Announcing Lara Bowman: Director of Development at HCPHC

April 18, 2023

KILN, MISS - Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission (HCPHC) is pleased to announce the newest addition to our team: Lara Bowman, in the position of Director of Development. “We are excited to add an experienced and passionate professional like Lara to our team and welcome her back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Lara’s experience working in Mississippi and knowledge of our existing partners combined with her experience in community development, grants, marketing, site development and workforce will benefit Hancock County and the region.” said Blaine LaFontaine, CEO of HCPHC.

The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission was established in 1963 to lead the county’s economic development activities. Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park are home to 30 companies with more than 1,000 employees. Bowman will work with existing business and industry within the county while developing sites and assets for industrial recruitment and marketing at HCPHC.

Bowman joins HCPHC from the Cleveland – Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce where she led a fullservice community and economic development organization overseeing operations of the Chamber, Main Street, Tourism and Economic Development for Port of Rosedale and Cleveland Municipal Airport. Bowman previously worked in Northeast Mississippi where she formed and led The Enterprise of Mississippi, a regional economic development organization amongst multiple counties.

Bowman obtained her Professional Community Economic Development (PCED) certification and is a Business Retention and Expansion Coordinator (BREC) through BREI. Bowman received her Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Arts degree from Mississippi State University with a graduate level Certificate in Economic Development. Bowman is an active Rotarian, member of the Mississippi Economic Development Council, Southeast Economic Development Council and Mississippi Manufacturers Association. Lara is married to Trey and they have one son, Bo who is 3 years old.

HCPHC is thrilled to have Lara join our team and look forward to the incredible work she will bring to the Hancock County community. Welcome to the team Lara!

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The Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission was established in 1963 to lead the county’s economic
development activities. Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park are home to 30 companies
with more than 1,000 employees. For more information visit www.portairspace.com.