner, Director of Finance, has worked for Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission since 2017.  Tonya began her career with HCPHC as Senior Accountant - a title she held for approximately 3 years before accepting the position as Executive Secretary / Office Manager.  Tonya worked in the Executive Secretary / Office Manager position for almost a year before accepting the position Director of Finance in March 2020.

The Bay St. Louis native graduated from Bay High School, Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a Business Degree with an emphasis in Accounting.

She lives in Ansley with her husband, Matt.  The couple have 3 children: Samantha, Madelynn, and Wyatt.  Tonya enjoys dancing, trail riding, and spending time with her family.