Greg Word

With extensive experience in economic development at regional, state, and utility levels, Greg is a key asset to the VisionFirst Advisors team. His broad yet specialized expertise, combined with an unwavering commitment to clients, has earned him widespread recognition—including being named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect.

Greg specializes in labor and market intelligence, helping communities understand their workforce and key selling points to attract target industries. His ability to translate complex labor data into actionable insights has been instrumental in driving economic growth. A notable success was his development of the labor analysis that helped West Tennessee secure Ford’s historic Blue Oval City, a transformative project bringing thousands of jobs and billions in investment to the region.

In addition, Greg has an extensive background in economic development technology, marketing, and communications. He leverages his deep understanding of target industries, digital tools, and strategic messaging to help communities position themselves competitively—ensuring they stand out to businesses and site selectors.

Before joining VisionFirst, Greg served as Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Jackson Alliance, where his leadership helped the organization earn a spot on Community System’s Digital 25 for its innovative use of digital technology to promote business growth. Prior to that, he was Bureau Manager of Business Intelligence and Support for the Mississippi Development Authority and Manager of Technical/Graphic Services for the North Mississippi Industrial Development Association. Throughout his career, Greg has played a pivotal role in economic development initiatives, contributing to projects that have generated billions in investments and created thousands of jobs.

Beyond his professional achievements, Greg is passionate about fitness, travel, and the outdoors. Committed to giving back, he serves on the board of directors for Extra Table, a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in Mississippi.