Janus Fellow, Robert Ingram, has been actively involved in the economic development profession since 1973 at the local, regional and state levels. He has also served the profession as an elected official, and in university and volunteer roles.
Robert is a former Mayor, Economic Development Assistant to the President of the University of Southern Mississippi, President of both the Mississippi Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Mississippi Economic Development Council (two organizations which he helped merge into one), and Chairman of SEDC. He has also been active in supporting the Masters of Economic Development program at Southern Miss for the last thirty years, currently serving on its advisory board, serving as a Reflective Practitioner for courses related to Recruitment and BRE, and mentoring students as they move into the economic development profession.
As a practitioner, Robert has served in Pike County, Mississippi; formed, organized and led Rankin First EDA and EDF; helped organize and led marketing efforts for the Metro Economic Development Alliance (Greater Jackson Alliance). His final career stops were as President/CEO of Greenwood/Leflore EDA and EDF, and the Baldwin County (AL) EDA. He began his economic development career as a Marketing/Existing Industry Specialist at the Mississippi Research and Development Center, a comprehensive economic and community development support center and think tank which served the State of Mississippi for two decades.
Robert is an Honorary Life Member of both MEDC and SEDC and was the first Janus Fellow, which reflects both his service to the profession and his work in helping Robert Pittman organize and grow the Janus Forum. “Being a part of the development and growth of the Janus Forum has been a highlight in my career. Devoted solely to improving our profession by focusing the attention of a small group of diverse and extraordinary economic developers on issues critical to the future of this profession – and doing it in a very relaxed, informal setting – the Forum is unique in both purpose and execution. And with the addition of new venues, more and more professionals will have the opportunity to participate”.
He twice led economic organizations that were recognized by Site Selection Magazine as Top Groups Honorable Mention, and led the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance to recognition as a Top Group. He credits his wife, Barbara, for much of his success and is proud that both of their sons, Robbie and Michael, are involved in the Economic Development profession.
Robert is semi-retired and provides “consulting lite” services through his firm, Common Sense Economic Development, LLC, often in partnership with the Janus Institute. He continues to teach, mentor, and provide leadership to the economic development profession – usually with a heavy dose of humor, always with sincerity and with a love of helping others.
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