Jim Perry Elected FY26 Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Council on Economic Education

Selena Swartzfager

Jackson, MS — August 13, 2025 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is delighted to announce that Jim Perry, Managing Director and Head of Structured Finance for the Municipal Products Group at Wells Fargo Securities, has been elected by the Board of Directors as Chair for the 2025–2026 term.

 

Bringing a wealth of experience in both finance and public service, Jim Perry has overseen more than $25 billion in infrastructure financings for public and private entities nationwide. Prior to his tenure at Wells Fargo, he spearheaded the Southern Region and co-led the Public–Private Partnership team for public finance at Morgan Stanley. His previous public service includes roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director for former Governor Haley Barbour and Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Roger Wicker. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from the University of Virginia and resides in Jackson, Mississippi, with his wife, Jordan, and two children.

 

Jim will also oversee MCEE’s premier event, the 2025 Forum on American Enterprise, taking place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the Jackson Convention Complex. The annual forum is a key fundraising and engagement initiative that brings together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to expand economic and financial literacy across Mississippi.

"Jim brings deep expertise, unwavering commitment, and strategic vision to our mission," said Selena Swartzfager, MCEE president. "Under his leadership, we will elevate access to economic education across our state."

As Chair, Perry will guide MCEE’s efforts to enhance teacher training, develop new student programs, and secure partnerships that stretch the reach of economic literacy. His dual experience in high-stakes finance and public policy positions him to move MCEE’s mission forward effectively.

 

About the Forum on American Enterprise

The Forum on American Enterprise is MCEE’s signature annual event, designed to bring visibility and support to economic education’s crucial role. The organization held its most recent forum in October 2024, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Raphael Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The upcoming 2025 event on October 23 will build upon this momentum as a platform for collaboration, fundraising, and celebration of economic and financial education. The topic of the event will be, "Economics in Real Time: A candid look at tariffs, markets and modern economic policy."

 

About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education

MCEE is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing economic and financial literacy among K–12 students in Mississippi by equipping educators with rigorous, engaging curriculum, training, and resources. Through partnerships with educators, other non-profit organizations, businesses, and local communities, MCEE empowers students to make informed decisions as entrepreneurs, citizens, and consumers.

 

For more information on the Forum on American Enterprise, Jim Perry’s leadership, or MCEE’s programs, please visit www.mscee.org  or contact Selena Swartzfager at 601-974-1091 or swartsc@millsaps.edu.

 

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Mississippi Council on Economic Education
1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210

www.mscee.org

601-974-1325

mscee@millsaps.edu

Mississippi Council on Economic Education President Selena Swartzfager Receives National Technology Award

By Selena Swartzfager • March 24, 2025
Mississippi Council on Economic Education President Selena Swartzfager Receives National Technology Award

Mississippi Council on Economic Education Announces Upcoming Economics Challenge and Personal Finance Challenge

By Selena Swartzfager • March 3, 2025
JACKSON, MS – March 3, 2025 - The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is excited to announce the upcoming Economics Challenge and Personal Finance Challenge, set to take place on April 8 and April 10 respectively at Mississippi Public Broadcasting. These competitions will bring together top-performing student teams from across the state to showcase their knowledge in economics and personal finance. Students from across Mississippi have the opportunity to demonstrate their financial literacy and economic understanding through these engaging and competitive challenges. The highest-performing teams from regional competitions will advance to the state challenges in April, where they will compete for the chance to represent Mississippi at the national level. Teachers and students interested in participating can find more information and register at www.mscee.org. MCEE is grateful to State Farm for their generous support as the lead sponsor for both the Economics Challenge and the Personal Finance Challenge. State Farm’s commitment to financial education extends beyond these competitions, as they are also sponsoring two Family Financial Fun Nights—one in Jackson and one in Biloxi this fall. Through a total contribution of $30,000, State Farm is helping to promote financial literacy and economic education for students and families throughout Mississippi. “We are incredibly thankful to State Farm for their continued investment in the financial education of Mississippi’s students and families,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of MCEE. “Their support allows us to provide valuable learning experiences that empower students with the skills they need to succeed in life. We get excited about competition in sports and we should have the same passion about competition in academics. “ First and second place teams at the State Challenges received college scholarships. These teams will also compete in a televised quiz bowl to be shown on Mississippi Public Broadcasting later this year. For more information about the Economics Challenge, the Personal Finance Challenge, and upcoming Family Financial Fun Nights, please visit www.mscee.org. About Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) MCEE is dedicated to increasing economic and financial literacy in Mississippi by providing resources and training to K-12 educators, empowering students to create a more prosperous future for themselves and Mississippi. Our purpose is to enhance the quality of instruction in economics, entrepreneurship, and personal finance to Mississippi’s K-12 students in ways that are academically sound and nonpartisan. We train educators to be proficient in teaching students a demonstrated understanding of economic and financial literacy in order to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives. ### Selena Swartzfager, President Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 601-937-1424 MSCEE@millsaps.edu  www.mscee.org https://www.instagram.com/mseconeducation/ https://www.facebook.com/mseconeducation/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mseconeducation/

Christy Holyfield Elected FY25 Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mississippi Council on Economic Education

By Selena Swartzfager • December 9, 2024
Jackson, MS — December 9, 2024 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce the election of Christy Holyfield as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2025. With a distinguished career in the banking industry and a commitment to community development, Christy brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. With 17 years of experience in the banking industry, Christy Holyfield serves as Regional Support Officer for Citizens National Bank’s Central Mississippi Region. In this position, she assists with strategic planning and provides operational oversight regarding the Bank’s three locations in the Jackson Metro area which include Madison, Ridgeland and Flowood with plans to expand into Gluckstadt soon. Christy also serves on a select committee of the Bank which is designed to ensure that employee morale remains high, and the Bank’s corporate culture continues to be very positive throughout its 27 branch locations. In addition, she plays an integral role in eh planning of company-wide annual meetings and bank-hosted events, as well as monthly employee meetings, which provide ongoing sales training for the Bank’s retail employees. Throughout her career at the Bank, she has been recognized numerous times through the Bank’s High Performance Award program. Christy is a key contributor to the region’s community development initiatives and manages her region’s relationships with many local community partners, including various non-profit organizations where she often volunteers her time. A graduate of Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Christy and her husband, Lance, are proud parents of two sons, and the family attends Pinelake Church in Brandon. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Board for the Mississippi Council on Economic Education,” said Christy Holyfield. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members to enhance economic education across our state and empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to succeed.”  For more information on economic education resources and programs in Mississippi, please visit the Mississippi Council on Economic Education’s website at www.mscee.org . About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving economic literacy among K-12 students through innovative educational programs and resources. MCEE partners with schools, educators, and communities to promote understanding of economic concepts and empower students to make informed financial decisions. Contact: Mississippi Council on Economic Education Phone: (601) 937-1424 Email: mscee@millsaps.edu Website: www.mscee.org