Biography

Courtney Taylor, Ph.D. - Executive Director, AccelerateMS

Dr. Courtney Taylor is the Executive Director of AccelerateMS, leading statewide efforts to strengthen Mississippi's workforce development ecosystem. She partners with community colleges and universities, employers, economic developers, and public agencies to align talent pipelines with high-demand industry needs and to advance programs that support economic growth. Previously, Dr. Taylor served as AccelerateMS Deputy Director of Strategy and Programs, helping shape strategic priorities and oversee key initiatives.

Before AccelerateMS, she was Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development at East Mississippi Community College, where she guided transformational training efforts, including oversight of The Communiversity, a 145,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing training facility. Earlier, she served as Regional Director for Workforce and Economic Development for the Alabama Community College System and held roles in academia and the private sector.

Dr. Taylor holds a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development (University of Southern Mississippi), an M.S. in Human Resources Management (Troy University), and a B.B.A. (University of West Alabama). She is a certified Professional Community and Economic Developer and serves on multiple workforce and economic development boards.