Career Coach, Workforce Leader, Horseback Rider
Courtney Taylor is a true champion for workforce development, especially in Mississippi. As the Executive Director of AccelerateMS, she is a driving force behind the state’s efforts to build a skilled workforce for high-demand sectors like manufacturing. Her work bridges the gap between industry needs and workforce training, ensuring that Mississippi's talent pipeline is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Courtney’s impact can be seen through initiatives like the Career Coach program, which places career coaches in districts across the state. This program has been instrumental in guiding students toward careers with over 30,000 one-on-one discussions, leading to thousands of college and job applications. Through this initiative, Courtney and the team of humans responsible for the effort, have helped empower students, particularly those in underrepresented communities, by giving them access to valuable career exploration and guidance.
One of her most notable contributions has been her leadership in the MS-SHIPS Defense Manufacturing Community Support Program, which focuses on strengthening Mississippi's shipbuilding talent pool. Additionally, Courtney played a pivotal role in bringing NextFlex's FlexFactor program to community colleges across the state, introducing over 3,000 students to date to careers in STEM and advanced manufacturing. Through these efforts, she has made a significant impact on both the lives of individuals and the future of manufacturing in Mississippi.
Courtney’s approach to workforce development isn’t just about creating programs—it’s about making sure those programs meet real, tangible industry needs. With a Ph.D. in Human Capital Development, a Master’s in Human Resources, and a B.S. in Business Administration, her work is helping ensure that Mississippi is not only prepared for the future but also a destination for industrial investment and job creation. For these reasons, Courtney is a Modern Maker.
Q&A with Courtney
How did you find your way to working in advanced manufacturing?
I found my way to working with advanced manufacturing totally by accident. As a young girl, I was steered away from manufacturing by everyone. I was told to just get a degree. No one ever told me what options really were out there in the world. I ended up pursuing a business degree and found an interest in training organizations. I started in manufacturing as a training assistant for a polymer company. I developed a love for training and helping employees advance within the company quickly. I then moved into a role with Troy University that allowed me the opportunity to work with manufacturing companies by providing data and insights to help them find the workers they needed - think data nerd. I enjoyed working with data and studying facts to make recommendations on what companies could do to improve the talent pipeline. Then I moved into a role where I was responsible for developing the training manufacturing companies and others needed to up-skill humans for the work they had available and now I have the opportunity to help companies across my whole state develop and identify training solutions for their workforce.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Aligning workforce training and education programs with the rapidly changing needs of industry while navigating policy, funding, and stakeholder interests.
What is the best part of your job?
I get to be part of the team positioning Mississippi as a leader in workforce development. Whether it’s attracting major employers, ensuring training programs are top-notch, expanding opportunities for young people, or solving problems like closing skills gaps and making workforce training more accessible, my work helps build a stronger future for the state.
What would people be surprised to learn about manufacturing or your role in manufacturing?
That workforce development isn't just about training workers, it's about shaping the future of entire industries, like manufacturing. That there are many, many people working behind the scenes to ensure manufacturers have the talent they need to grow. I get to work with manufacturers across many subsectors and see the great things made in my state and I don't take that for granted.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry or considering manufacturing as a career?
Jump in with both feet. Modern manufacturing is high-tech, innovative, and full of career opportunities that most never fully understand. Everything from human resources and marketing to sales and engineering. There are really cool jobs and I fully recommend working in a youth internship program to experience these realities when you can!
What makes you excited to go to work on Mondays?
Knowing that the problems we solve today make tomorrow better for current and future Mississippians and beyond. I know the work I do directly impacts lives across the state and no two days are the same. Last Monday doesn't look anything like next Monday and that's exciting!
What are the three most important skills for your job?
Strategic thinking & Problem solving, ability to build relationships, and ability to communicate clearly.
If you didn’t have to work, how would you spend your day?
Riding my horses, working on our farm, and volunteering locally with something related to providing food to those in need or directing people to quality training opportunities.
What activity gives you the most energy?
Riding my horses is how I recharge from very busy days. I absolutely love the work I do, but need time to recharge with quiet rides.
What hobbies make you better at your career?
Riding horses, attending concerts, and exercising. These take me away from work in my mind and allow me to decompress and recharge. They also allow me to spend time with people not related to my work so I can just be a human.
How does the work you do impact the world?
By ensuring that companies that keep our country safe and our economy moving have the talent they need to succeed in their mission.
