Janel Carothers

Janel Carothers is an accomplished leader in commercial development, strategic market growth, and economic advancement, with nearly two decades of experience leading impactful projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her expertise spans industrial real estate, renewable energy, logistics, and infrastructure, and she has managed over $50 million in transactions within the last five years alone. Janel’s specialization includes shallow draft ports, multimodal transportation, energy storage, and aerospace, making her a trusted authority in creating sustainable, resilient infrastructure systems. She has a proven track record of leveraging both private and government funding to maximize return on investment, ensuring that each project brings long-lasting economic impact to the communities it serves.

Her latest role involved pioneering large-scale renewable hydrogen storage projects to support industrial and utility customers, advancing energy resiliency and providing a sustainable energy alternative for high-demand users. This work underscores her commitment to green technology and her role in shaping the future of the energy sector. Janel’s credentials include Certified Economic Developer, Maritime Port Executive, Certified Port Executive, and a real estate Salesperson license. Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including the Top 10 Under 40 award from the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce’s One Coast Awards and recognition as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect.

Additionally, Janel championed workforce development initiatives, coordinating funding and strategic efforts that helped Hancock County achieve ACT Work Ready Community status. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a master’s degree in Economic Development, Janel began her career at the Harrison County Development Commission and is deeply committed to fostering economic resilience and sustainable growth.