Brian “Hooty” Adam Named 2025 Hancock County Citizen of the Year

Big Buzz Blog - September 2025

With four decades of devotion to Hancock County during some of the region's most desperate days, Adam's community service is indisputable.

- by Mary Wilson Cowand

Brian "Hooty" Adam, center, accepts the 2025 Citizen of the Year Award from Tish Williams, director of the Hancock Chamber of Commerce.

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​In front of 500 community leaders and dignitaries, the Hancock Chamber of Commerce delivered its highest honor last week, naming Brian “Hooty” Adam as 2025 Citizen of the Year during the Chamber’s Centennial Celebration Gala.

“On the eve of Katrina’s anniversary, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than Hooty,” said Chamber Executive Director Tish Williams. 

For over four decades, Adam has been a cornerstone of Hancock County. Serving more than 20 years as director of the Hancock County Emergency Management Agency, he guided our community through defining moments in its history. After Hurricane Katrina, Adam’s leadership was pivotal in our recovery efforts, and just three years later, he was once again put to the test during the Gulf oil spill. His legacy is marked by resilience, dedication, and service, not only in times of crisis, but also in his commitment to mentoring youth through sports and community engagement. 
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The gala also highlighted nine additional honorees whose contributions continue to strengthen Hancock County: 
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• Rich Chase, director of Hotel Operations & Player Development, Silver Slipper Casino Hotel
• Goldie Fairconnnetue, St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church
• Monica Ladner, president, Hancock County Republican Women’s Club
• Chris Lott, owner, Buoy’s Bar
• Rea Montjoy, CPA, principal and president, Select Administrative Services
• Bennis Moss, owner, Moss Towing
• Barry Regula, general manager, Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast and Boomtown Casino Biloxi
• Jon Ritten, broker/owner, RE/MAX Coast Delta Realty
• Jessica Sekinger, branch manager, Renasant Bank, Bay St. Louis 
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The evening marked more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of 100 years of business and civic leadership, tracing its roots back to the Chamber’s founding in 1925 by the Rotary Club of Bay St. Louis.
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