PHILADELPHIA — Chandler Russ was elected vice-president, economic development of the board of directors by the membership of the Mississippi Economic Development Council at its summer conference in Philadelphia.

Russ, a Natchez native, is economic development project manager for Mississippi with the Tennessee Valley Authority and resides in Brandon.

The Mississippi Economic Development Council is the association of economic development and chamber of commerce professionals from across the state. MEDC members work closely with state and local government officials to improve the state’s competitiveness in the pursuit of new jobs.

Programs are sponsored to educate community leaders regarding the mechanics of economic and industrial development. MEDC encourages professionalism among its members through carefully planned meetings and by awarding scholarships for courses in economic development.