Courtney Taylor

About Courtney Taylor

I lead Mississippi’s workforce development strategy as Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Development, AccelerateMS, where I focus on building systems that work—for people, for employers, and for the future of our state. I may not get it right every time, but I don\'t stop trying. Whether it’s aligning talent pipelines to real economic opportunities or rethinking how we deliver training across agencies, I believe bold ideas, clear metrics, and strong partnerships drive real change.My background spans education, strategy, and program leadership, but my work always centers on people—ensuring they can get into meaningful careers through creating pathways that last. I’ve worked closely with industry, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to grow what’s working, fix what’s not, and push our state toward smarter, faster solutions.I’m direct, data-informed, and action-oriented—and I believe humor and humanity go a long way, even when the problems are complex.Outside of work, I’m most at home in the saddle. Horses keep me grounded, remind me to breathe, and sometimes teach better lessons than any boardroom ever could.If you\'re building something that helps people work better, live better, or grow stronger—let’s talk.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Acceleratems

   Mar 2024 — Present · Jackson, MS, US

Education

• The University of West Alabama

  BA

• University of Southern Mississippi

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• The Sorrell College of Business at Troy University

  MSHRM