Copiah-Lincoln Community College has named Christopher “Chris” Hinton as Executive Director of Workforce Education. Hinton brings nearly 20 years of experience in economic development, workforce initiatives, business and industry engagement, and organizational leadership to the position.
In his new role, Hinton will lead Co-Lin’s workforce education efforts across the college’s seven-county district, including oversight of the Brookhaven and Natchez WIN Job Centers. His office will be located on the Wesson Campus. He will work closely with business and industry, economic development organizations, and workforce partners to guide training initiatives and workforce services throughout the district.
“Co-Lin has an important role in helping ensure that southwest Mississippi has the skilled workforce needed to support existing industries and attract new investment,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Hinton’s background in economic development will help us further align workforce training with the needs of business and industry and expand pathways to high-demand careers that provide greater economic opportunity for the people and communities we serve.”
Hinton’s career includes experience with Entergy Mississippi, the Mississippi Municipal League, Natchez, Inc., the Mississippi Economic Development Council, and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. During nearly a decade with Entergy Mississippi, Hinton led community, economic, and workforce initiatives throughout 45 counties.
“Chris brings a unique perspective to this position because of his extensive background in economic development,” said Dr. Jackie Martin, Vice President of the Wesson Campus. “I believe that experience will allow us to look at workforce development through a different lens—one that more closely connects economic development, business and industry, and education. I am excited about the perspective he brings and the opportunities ahead to strengthen partnerships, respond to the needs of employers, and expand workforce training throughout our seven-county district.”
Hinton holds a master’s degree in economic development from the University of Southern Mississippi and a bachelor’s degree in economics with an emphasis in business administration from Tougaloo College. He is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
Hinton has served in leadership roles with several statewide organizations, including the Mississippi Main Street Association, Mississippi District Export Council, and Jobs for Mississippi Graduates. His professional honors include recognition as a Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Business Leader and the 2024 Marsha N. Hamilton Spirit in Economic Development Award from the Mississippi Development Authority. He is an alum of Leadership Mississippi, Leadership Natchez, Delta Leadership Institute and the Harvard Kennedy School Authentic Leaders program.
“It is truly an honor to join the Co-Lin family and step into the higher education space,” Hinton said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and the confidence placed in me to help lead and shape workforce training across southwest Mississippi. For me, this work is bigger than training programs. It’s about creating pathways to opportunity, strengthening the connection between education and industry, and making sure our communities are prepared for what’s next. I look forward to building on Co-Lin’s commitment to workforce education while strengthening local, state, and federal partnerships that expand opportunities for our students, employers, and the communities we serve.”
For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, contact Chris Hinton at 601.643.8715 or chris.hinton@colin.edu.