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Hancock County was proudly represented at the 2024 One Coast Awards, held April 15 at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi. Established by the Sun Herald in 2006 and now co-presented by the region’s chambers of commerce, the One Coast Awards honor exceptional leaders who are shaping the future of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The program is a collaboration between the Hancock Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber, Ocean Springs Chamber–Main Street–Tourism Bureau, and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

Top 10 Under 40 Honorees

Caroline Haas
An associate at Haas & Haas Attorneys in Bay St. Louis, Caroline specializes in estate planning and probate while serving as general counsel for the Hancock County Library System. A third-generation attorney, she represents the oldest law firm in Hancock County. Her leadership includes serving as President of the Hancock County Bar Association, Commissioner for the Mississippi Bar Association (District 2, Post 2), and a Life Member and Past President of the Junior Auxiliary of Hancock County. Caroline’s efforts helped establish the local JA chapter, doubling its membership and creating a strong foundation for service and mentorship.

Shala Ladner
As Project Manager and Operations Lead at Skydweller Aero in the Stennis Airpark, Shala plays a pivotal role in flight operations, engineering coordination, and international logistics. She also co-owns Southern Legacy Insulation and Foam. Her leadership roles include Vice President of the Sawyer Brookes Foundation and Steering Committee Member for Hancock Young Professionals. Shala helped launch Skydweller’s Mississippi site, achieving autonomous flight trials that led to a U.S. government contract. She is known for her resilience, adaptability, and commitment to growth in male-dominated industries.

Community Leaders Honorees

Amanda Pidgeon
Amanda has spent the past 18 years inspiring students at Hancock High School as a beloved English teacher. Her passion for literature and commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom through her leadership roles as Beta Club Sponsor, State Sponsor for the Mississippi Beta Club, and Junior Auxiliary member. Amanda is known for her dependable, student-centered leadership and her ability to foster meaningful relationships. Her greatest accomplishment is the lasting impact she’s made on generations of students through compassion, mentorship, and academic excellence.

Heather Ladner Smith
A partner at Butler Snow LLP, Heather serves public entities across the Coast through her work in the Regulatory and Government Practice Group. For over seven years, she has served as City Attorney for Bay St. Louis, guiding key decisions that have supported the city’s growth and revitalization. In addition to her legal work, Heather is founder and chair of Touch-A-Truck Hancock County, pro bono counsel for CASA of South Mississippi, and President of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership, dedication to public service, and unwavering commitment to her hometown.

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