Donna Gray became the new executive director at the Vicksburg Convention Center (VCC) in the middle of June.

“It’s going good,” she said of her short tenure in the top spot. “We seem to be having quite a bit of business, and things are going great.”

Gray replaced Erin Powell Southard, who held the executive director position since 2021 and was part of the VCC team for nearly 21 years.

“I’m basically carrying on as we did before,” Gray said. “We’re a small but mighty group. There’s four of us, and we make it happen when we have big events.”

Gray admitted the new position has its difficulties.

“It’s a rigorous job, and when you’re responsible for all things going on, it’s hard,” she said. “I enjoy it, but it (requires) higher expectations of you.”

Gray said the hard work is paying off.

“When I see events that we have, that come off without a hitch and people are happy and we get good results and people compliment us, it is very rewarding,” she said.

Her roles in the new position are varied.

“Basically, my responsibilities are taking care of the event from the beginning to the end. I’m over event management,” Gray said. “I have to make sure that I’m in the community. I do the radio show. I do board meetings and take care of…my team. (I) just make sure everything runs well.”

The radio show is the Team Vicksburg Radio Report, a weekly show that plays on Newstalk 1490 and 107.7 FM on Wednesdays at 8 a.m.

The Team Vicksburg Radio Report is co-hosted by Gray, Laura Beth Strictland of the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Stacy Mahoney of the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, and Kim Hopkins of the Vicksburg Main Street Program. The hosts discuss local, upcoming events.

Gray said she is a newcomer to the lineup. Before taking over as executive director, Gray was the business manager at the VCC.

“I really do enjoy it. It’s different. I’m an accountant. That’s what I went to school for,” Gray said. “Being at the forefront, It’s a whole lot different than being behind the scenes, taking care of the books. That’s been the biggest challenge for me, is putting myself out there.”

When asked what lay in store for the VCC, which is operated by Venuworks, Gray said she has a lot of plans.

“We are constantly striving to enhance our team and facility and bring future events that will continue to draw people to our community and create a positive economic impact,” she said.