Ryan Kelly, MS, is Executive Director of the Mississippi Rural Health Association. He also serves as CEO of Horizon Professional Services, LLC, owner of Kelly Properties and Kelly Science and Innovations. Kelly previously served as Chief Advancement Office for William Carey University and Director of External Relations for The University of Southern Mississippi College of Health.
Kelly earned a bachelor’s of science with honors from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2005 and a master’s of science with honors from Mississippi College in 2007. He is a graduate of the Area Development Partnership’s Leadership Pinebelt, received the Mississippi Top 50 under 40 award in 2016, and received the Mississippi’s Top Entrepreneur award in 2019. In addition to professional activities, Kelly also serves as a deacon at Temple Baptist Church, member of The Gideon’s International, board member for Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Association, president of the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg, board member for the National Rural Health Association, and many others. His areas of professional interest and expertise include healthcare, education, business, technology, economic development, and politics.
Lauren Byrd is the Manager of Marketing and Communications in which she helps to coordinate events, manages all social media, leads all marketing efforts, designs unique and attractive graphics, constructs websites, and manages other communications roles. She is continuously watching trends and implementing strategies to better the social media reach for the intended audience. Lauren has an educational background in marketing and psychology from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Lauren has years of both sales and social media management experience, and has always enjoyed leadership roles. She is a freelance photographer. When she’s not spending time with family, Lauren really enjoys writing and producing music, acrylic painting, and dancing.
Lorrie Davis is a Grant Contractor.
Lorrie is a seasoned professional with business acumen and proven ability to advance organizational objectives through educating, advocacy, influencing skills, training, and strategic partnerships.
She is an expert in building and maintain stakeholder groups, collaborating with key volunteers and stakeholders to establish sustainable policy system change, and coordinating meetings, fund-raising events and conferences to educate and promote specific issues.
Lorrie also has experience researching, writing and administering effective grant proposals and lobbying for legislation and policy efforts. Her mix of advanced technical skills and beaming personality allow her to well represent both Horizon and its many clients in a variety of settings.
Katherine Boone serves as the Bookkeeper. Katherine also owns her own financial management company, B Bookkeeper. Katherine codes all financial transactions for Horizon’s clients into bookkeeping software and provides monthly reports for a clear and transparent financial review of each clients’ boards. She has a keen attention to detail and ensures that all records are kept with the highest of integrity and transparency.
Katherine is married to Chris Boone and they enjoy life with two young children and going to Southern Miss football and baseball games in their spare time.
Mississippi Rural Health Association 