JACKSON — Chandler Russ, a Natchez native, has been selected along with 48 other standout Mississippians to participate in the Mississippi Economic Council’s 2008-09 Leadership Mississippi Program.

He was chosen from more than 100 applicants from throughout the state to take part in the program for Mississippi’s most promising leaders.

Leadership Mississippi’s purpose is to identify and work with Mississippi leaders in strengthening our state by focusing on government and public affairs, economic development, environmental resources, health and education and quality of life.

Russ became economic development project manager for the Mississippi Region for TVA in October of 2004. He was previously the executive director of the Brookhaven/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Development Foundation from January, 2000 to October of 2004.