When the Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) formed the Madison County Business League in 2009, Collins was tapped to be its executive director. “We’re here to create an environment that attracts economic development and expand current business,” she says. “When site developers look at us, they look at factors such as public safety, quality schools, an educated workforce, infrastructure, and health.” That’s why the Madison County Business League and Foundation (the two organizations merged in 2014) has working committees in each of those areas. “I am proud of Madison County, and our pro-active commitment to excellence in all these areas, but there’s still a lot to do.” Collins says that in her role with the Business League, she has worked hard to develop relationships with elected officials. “I did a lot of one-on-one meetings trying to connect. As a matter of fact, they call me ‘the Connector.’ I’m like 411! That’s what gives me the most joy.” Because she has overcome major obstacles in her life, Collins is never afraid of a challenge. “I want to see more collaboration within the county, in all of the communities in the county. We are the voice of the business community in Madison County, and we do what we do so the county can move forward. We have done strategic plans, we have awarded grants, and we’ve accomplished great things for public schools in the county. Youth, in general, is important to us, because they are our future.” The Business League has also picked up the youth leadership program from the Madison County Chamber. “That program works with two juniors from each of the private, parochial and public schools in Madison County, as well as students from Jackson Prep, Jackson Academy and New Summit who are Madison County residents. We address opportunities in government, careers and quality of life, and each student who completes the program receives a $250 scholarship.” In fall 2016 the Young Professionals group was formed for those age 39 and under who work for companies that are members of the Business League. “We have 175 members, and we do two professional development and two networking events each year.” Outside of the Business League, Collins is heavily involved with the American Red Cross as a volunteer in the Go Red movement, and as a member of the state advocacy board. “We successfully lobbied for passage of no smoking ordinances in all four Madison County municipalities and the unincorporated areas of the county. Madison County was the first in the state to receive this designation.” Collins is also active in the Madison-Ridgeland Rotary Club, where she is a Paul Harris Fellow. In March of 2011, Jan’s husband Bill was killed tragically in an automobile accident leaving Jan and their then-21 year old son to learn a new life without him and forge ahead on their own. He had been proud of what she was able to accomplish with the MCBL&F, was proud of her career, their community, and Madison County, as a whole. That same year, Collins was selected as one of Mississippi’s 50 Leading Business Women, and in 2018 she was selected a Top CEO in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal. In her off time, Collins is a major movie buff, “I love the Oscars!” and she loves to cook, although she is quick to insert that she is an “everyday cook” and not a “fu-fu cook.” And while she is a USM graduate and very proud of her Golden Eagles, Collins can be found in the Grove at Ole Miss each home game in the ‘Zebra Tent.’ “I’m a breast cancer survivor so we use that as not only an opportunity to have fun, but to raise awareness – and funds – for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We’ve raised a significant amount of money through the years!” While she twirls through life at breakneck speed, there’s a calm about Collins that seems to center her. “I believe in treating everyone the same, because everyone has something to offer. I have my foundation in a good, Christian family. I have great friends and family and I love my job. I am truly blessed.” 10 • May/June 2018
“We are the voice of the business community in Madison County, and we do what we do so the county can move forward.” Hometown madison • 11
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