MEET OUR TEAM
Blaine LaFontaine
Executive Director
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
HCPHC ADMINISTRATION
Deputy Director
Geoff Clemens, P.E.
Geoff Clemens
Deputy Director
Geoff serves as Deputy Director, working closely with finance, operations, and project management teams as part of Port Bienville and Stennis International Airport operations, as well as overseeing many capital improvement projects. Geoff is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
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A Pascagoula native, Geoff previously served as President and CEO of Compton Engineering. Geoff has served in various roles, such as the City of Pascagoula Engineer, Hancock County Engineer, and project Engineer for Hancock County, helping develop project funding with various state and federal grant programs.
Director of Finance
Amber Hinton
Amber Hinton
Director of Finance
Amber serves as Director of Finance, managing and supervising all financial administration, including budgeting and reporting, supervising accounting staff, protecting assets, including cash and fixed assets, and ensuring grant and loan compliance.  Amber holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and has received a Certified Municipal Clerk Designation from the Mississippi Municipal Clerks and Collectors Associations and a Master Municipal Clerk Designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
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Amber brings a wealth of financial expertise, with 17 years of service in governmental accounting and finance for the Cities of Picayune and Gulfport. A proud resident of Pearl River County, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter outside of work.
Comptroller
Shelly Phelps
Shelly Phelps
Comptroller
Shelly serves as Comptroller for Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, managing the finance department's daily operations, preparing quarterly financials, and assisting with the annual audit. Shelly is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a BSBA-Accounting.
Before starting at the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission in 2019, Shelly worked in accounting in the shipbuilding and repair, maritime, and manufacturing industries.
Office Manager
Donna Rubio
Donna serves as the Office Manager for Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, providing comprehensive administrative support to the Commission, the Executive Director, and department directors. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of duties, including board meeting coordination, minute-taking, records management, contract administration, and general office management.
Donna is a Certified Records Analyst (CRA) with experience in information management and document control. Previously, Donna performed critical records management functions and ensured compliance with NASA regulations at Stennis Space Center for over twelve years.
Donna Rubio
Office Manager
Business Development
Obie McClure
Obie McClure
Business Development Manager
Obie serves as the Business Development Manager for Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission. As part of the Economic Development team, Obie assists with marketing, workforce development, business recruitment and retention, and site development. Obie is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. Obie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management and a Master's Degree in Economic Development.
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A Yazoo County native, Obie previously worked at the Hancock County Board of Supervisors, where he served as the Community Development Manager. He is a 2021 MEDC Emerging Leaders Fellow and is a graduate of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Academy. Obie currently resides in Diamondhead with his family.
Business Development
Taylor Ladner
Taylor Ladner
Business Development Specialist
Taylor serves as the Business Development Specialist for Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission. As part of the Economic Development team, Taylor assists with marketing, workforce development, business recruitment and retention, and site development. Taylor is a graduate of William Carey University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications.
A Hancock County native, Taylor previously worked at Hancock Resource Center, where she provided social media, external communications, and outreach services, along with being the Program Coordinator of the Hancock Youth Leadership Academy. She is a 2024 MEDC Emerging Leaders Fellow and is the Events Chair for Hancock Young Professionals. Taylor currently resides in Bay St. Louis with her husband, Brennan.
Administrative Assistant
Doris Sexton
Doris serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, where she provides administrative support and manages office operations. A Biloxi native, Doris currently resides in Saucier. She holds a degree in Business Management and Computer Operations from the University of Phoenix and brings a wealth of experience to her role.
Prior to joining the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, Doris enjoyed a successful 35-year career in retail management. When not at work, Doris cherishes spending time with her husband, Randy, and their growing family of five children and twelve grandchildren.
Doris Sexton
Administrative Assistant
Maureen Anderson
Project Manager
Maureen is the Project Manager for the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, where she oversees all contracts for capital improvement projects. With nearly two decades of project management experience, she specializes in local public finance and contract management. Maureen is instrumental in securing and managing federal and state grants for the organization.
A Hancock County native, Maureen previously served as the grant administrator and project manager for the Hancock County Board of Supervisors. Her diverse background includes roles as a legal assistant for the Law Office of Brehm Bell, a grant consultant for Gouras Urban Planning, and interim City Clerk for Waveland. She resides in Hancock County with her husband and three children.
Maureen Anderson
Project Manager
Assistant Project Manager
Holli Cuevas
Holli Cuevas
Assistant Project Manager
Holli serves as the Assistant Project Manager for the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, where her role encompasses providing essential support for all capital projects. Holli holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Before joining the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, Holli gained valuable experience in the public sector, including roles as a Department Administrative Assistant and Finance Coordinator at the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. When not at work, Holli enjoys quality time with her husband, Dion, and three children.
PORT BIENVILLE INDUSTRIAL PARK
Port & Railroad Director
Shane LaFontaine
Shane LaFontaine
Port & Railroad Director
Shane serves as Director of Port Bienville and Manager of Port Bienville Short Line Railroad, overseeing day-to-day operations, including ensuring the Railroad meets all FRA and MDOT regulations and that all safety procedures are followed. Shane is certified as an Inland Maritime Port Executive.
Prior to working for Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, Shane was Co-Owner of Lafontaine Construction, LLC, in Waveland, MS. Shane is currently serving as Alderman Ward 3 for the City of Waveland.
Administrative Assistant
Susan Garcia
Susan Garcia
Port Bienville Shortline Railroad Administrative Assistant
Susan is an Administrative Assistant at Port Bienville Short Line Railroad, where she provides essential support to the Railroad Manager. A proud Hancock County native, Susan has been a dedicated member of the Port Bienville Railroad team for 23 years.
With a strong background in customer service from her previous role as a teller at Hancock Bank, Susan brings valuable experience to her position. Outside of work, Susan enjoys spending quality time with her two children and four grandchildren, as well as pursuing her passion for horseback riding.
STENNIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Airport Director
Austin Jenkins, C.M.
Austin Jenkins, C.M.
Airport Director
Austin serves as Airport Director for Stennis International Airport, where he is responsible for its overall management and operation. Austin graduated from Delta State University, earning a Bachelor of Commercial Aviation.
Austin is a certified airport operations manager with over 8 years of experience in the aviation industry. He previously served as the Airport Operations Manager for the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA). Austin is a certified American Association of Airport Executives member and an active committee member of Airports Council International (ACI-NA). He is an FAA-licensed commercial pilot with an instrument rating and an FAA remote pilot certificate.
Operations Director
Jerry Island
Jerry Island
Airport Operations Director
Jerry serves as Operations Director, where he has contributed to Budget Development, Community and Economic Development, and Regulatory Compliance, ensuring the airport's adherence to all necessary safety and operational standards. Jerry has training in airport operations, including certifications such as AAAE, ACE, and Part 139 Airport Certification.
Jerry began his career with the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission in 2002 at Port Bienville Short Line Railroad, serving as a switchman, conductor, and Manager of the Railroad Carwash/Maintenance Shop. Following Hurricane Katrina, Jerry utilized his background in operating a successful electrical business to help open Stennis Flightline Services (FBO), where he managed fueling operations and flightline employees.